Make a devotional.

Make a devotional.

Introduction
Many times we have heard that you need to have a daily devotional, but the first problem we face is that we do not know what that is; Is a period of study of the Word? Is it just a ?, reading time is a time of prayer? How do you do a daily devotional ?, this is what we will try to answer briefly in the following paragraphs.

What is a daily devotional?
A quiet time is basically a time of fellowship with God, a special turn away to listen to God and talk with Him Weather This is done through prayer and reading His Word.; but perhaps the most important feature of a devotional, and what difference reading time is a quiet time with its emphasis on the practical application of what God is saying, that is, a devotional gives me instructions accurate to what God is saying, not just intellectual knowledge of what God says or not just go into his character or in my nature, but concrete steps that help me to do the will of God.

As the friendship between two people grows as you share with the other more activities, more secrets, more in common, more time talking, laughing and crying; the same way, my relationship with God is strengthened in my quiet times. At that time alone with God is when my trust in Him grows because I know him personally every day a little more. (Not just know about Him but to know Him)
Also, in my devotional times a day is when I receive clear instructions about the doubts that I have (James 1: 5), I get warnings from God if I am deviating from the path (Proverbs 3: 5-6), I get mood if I'm decline in spirit (Psalm 119: 92), or when I regain hope if you feel lost or heartbroken (Romans 15: 4). You'll be surprised how many times in your daily devotions that God will prepare for a test, or gives you some verses that it is necessary that you share with someone who is living a complicated situation.

Where do we start?
It might help to follow these suggestions:

1.Determina a fixed time for your quiet and stick to that schedule, do not try to do your devotions in your free time because they most likely will never find the time. If you agendas, programs and respect every day as long as you use for your devotional will optimize each of your encounters with God.

2.Choose a book and do your devotions in it from the beginning to the end. It is recommended that you simply open your Bible at random every day because you run the risk of overlooking important aspects of the context and to 'say' things that the Bible does not really say. How would you read a love letter? You would start by the beginning and would read slowly, calmly, until the end is not it?The Bible is a love letter that God wrote you! So take a book from the beginning and follow it to the end.

3.Choose a fixed place in your home; a place where you are not interrupted by anything or anyone, and that place has a special place where you will always find God. That will help you not to be distracted and waste time looking for a place to fit you in your devotional.

4 Ten lists all the things you'll need: A Bible, a notebook, a pencil sharpener, etc. Store in a place where you always do your devotional. Having everything ready to avoid having to get up for something you had forgotten, and so you can stay focused on what God is saying, without distractions.

begin
! begin
The first thing to do is choose a book of the Bible. If this is the first time you do a devotional, perhaps be best to start with some of the New Testament, for example one of the gospels. In any case, pray that God will direct you to the book that he wants to talk.
 


Prayer Step 1

Once you have chosen a book (say for example we chose the Gospel of Mark) first thing we do is pray and ask God to help us to listen and that we can see what His Will. Make a short prayer that will help you remember who you're in front of submitting and align your heart with God. Remember this is not your time of prayer and intercession for others it is the time when, as a soldier, you are presenting in front of your captain to receive orders and instructions, not to ask for favors.

Lee, brand and meditates
1 Lee and Mark
We immediately began reading the chapter that corresponds to us (In this case the first chapter of the Gospel of Mark) several times, but we will read with a pencil in hand and checking everything to our attention, ie, it can be a phrase that sounds interesting or strange to us; a word that is repeated many times, some attitude of a particular character, you have a relationship of cause and effect (... if you do this ... what happen ...), some contrasts that you can identify, etc.


2 Meditate

At this point you will notice that there are some things you've already marked in your Bible, concentrate on those portions (Ask God what He wants to say) and select the one that catches your attention.

Take time to meditate on that portion. Today we understand meditation like trying to put a blank mind, meditate on the Bible but the opposite is true, is to fill my mind with thoughts of the Word.

Reviewed on several occasions that passage that caught your attention and ask yourself: Is there something here that I have to imitate ?, is there anything in this passage that I have to avoid ?, identify with some attitude here mentioned ?, etc.

Maybe you can make that passage in a sentence, eg Psalm 1 might be:
"Lord, I pray that you set aside my bad ear tips and keep me not to walk in the way of sinners. Do not let me sit with mockers but have hunger and thirst for Your Word, that it is my delight. I want to be like a tree which is strong because ... etc. "

Take your time, do not try to speed things up and fill this time of meditation and prayer, remember God wants to speak.

Let's take an example in Mark chapter 1, then, after reading a couple of times I dialed (among other things) the v.18 and v.20 (I was struck by the phrase "was followed by" because it is repeated twice in a very small portion, just three verses).

Write it on paper
Now, I'll take that portion and with it I'll fill the sheet that I have below. (I'll take from that scene because there v.16 begins.) This sheet is based on 2 Timothy 3: 16-17 says that "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. "put a little clear some aspects of this passage.
What 2 Tim 3: 16-17 tells me is that any portion of the Bible ("All Scripture") contains the breath of God (that is "inspired" in the original language, this word has the connotation we understand today. when we say that this or that we have "inspired", but refers to that comes from breathing or breath) and also has practical applications and not just "intellectual" (that is "useful") for four things: teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. Let me delve into these four things and how they apply in my devotional.


a. teaching

The Word of God can teach me, that is, mark me a way by which I can walk with confidence that I will not have problems. If we compare this with a road we would say that the Word of God can show ("teach") lanes, and if I'm in the lane that shows me, I will not have problems and get to destination without accident.
In my devotional, in this section I will write down the principles of God's Word is making me, those things that God expects of a true believer, commands that encounter in my reading, etc.

b. convicts

Reproof is "using an argument against" synonymous with "refute", but in the original language the word also meant something like "blame". Basically what Paul meant when he wrote this to Timothy is that God's Word is useful not only to teach but also to tell you what you are failing or what you're doing wrong. The Bible not only shows you how you should walk it also clearly exposes you when your path is incorrect. If we return to the example of the road, it's like a traffic officer tells you "you're invading a lane is not for you, that's wrong, if you keep this up you'll have an accident."
In my devotional, this section clearly write down how I'm failing to live up to what I just learned, (which I "taught" in paragraph one of this section), ie, here put how and how much I I came out of the lane that God drew for my safety.
c. fix

This word means "to restore to a straight or correct state" (VINE Dictionary). The Word of God not only tells me if I've strayed, plus it helps me back on the right path again. In the example of the road, showing me where the painted lines are and helps me get back on track and continue the path.
In my devotional, in this section I write down what I need to do to implement the will of God, to apply what they taught me in subsection "a" of this section.

d. Instruction in righteousness

The Word of God not only taught me how God wants me to walk. It not only tells me if I stray from His path and not only tells me what to do to restore my walk, besides all that, give me clear instructions to keep me in righteousness, that is, in God's way. Returning to the example of the road, giving me step by step instructions not to deviate from the path: turns on the headlights, do not go so fast, do not look at the scenery but the road, put on dark glasses to avoid the glare, etc.
In my devotional, this section will write down concrete steps I must follow to fulfill what I learned (paragraph "a"), which was not doing (point "b") and that is my goal (point "c"). They should be clear, practical and clearly verifiable steps. Avoid putting too ethereal or "spiritual" means steps like "I love you more", "I need to get up early", "I forgive", "need to pray", "I'm going to read the Bible more often", etc. Instead you need to write a strategy that can evaluate clearly, things like, "I'll get up at 6:00 am" "All day from 14: 00-14: 30 I pray for my wife", "Sunday I'll give an offering of such a family both because I know I need ", etc. That way you will be able to assess if they are met or not.

example
Date: 30/04/09 Serving: Mark 1: 16-20

Teach: (What is the biblical principle or mandate that teaches me the Word?)

The disciples saw Jesus more important to follow any activity being undertaken. They left their economic security, left their comforts and their circle of comfort. All this in the same moment that He called.
God wants us to follow Him above all my activities, even if it means some sacrifices I know He will take care of me.

Reproof: (What I have failed to live up to this principle?)

There are many things I prefix my relationship with Jesus, for example, this week I've seen too much TV (every night I come home and the first thing I do is turn on the TV, even pray to thank God I returned with well), then I got to chat for two hours knowing that I should read my Bible.
On Sunday I did not go to church because I came out a special job and I would pay quite well, so I chose to go to work and not to the church.

Correct: (What do I need to do to fulfill this principle?)

I need to watch less TV and schedule my time reading and praying more specifically. I'll write those times in my schedule and I'll hold me to them.

Instruction in righteousness: (What is the strategy that will continue to fulfill the purpose that I have to correct specific steps?)

1. Make a list of TV shows that I like to see.
2.To determine the schedules of these programs and see not exceeding two hours daily.
3.Comunicarle my wife this determination to help me to fulfill it.
4.Voy to print those times and will stick to the side of the TV to remember that when you return from work.
5.The schedules that sheet I will also schedule my time reading. To organize my reading program I will start following the reading plan Mustard Seed.
6.No'll turn on the computer after 9 pm, and I'll talk to my wife what God told me in my devotional and read in my time. (at that time we read together every day a proverb)




4 ends with prayer

End your devotional time with prayer, but keep in mind what God has just said. Let me explain this a little more: once you've been telling someone a big deal, and when you finish talking the other person you just change the subject or I interrupted to ask you something that has nothing to do with what talks ?, is, in fact, that person was not listening to what you said to him, but was hooked on some of his thinking. Sometimes it happens the same with God. He speaks to us in our devotional obedience put on-for example-and in my final prayer I ask you to give me a raise ... I mean I did not really hear what he was saying because my final sentence has nothing to do with what he has been talking to me a few minutes earlier. Be sure to pray that God just told you in His Word and then you know that your prayer will be answered (John 15: 7).
In the example we just did, my prayer should be something like this: "Lord, thank you that despite my unfaithfulness you remain faithful. Forgive me for not having given you your rightful place in my life and activities, and help me to be more diligent in my time reading and prayer. I place my life in obedience to Your Word, I pray the Father in Jesus' name, amen "


Memorize 5

Sometimes, in your quiet time you find a verse that you'll want to memorize, if that's the case, write on a separate piece of paper and carry it with you throughout the day wherever you go. Each time you find shows that slip and review the verse.

Final Remarks

1.Recalls that the real purpose of your devotional is not finding novel "hidden truths" or aspects of the Word, but to commune with God and receive his instructions. Look no new discoveries but fellowship and instruction.

2.Considers whenever a devotional is not "mandatory", but a privilege. That is, approach God with the right attitude and not reluctantly. Be at peace, your salvation does not depend on your quiet times (Ephesians 2: 8-9), but your fellowship with God will be much closer as be faithful in your devotions.

3.A devotional is not "magic" is not a formula to get things but a way to strengthen your fellowship with God.

4.No no "right" way to have your devotional. In a relationship there is always a touch of uniqueness. Now, while there is no "right" way, yes there are certain guidelines that are essential:

a) It is based on the Word of God, not feelings, feelings or hunches because all that is misleading, but the Scriptures are "the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines instead dark, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts "(2 Peter 1:19)

b) do my devotional is a personal and conscious decision, far beyond my mood. It is a need like eating, but sometimes feel not hungry, I know I need food. There is no substitute for food that I receive through God's Word.

5.Si beginning to feel that you can not, that God speaks to you, etc. Do not be discouraged, persevere in your devotional and prayer. You need to learn to listen to God and that sometimes requires a bit of "practice". If you go to the gym do not see the results ending the first set of exercises, but if you are consistent the results will be evident soon. Do not get discouraged, remember that He has sent His Spirit to teach you His will through the Word, have confidence, He will.

FAQs

What is the best time to do my devotional?

It really depends on you. The important thing is to find the time when there is not much noise or distractions that usually happens in the early hours of the morning but feel free to seek God at any time of day. l problem making your devotions at night is that you're probably confused with the thoughts of the day and can not concentrate well in your reading and can also be tired.
Jesus got up very early to fetch direction of the Father (Mark 1:35) and the Psalms and again we are invited to seek God in the early morning (Psalm 5: 3, 57: 8, 59 : 16, 88:13 and others)

Do I need to write my devotional?

It is much better to take the time to write what God tells me every day, because I write it fixed better instructions in my mind also when I am in a need of wisdom can quickly check on my devotional book and review what God has been speaking to me last week, or last month and thereby find a safe direction and counsel of God clearly.

What if one day I could do my devotional? Do I need to replace it?

No, just make sure it does not become a habit. Every day you spend without your devotional is a lost opportunity to gain wisdom, faith, peace, direction, etc. ¿I can spend a day without eating? Sure, and I need to eat double the next day, but the day's not like I'm going to be weaker, less attention span, etc. The danger would be used to not eat.

  How do I make sure not to "make it say" things that the Bible says?

Do not take isolated verses and never lose sight of the context. ask yourself:
What topic is this passage talking about? What kind of literature is? (Psalms and Proverbs in there much poetry and so much figurative language, many things are not literal. Romans have chains of logical arguments, ie, each concept depends on having understood the above concept.'s why Romans is full of phrases like "therefore", "so", "so", "so", etc. a Bible Handbook can help you understand what type of literature is the book you want to study)

Who is speaking? Who is directing it? What are the circumstances surrounding this passage?

A common example of a text out of context is: "I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13) and use that verse for all types of situations: if I have to take a test in school, if 'm sleepy and need to keep working, if I want a car and I'm thinking of taking a loan, etc. But the context of that passage is very clear:
What is Paul talking about? He is saying that he has learned to live in poverty and wealth and who does not mind having material abundance or having nothing, knowing that whatever the circumstance, God is with him and strengthened. I mean, when I need money, that verse is not to get money! But to give us comfort: "God strengthens me despite the circumstances" (How different to what we normally hear is not it?)

God bless you.