How to have devotions

January 21, 2022 (Friday)

 

Have you struggled with devotions? Cheer up, we are going to tackle the struggle over the next few days.

 

Let’s start with some definitions so we are on the same page.  When I use “devotions,” I’m talking about time alone with God in prayer and reading the Bible. It’s a two-way conversation. When I use “prayer,” I mean talking to God. When I use “reading the Bible,” I’m referring to the discipline of listening to God through His written word.

 

Is there a difference between devotions and Bible study? For the purposes of this study, yes. Devotions looks for the “heart to word” connection. It is relational. Bible study looks for the “head to word” connection. It is practical. I know this is splitting hairs because the two bleed into each other. However, without the relationship, we will have no interest in the practical exercise of faith.

 

In the inside cover of John Bunyan’s (Pilgrim’s Progress) Bible, is a hand written note: “This book will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from this book.” The follower of Jesus’ relationship with God is reflected in the time and effort put into the Bible. When your relationship with God is weaker, the struggle will be greater.

 

We tend to wake up busy and hurried. Does it seem that life starts early and fast? The reality is you have time for what you make time for, BECAUSE that is our priority. I know the unexpected will happen to throw you off track, distract you, or crush you emotionally. We do have a real enemy (Satan) who wants to keep your relationship with God cold and out of touch. Fixing your eyes on Jesus is an act of war.

 

We are going to look at the last half of Psalm 19. The first six verses is about “general revelation.” That what we can learn of God in creation (nature). Verses 7 – 11 is about “special revelation.” That is what we can know through the Bible. The last three verses address our response to what we know. If you have ever heard (or used) “I worship God out in nature,” as an argument against church attendance, it’s ignorant because it misses essential information.

 

Let’s examine what the Bible is about. “The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.” [Psalm 19:7 NLT] The “law” of the Lord is our instructions on how to live in a healthy way toward God and each other. It is “perfect.” Literally David is claiming the written Word of God is “entire,” “whole,” and “complete.” Anyone that claims there is information necessary for salvation outside the Bible is either deceptive, deceived, or deluded.

 

The idea of “trustworthy” means it is certain. It carries the weight of an unchangeable permanence. There is also a sense of the word that means “to nourish.” David expands that when he likens the value to being “sweeter than honey.” (see verse 10)

 

One of my pet peeves about statements of faith is we understand Scripture as being from God BUT we do not acknowledge it’s faithfully preserved. Countless years have been spent in comparing various sources, none has turned up a significantly different meaning.

 

The Bible, and only the Bible, contains EVERYTHING necessary for faith and practice. It is trustworthy. The unchangeable permanence of the Bible should eliminate our doubts. Let this sink in… if the Bible is our sole source of knowing and relating to God, then we should be absorbing it like a desperate dry sponge.

 

Stay tuned, there’s more next time!