As Christians, we are continually struggling with a dual existence. We are walking in two different realms. We operate in both the physical world and the spiritual world. We can lose sight of the spiritual world unless we actively walk in that realm. One way we do this is by having daily time with God, often called devotions.
Quite simply, daily time with God feeds and grows our spirit. When our physical bodies were very young, it took us more than a year to learn to walk, more than two years to learn to talk. When our souls (intellect and awareness) were very young, it took 20-30 years to begin to understand who we are. We had to feed and develop those things in our lives to develop.
When we were born again, our spirit was born within us. Just like our body and soul, it takes time to develop. We have to feed our spirit to grow in the Spirit. We do this by spending time with God daily. This is how we mature in Christ. This is how we learn to listen to the Holy Spirit. This is how we become more intimate with God and how we understand his will for our lives.
The word "devotions" has some legalistic connotations - the idea that this activity in our lives will earn God's favor. Devotions do not win us God's favor. We already have God's favor through his Son, Jesus Christ. Devotions develop our spirit so that we may be more intimate with God.
John 4:24 NLT
Devotions is a conscious effort to connect with the supernatural God, Designer, Architect, Creator, and Source of all things. I prefer to use the phrase, "my daily time with God."
What Should Devotions Consist Of?
Devotions should consist of Bible reading and prayer. It can also include one of those daily devotional thought books. Of the three, prayer is by far the most essential element of your daily time with God. Not a namby-pamby prayer, but an honest conversation with God.
Prayer can take place at any time, under any circumstances, in any position. However, to become really intimate with God, you should have a quiet place and a regular time to pray for your daily devotional. Jesus would rise early and pray. This practice would be an excellent example to follow.
The Bible reading is just that: reading. Devotions are not the time for Bible study. Daily devotion is connecting with God, surrendering yourself to his will and purpose for your life, and developing the spirit within you. Read one or two chapters of whatever you are reading. Always ask God to speak to you before you read his word. If you are using a daily devotional, just read the passage for that day.
Devotions do not need to be lengthy or complicated. Devotions should happen every day. You can have devotions with your spouse; however, you also need to have devotions in private if you do.
Growing In Christ
If you are careful to devote time each day to God, the Holy Spirit will develop your spirit. You will look forward to the intimacy. You may find that you will have a bad day when you miss your devotions.
As your spirit develops, you will find yourself wanting to spend more time with God. You will find yourself often praying, not so much a formal prayer, but a short conversational prayer such as "Lord, where are my car keys?"
You will find yourself hearing God. The more your spirit develops, the easier it will be to listen to him. The better you listen to him, the better you will understand his will and purpose for your life.
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