Defining a Devotional What most people talk about when they talk about devotionals is a book that helps you grow in your relationship with God. It is usually broken down into daily chapters that you can read and pray about.The key to understanding the devotional is to actually break down the work. “Devotion” is a big clue to a devotional’s use. You show your devotion to God by reading the passage and praying on it every day. So the collection of readings is then known as a devotional.
Using a Devotional
So why would you want to use a devotional? What will it actually do? Well, Christians use their devotionals as a way to grow closer to God and learn more about the Christian life. Devotionals are meant to be read in one sitting, they are designed for you to read a bit every day and pray on the passages. By praying every day, Christians develop a stronger relationship with God.
April 23, 2012
1 John 3:20 (NIV)
20 If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.
Explained:
3:16-21 Here is the condescension, the miracle, the mystery of Divine love, that God would redeem the church with his own blood. Surely we should love those whom God has loved, and so loved. The Holy Spirit, grieved at selfishness, will leave the selfish heart without comfort, and full of darkness and terror. By what can it be known that a man has a true sense of the love of Christ for perishing sinners, or that the love of God has been planted in his heart by the Holy Spirit, if the love of the world and its good overcomes the feelings of compassion to a perishing brother? Every instance of this selfishness must weaken the evidences of a man's conversion; when habitual and allowed, it must decide against him. If conscience condemn us in known sin, or the neglect of known duty, God does so too. Let conscience therefore be well-informed, be heard, and diligently attended to.
Posted by Lisa Rice.
April 14, 2012
Psalm 30:5 (NIV)5 For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.Explained:30:1-5. The great things the Lord has done for us, both by his providence and by his grace, bind us in gratitude to do all we can to advance his kingdom among men, though the most we can do is but little. God's saints in heaven sing to him; why should not those on earth do the same? Not one of all God's perfections carries in it more... Continue reading...
Posted by Lisa Rice.
April 14, 2012
Romans 10:17 (NIV)17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.Explained:10:12-17 There is not one God to the Jews, more kind, and another to the Gentiles, who is less kind; the Lord is a Father to all men. The promise is the same to all, who call on the name of the Lord Jesus as the Son of God, as God manifest in the flesh. All believers thus call upon the Lord Jesus, and none else will do so humbly or sincerely. But how should... Continue reading...
Posted by Lisa Rice.
April 14, 2012
Deuteronomy 4:29 (NIV)29 But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.Explained:4:24-40 Moses urged the greatness, glory, and goodness of God. Did we consider what a God he is with whom we have to do, we should surely make conscience of our duty to him, and not dare to sin against him. Shall we forsake a merciful God, who will never forsake us, if we are faithful unto him? Whither can we go? Let us be held to our du... Continue reading...
Posted by Lisa Rice.
April 14, 2012
Matthew 5:9 (NIV)9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.Explained:5:3-12 Our Saviour here gives eight characters of blessed people, which represent to us the principal graces of a Christian. 1. The poor in spirit are happy. These bring their minds to their condition, when it is a low condition. They are humble and lowly in their own eyes. They see their want, bewail their guilt, and thirst after a Redeemer. The kingdom of grace is of such; the kingdom of glory ... Continue reading...
Posted by Lisa Rice.
April 14, 2012
Psalm 11:2 (NIV)2 For look, the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart.Explained:11:1-7 David's struggle with, and triumph over a strong temptation to distrust God, and betake himself to indirect means for his own safety, in a time of danger. - Those that truly fear God and serve him, are welcome to put their trust in him. The psalmist, before he gives an account of his temptation to distrust God, records his resolut... Continue reading...
Posted by Lisa Rice.
April 14, 2012
John 3:16 KJV16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.Explained:3:1-8 Nicodemus was afraid, or ashamed to be seen with Christ, therefore came in the night. When religion is out of fashion, there are many Nicodemites. But though he came by night, Jesus bid him welcome, and hereby taught us to encourage good beginnings, although weak. And though now he came by night, yet afterward he owned Chr... Continue reading...
Posted by Lisa Rice.
April 14, 2012
Isaiah 54:17(NIV)17 no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD.Explained:Let the people of God, when afflicted and tossed, think they hear God speaking comfortably to them by these words, taking notice of their griefs and fears. The church is all glorious when full of the knowledge of God; for none teaches like him. It is a promise of... Continue reading...
Posted by Lisa Rice.
April 14, 2012
1 Peter 3:12 (NIV)12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.Explained:3:8-13 Though Christians cannot always be exactly of the same mind, yet they should have compassion one of another, and love as brethren. If any man desires to live comfortably on earth, or to possess eternal life in heaven, he must bridle his tongue from wicked, abusive, or deceitful words. He must forsake and keep far ... Continue reading...
Posted by Lisa Rice.
April 14, 2012
Psalm 16:7 (KJV)7 I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.Explained:16:1-11 This psalm begins with expressions of devotion, which may be applied to Christ; but ends with such confidence of a resurrection, as must be applied to Christ, and to him only. - David flees to God's protection, with cheerful, believing confidence. Those who have avowed that the Lord is their Lord, should often put themselves in mind of what they have done, take ... Continue reading...
Posted by Lisa Rice.
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