Category Archives: Devotional
On Ramps to Spiritual Growth: Personal Devotional Habits
God wants a RELATIONSHIP with us, so he can shape our IDENTITY, & prepare us for ETERNITY. This relationship is possible through Christ sacrificial death, which reconciles us to God by wiping away sin, which broke that relationship. God invites us into this relationship through His REVELATION of Himself. He reveals Himself to us through the beauty & order of creation, through the person & work of Jesus Christ, through His activity in our lives as we seek Him through prayer, through His Word, & through His work in & through other believers. We grow in this relationship by the habits we form. These habits will include Personal Worship (John 4:24), Private Prayer (Matthew 6:16-18), & Bible Reading & Devotion (Joshua 1:8). Devotional habits serve as On Ramps to Spiritual Growth & Transformation.
God didn’t spell out the perfect formulas for our devotional habits. It never says in the Bible, “Spend 15 minutes a day reading the Bible, pray for 10 minutes, read a daily devotional published by reputable publisher, then listen to a worship song or two before you go to work.” He’s left that up to each of us individually to determine the best ways to develop our relationship. When my devotional life is dry, sometimes it helps me to ask a few growing Christians what they do to connect with God. So, in hopes that it will be helpful to someone, here’s my current pattern or habit that takes 45 minutes to 1 hour each day. I hope you’ll share yours as well.
- Wake up early. I’m a morning person, so I enjoy the early AM hours. It all goes down hill after 8am to me. Ha.
- Journaling. I start my day with writing prayers & commitments of devotion to God. (see my post Morning Prayers).
- Reading Scripture. I follow the One Year Bible Plan on Youversion.com. It’s a simple plan that allows you to read the Bible through in a year & the Psalms twice in a year. (See my post How to Get a Grip on the Bible for answers to questions about the Bible & a how to get started reading the Bible).
- Journaling. As I’m reading I write down the verses that jump out at me. When I’m done reading I read back through those verses & write down any Observations, Applications, or Prayers. (See the SOAP method). (Also, check out my post Allowing the Teachings of Jesus to Go Deep, for a plan to Journal through the sermon on the mount. Serves as a great introduction to journaling through the scriptures).
- Devotional Reading. I usually read a devotional of some kind each day as well. This year I’m reading A Year with C. S. Lewis: Daily Readings from His Classic Works. Others that I’ve enjoyed have been My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers, Experiencing God Day by Day by Henry Blackaby, 21 Most Powerful Minutes in a Leaders Day by John Maxwell.
- Daily News feed. I also use Feedly.com to follow a lot of authors, pastors, networks, & news sites that inspire & inform me.
- Sharing. As I’m reading, I’m asking is there anything that I’d like to share with friends or family, with my church, or with my social media networks. As well as tagging & filing anything that may be helpful for my upcoming speaking & preaching schedule.
- Intercession. I keep a list of people & situations that I want to pray for everyday. It includes my family, the leaders of my church, the team I work with, & others. I’m committed to make time to pray for them. Sometimes that happens in the mornings during my devotions. Sometimes its later in the day. Like at 10:02am when my alarm goes off reminding me to pray for laborers (see Luke 10:2).
Roll with the punches. I wish I could say this all happens everyday. Work, sickness, oversleeping, my poor time management happens, so I plan on rolling with the punches. Some tools we have to help with that:
- Technology. When I don’t have time to read in the mornings. I can listen to my Bible plan using the Bible App during my commute. My newsfeed & devotional is also on Kindle, so I can read it during spare moments of the day.
- Grace. Remember that my salvation is not based upon my ability to read the Bible everyday. Only Jesus saves. Devotional habits are tools for our growth in grace. Don’t give up. The life we have is ETERNAL, so missing a day every now & then does not mean losing.
- Presence. God is not with me only when I’m reading the Bible & praying. God is with me all the time. I can stay connected with him through prayer all day long.
- Tomorrow. One of my favorite sayings is, “YESTERDAY ENDED LAST NIGHT.” The bible says, “God’s mercies are new every morning” Lamentations 3:23-24. If you miss a day of devotional habits, put it behind you, celebrate the grace & presence that you did experience that day, & let that build anticipation for tomorrow or when you can restore your habits.
Jesus said, “Man cannot live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4. Devotional habits are as important to the Christian as food & drink. They are one of the primary On Ramps in our Spiritual Growth & Maturity. Work out a plan that works for you, figure out how to do it everyday, commit to it for life, & roll with the punches.
What are some tools that you use in your devotional life? What is your daily pattern?
On Ramp to Spiritual Growth: Understand God’s Will
God wants you to grow! And He’s provided everything necessary for you to grow! However, there are obstacles. Just like merging onto a freeway, many times we’re hesitant, things get in the way, we’re lazy, or fearful. One of the on ramps for me personally, was when began to understand what God is doing in the world. What is God’s will? is a frequently asked question. When I saw that God’s will was not difficult or hard to understand, my desire for spiritual growth increased. Here are three words that have helped me understand God’s will:
1. Relationship – The God of the Universe wants a relationship with you. And He went to great lengths to make that a possibility. Jesus showed his desire to have a relationship with us by giving His very life. See John 3:16. The growing Christian will see their life through the lens of this relationship God through Christ.
2. Identity – Christianity is not about what you do, it’s about who you are. Or really, WHOSE you are. God shapes our identity through our relationship with Him. As we relate to Him & draw closer to Him, we become identified with his character & his mission in the world.
3. Eternity – God made us for more than this life. Eternal life starts when we place our faith & trust in Christ, not when we die. One meaning of the word eternal is TIMELESS. Salvation makes us timeless. And this reminds us that God has more in mind for us than just the 60-80 years that we may live on this earth. We’re made for eternity. We are also saved & sent to help others understand & get ready to face eternity.
What helps you understand God’s will?
This month Bridge Church in Madisonville is talking about On Ramps to Spiritual Growth & Transformation. Join us Sunday’s, 10:30am at the Maritime Museum in Madisonville.
Pastoral Prayer for Humility #Tozer
Now, 0 Lord of heaven and earth, I consecrate my remaining days to Thee; let them be many or few, as Thou wilt. I accept hard work and small rewards in this life. I ask for no easy place. I shall try to be blind to the little ways that could make life easier. If others seek the smoother path I will try to take the hard way without judging them too harshly. I shall expect opposition and try to take it quietly when it comes. Or if, as sometimes it falleth out to Thy servants, I should have grateful gifts pressed upon me by Thy kindly people, stand by me then and save me from the blight that often follows. Teach me to use whatever l receive in such manner that will not injure my soul nor diminish my spiritual power. Let me never forget that I am a man with all the natural faults and passions that plague the race of men. And if in Thy permissive providence honor should come to me from Thy Church, let me not forget that I am unworthy of the least of Thy mercies.
#NewYear: Gospel – Devotion – Relationships – Mission
21 Questions for clarity & focus in 2016.
Gospel:
- Is my hope & trust in Jesus Christ & His work for my salvation, success, sustenance in 2016?
- What situation, life issue, or circumstance do I most need God’s help with this year?
- Am I trusting God or myself in this situation, or life issue?
- What person or relationship needs more grace & truth from me this year?
- What sin do I need to confess & forsake right now?
- How will I share the Gospel with others in 2016? In my home? In my community? at my work place?
Devo:
- How will I draw closer to God with intentionality in 2016?
- What character quality, habit, discipline do I need to develop or hone in 2016?
- When & where will I spend time with God in 2016?
- What Bible reading plan will I follow to connect with God everyday? What books will read to grow my faith?
- How will I lead my family to experience God & his word in 2016?
Relationships:
- What relationships do I need to work on mending in 2016?
- Who will I lean on for advice? as a mentor? for accountability? & as a prayer partner?
- Who can I call at 3am? or when I’m desperate?
- Who can I open up to with my deepest hurts? confess my wrongs? share my private prayer requests?
- Do I need to pray for deeper relationships?
- Who will I mentor? Share the Gospel with? Pray for? Invest in?
Mission:
- How will I allow God to use my gifts? resources? home? money?
- Is there a ministry at my church that I am investing in? that I can improve? that I can invite others to engage in ?
- Is there a new ministry or need or project that God is laying on my heart to engage?
- Who around me need encouragement? challenging? confronting? a listening ear? a prayer partner?
The Christ of Christmas
My Christmas devotional of choice for years now has been The Christ of Christmas by my former professor Calvin Miller. Here’s a few of my favorite quotes about advent that stick with me year end & year out.
“You shall not bear such pain alone”
We cannot live without bumps & pains, heartache & desolation, mosquito bites & cancer. The incarnation was God saying, “You shall not bear such pain alone”
“the noblest idea of any world religion”
The Incarnation is the noblest idea of any world religion. God did not watch human despair from the safety of heaven. He clothed Himself in humanity. He ceased watching the human war and became a soldier.
“wrestle with Him or rest in Him”
We basically have two choices to make in dealing with the mysteries of God. We can wrestle with Him or we can rest in Him. We can continue searching the unsearchable or relax in the reality. What exists at the end of all our searching will be a God who knows absolutely everything … and chooses to love us anyway.
Blessing Others at Christmas and Beyond
In the Old Testament, Fathers pronounced blessings over their children & prophets pronounced blessings over people & armies. They weren’t dealing with the way things are currently, but how they WILL BE WITH GOD’S FAVOR. Blessings served to lift people, lift expectations & potential for what could be with God’s power. Jesus gave us a great example of this when he told wishy washy Simon, that from now on he would be called Peter – a Rock. He was saying, now that you’re with me, the trajectory of your life will be transformed. Giving a blessing is not limited to just our words. Acts of kindness & sacrifice can also serve to BLESS & lift others up. Jesus’ death, burial, & resurrection serves as a blessing to all who put their faith in Him, as promised in Genesis 12. Some Ideas for Blessing Others:
-> Bless Your Family – Holidays are great times to BLESS those close to us. I like to spend some time writing how each of our children have grown this year, the good things I see in their character, & how that will effect the trajectory of their lives going forward.
-> Bless Your Community – Churches should have a vision of what WILL BE for people in the community. What prayers, acts of kindness & sacrifice are you engaging in that will have a lifting affect on people in the community? Our church will be giving out Stockings to every home in the largest mobile home park in our community on Christmas Eve this year. Praying that the smiles, offer of prayer, & the gifts which include Gospel resources, will lift & bless families in this community.
-> Bless People that Need Change – Look around & you’ll see people struggling with employment issues, family issues, addiction issues, financial issues. Put yourself in their shoes. When you’ve been discouraged, wouldn’t you have loved for someone, even a stranger to offer a word of encouragement or a smile or an act of kindness? Who needs a blessing, a lift right now among your sphere of influence.
As followers of Jesus, we should live with not just the reality of how things are in the lives of people, communities, situations. We believe God is working & transforming people, communities, situations. Giving a blessing means we’re talking & acting like we believe that.
Now the other side of blessing is cursing. Just like we can lift people, community, situations, we can also curse & bring down people, community, situations. That’s another story for another day…
Signs of Hope in the Christmas Story
It was Kate McAllister who called Christmas “the season of perpetual hope.” But as we look around at our world, it seems to be getting worse & worse. The Christmas story as told in the Gospels offers us many signs of hope that we can rest in.
1) Prophecy Fulfilled. Some estimate that over 300 Old Testament prophecies were fulfilled by the coming of Jesus Christ. These prophecies gave hope to generations of followers of YHWH. And today they testify to us of how trustworthy God’s word is. The preciseness & detail arranged by God could not possibly be just happenstance. From being born in Bethlehem to a virgin (who was not from Bethlehem) to fleeing to Egypt to escape King Herod’s wrath. We can look at prophecy fulfilled & say GOD’S WORD IS TRUE. Micah 5:2, Isaiah 7:14, Genesis 22:18, Numbers: 24:17, Hosea 11:1, Jeremiah 31:15, Mathew 2:16.
2) He used ordinary people who dared to believe. As you read through the Christmas story, & really all of the New Testament, & get to know its characters, you’ll be struck by their ordinariness. Elizabeth & Zachariah – aging priest & barren wife. Mary & Joseph – young & poor village dwellers. Shepherds in the fields – like modern day janitors. No one probably ever even ask their names. The only thing spectacular about them was that they dared to believe God & get caught up in this miraculous story of God’s rescue of the world by sending his son. If he used them, he can use you & I.
3) He made a way for everyone. His was no a temporary intervention. His solution to the needs of the world went right to the heart, to the greatest enemy of humanity – sin & death. Real & lasting change is possible for EVERYONE through Christ. In his Arrival Jesus touched every socioeconomic sphere – the wealthy wise men, the poor shepherd, the old – Anna & Simeon, the young – Mary & Joseph, the powerful – Herod. In his ministry he touched every type of person – the rich – zaccheus, the sinful woman at the well, the diseased lepers, the religious Nicodemus, the destitute – woman caught in adultery. Today the gospel has universal appeal & changes everyone it touches no matter who or what or where you are.
How can I Experience & Give Hope? You can be a sign of hope to the world if you will:
- Believe God’s Word is True.
- Believe that God can Use Me.
- Believe that God has provided the way for everyone.
These truths lived out will lead to the adventure of lifetime.
Taken from Give Hope, part 1 of Bridge Church’s Christmas Message Series. Get the audio HERE. Gather with Bridge Church Sunday’s at 10:30am at the Maritime Museum in Madisonville.
The Duty of Encouragement #devo
One of the highest of human duties is the duty of encouragement… It is easy to laugh at men’s ideals; it is easy to pour cold water on their enthusiasm; it is easy to discourage others. The world is full of discouragers. We have a Christian duty to encourage one another. Many a time a word of praise or thanks or appreciation or cheer has kept a man on his feet. Blessed is the man who speaks such a word.
William Barclay (1907-1978), via CQOD
Verses on Encouragement – Heb.10:25; Job 4:4; Rom. 12:7-8; 14:19; 15:2; 1 Cor. 14:3; Eph. 4:29; 1 Thess. 4:18; 5:11
“Holy Ghost, with light divine; Shine upon this heart of mine” – Andrew Reed, 1817
Holy Ghost, with light divine
Shine upon this heart of mine;
Chase the shades of night away,
Turn the darkness into day.Let me see my Savior’s face,
Let me all His beauties trace;
Show those glorious truths to me
Which are only known to Thee.Holy Ghost, with power divine
Cleanse this guilty heart of mine;
In Thy mercy pity me,
From sin’s bondage set me free.Holy Ghost, with joy divine
Cheer this saddened heart of mine;
Yield a sacred, settled peace,
Let it grow and still increase.Holy Spirit, all divine,
Dwell within this heart of mine;
Cast down every idol-throne,
Reign supreme, and reign alone.See, to Thee I yield my heart,
Shed Thy life through every part;
A pure temple I would be,
Wholly dedicate to Thee.
Author: Andrew Reed, 1817
Church Planting = Water for the Thirsty and A City for the Hungry #devo
Two of my favorite images of church planting are found in Psalm 107:35-38.
35 He turns a desert into a pool of water,
dry land into springs of water.
36 He causes the hungry to settle there,
and they establish a city where they can live.37 They sow fields and plant vineyards
that yield a fruitful harvest.
38 He blesses them, and they multiply greatly;
He does not let their livestock decrease.
In every city & community there are a dry desert places that need the living water of God’s presence. In every city & community God wants to gather the hungry people for the sake of establishing a fruitful multiplying community. This gives great purpose to the work of the church planter & church planting team: FINDING DRY, DESERT, PARCHED PLACES IN THE COMMUNITY. Settle there & establish a place for hungry people to gather, grow, & multiply.
Questions for planters:
- Are we planting for the purpose of seeing God water the dry places? or are we planting in places that are well watered?
- Are we establishing a place for the hungry or the already full?
- Are we ready to sweat & experience the difficulty of desert life as we plant in dry places?
- Are we ready to lay brick #1 in a million as we build a city for the hungry?
Lane Corley 