Do you have a time set aside each day where you can read God’s Word? A place that you go to every day where you can really meditate on what He is saying? Do you have a specific chair where you sit to pray through a list of loved ones and needs around the world?
I have developed this great habit over the years. Whatever house we lived in, I had a chair or a sofa that I would come apart, in the morning, with a coffee (of course) to read, study, and meditate on God’s Word as well as use the time for praying. I thought it might be a nice thing to let you peek into my world to show you how I meditate and maybe help some of you along the way. I haven’t always studied this way but I’m enjoying my current situation.
Choose a pretty journal…why not? I love to sew and I love vintage dresses.
I have always loved to write. Whether copying into a journal or taking notes. Cursive is my handwriting of choice, too. I had good teachers, I guess, because you can read my writing. I start my devotions with copying a passage or a book of the Bible (a few verses each day). With writing down EACH word it forces me to think about what I’m writing and really try to glean the message of the passage. Sometimes, I go back and read a few verses before to gain their truths again. I am currently writing out my 37th book of the Bible. I rotate back and forth between Old and New Testament.
Meditate and think about each word you write!
The book of James starts with my favorite theme – joy! Joy in trials! As Christians, we aren’t guaranteed a bed full of roses once we start walking with Him but we ARE guaranteed that HE will walk with us as well as before us and so we really have NOTHING to fear! James 1:17 is a great verse for us, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights,…” Every one of my children was that gift! I find so much to be grateful for even in the midst of years of trials. I may have had my earthly parents reject me but not only do I have a Heavenly Father Who loves me but He gave me a godly husband and six beautiful children. I’m choosing (and finding) joy in the journey.
BOOKS THAT CHALLENGE
Warren W Wiersbe is an author I highly recommend
I usually end my devotions with a book that can challenge me and help me to learn even more from God’s Word. This is an area you have to be cautious of because you NEVER want man’s words to become more important than God’s Words in your life. However, there are a few men I recommend reading for their godly insight. This is a book my dad had on his bookshelf for years (my dad had a library of about 20 bookcases + at one time). I’d walk by and the title would strike me. I am just now getting to read it and I’m so enjoying it. He is practical and uses lots of verses (something that you may have noticed is huge with me) and is very wise. Other authors I like are Philip Keller as well as the commentator, Matthew Henry. These men seem to stick closely to the Bible and from their experiences they have insight and have helped many. So, read a devotional book (be cautious) and as you know your Bible more and more you will be able to see if an author goes “off the beaten path” – the true path.
I would say I finish up my devotions with prayer (and coffee) but I have learned with my lack of strong brain waves that THE best way TO pray is not only at a set time but also the minute you are reminded of someone or some issue. This helps me to be thinking of others throughout the day. I am not perfect at this. I think we live in a world today that travels like those merry-go-rounds we all loved to be on as kids. Everyone is on these crazy merry-go-rounds spinning faster and faster and can’t get off. Get off and get alone with God. Spend time with Him. I believe starting your day with Him sets the tone for the day but whenever you can sit down ALONE and be with Him works. Don’t squeeze Him into your day willy nilly. Be intentional!!! Show Him, tell Him, that He IS most important in your life.
I would say I finish up my devotions with prayer (and coffee) but I have learned with my lack of strong brain waves that THE best way TO pray is not only at a set time but also the minute you are reminded of someone or some issue. This helps me to be thinking of others throughout the day. I am not perfect at this. I think we live in a world today that travels like those merry-go-rounds we all loved to be on as kids. Everyone is on these crazy merry-go-rounds spinning faster and faster and can’t get off. Get off and get alone with God. Spend time with Him. I believe starting your day with Him sets the tone for the day but whenever you can sit down ALONE and be with Him works. Don’t squeeze Him into your day willy nilly. Be intentional!!! Show Him, tell Him, that He IS most important in your life.
Starting my day with God has shown my children how important He is to me. My kids know where to find me anywhere between 5:30-6:30 every morning. If my faith comes first, then my family is blessed by it. I can give them the love they need and hopefully then our home is filled with peace and not chaos. I asked Pierre to hang these pictures in that order because, for me, this is how they should be. If you travel on a plane what is their instructions about the oxygen masks? You put your own on so you can then be capable of helping your child, right? I feel this is how your day should go. Start with God’s help so you can help your children go to God in their day. Thankfully, all my children have the habit every day of reading their Bibles. I pray they never lose it. Psalm 5:3 says it best, “My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.” Take some time to read Psalm 119 here. It is full of the psalmist desire to know God’s Word. This is my desire, too. Is it yours? What time do YOU have set apart for Him?