Lord’s Day, Vol. 5 No. 53
Strengthening Our Devotional Life
Here are 7 elements to help our devotional life in the new year of grace 2018:
(1) Time – Quiet Time (Your Devotional Time)
It is imperative that we give the best time of our day for spiritual nourishment. Wholesome food for our overall well-being. A conscious prioritization is helpful. Set aside 20 to 30 minutes daily for devotion and meditation upon God’s Word.
Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Psalm 63:1 A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;
(2) Trust – Building Faith and Trust in God
The purpose of our quiet time is to build faith and trust in God. Align our will with His will. Live out His purpose for our existence. Receiving our reward of faithfulness when Jesus returns.
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Psalm 63:2 To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.
(3) Temperance – Attitude, Acknowledge our Need
Be aware and believe we have an acute need for God to draw nigh to us. Let us humble ourselves before Him in total submission. Ready to listen to His voice.
Psalm 86:1 A Prayer of David. Bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me: for I am poor and needy.
Matthew 5:3-4 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
(4) Truth/Thought – God’s Truth to Fill the Heart with Godly Thoughts
God’s Word, the Bible, the Authorized King James Version is to be read and re-read. And meditate upon, waiting upon God (Isaiah 40:31), so that the virtue and goodness of God will saturate our hearts and minds and thus bringing godly actions.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
(5) Thanksgiving – Praise God for His Presence
When the Lord’s presence fills us, there is joy in the heart. Praise and thanksgiving, assurance and renewed strength becomes our daily portion.
Psalm 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Psalm 63:3-5 Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips:
(6) Trial/Temptation – Strength to Overcome
When trials and sufferings, temptations and testing come our way, God gives us the overcoming strength and comfort to endure, escape and have victory. If we are not fortified with God’s strength, we are vulnerable and liable to fall and get hurt.
1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
2 Corinthians 1:5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.
(7) Tenacity – Strength to Persevere
Having experienced God’s presence, power and glory, we make a conscious choice to cultivate a good discipline for our daily devotions.
Psalm 63:7-8 Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.
May the Lord bless you abundantly in the new year of grace 2018. Amen.
Yours Lovingly,
Pastor Lek Aik Wee