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PRACTICE OF PERSONAL DAILY DEVOTIONS
BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE OF 8TH JULY, 2003
SEMESTER THEME: ARISE AND SHINE
SEMESTER TEXT:- Arise [From the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you- rise to a New Life]! Shine (be radiant with the glory of the Lord), for your light has come and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. Isa. 60:1
TOPIC OF THE DAY: THE PRACTICE OF PERSONAL DAILY DEVOTIONS
TEXT OF THE DAY: Exo. 34:4, Psl 88:13, Mark 1:35
MEMORY VERSE: In the morning, rising up a great while before day (Jesus departed into a solitary place and… prayed” Mark 1:35.
INTRODUCTION
In our day much emphasis is placed on keeping physically fit. Some physical exercise is necessary but the Bible says spiritual exercise should be pursued and even more rigorously.
Time spent in prayer, Bible study and meditation and scripture memorization will bring spiritual upliftment, serves as propellant for you into a radiant life in all aspects, and will yield rich rewards throughout eternity. 1st Tim 4:8, Exo. 34:4. Every one of us needs to strive to stay in top spiritual condition through the discipline of daily devotional exercise. The absence of the art is number one reason of backsliding and mediocrity among professing Christians.
1. THE NEED FOR DAILY NOURISHMENT
Gen 19:27, Gen. 28:18. Exo. 34:4, Job 1:5, Psl. 5:3, Mark 1:35.
These biblical great people and Jesus were fulfilled and productive in their spiritual and other aspects of life because they had full understanding and demonstration of personal daily devotions.
(a) Devil seems to get the victory during the day when we fail to spend time in devotions each morning.- Martin Luther.
(b) We often solve problems before we come to them, when we take time to meet God in the morning. - Oswald J. Smith
(c) Without the morning watch, our work would be many times more difficult. - Oswald J. Smith
All of us need time to refuel, to collect our thoughts, and to set the pace for the day. All these and many more can only be achieved during our personal daily devotions.
2. THE AGENDA FOR THE QUIET HOUR
Let us examine some of the elements of the devotional period.
(a) The Quiet Hour includes Bible Reading:
The Bible is the major source of spiritual food. It is likened to: milk (for spiritual growth; Peter 2:2), bread (for power to accomplish tasks and do exploits for the Lord; Matt 4:4, Jer. 15:16) and meat (Heb. 5:12).
It is important to develop a systematic plan for reading the Bible. The daily quiet time is not a mere mechanical reading of the Bible; it requires studying thoroughly, concentrating on meaning, understanding and seeking to absorb spiritual truth which will help us to stand and shine for God.
(b) The Quiet Time includes Meditation: Psl 1:2, Josh. 1:8, Psl. 119:97, Psl. 63:6.
Meditation is the activity of calling to mind, thinking things over, and “dwelling on” wholesome concepts. It requires reflection, contemplation and study. It takes time to digest the word of God. Meditation is one of the keys, which enables us to take what we learn and apply it to daily living. P.T.O
c) The Quiet time includes Alert Prayer: Psl 5:3, Mark 1:35, Psl 88:13, Psl 55:17, Heb 4:16, Phil. 4:6
After God has spoken to our hearts through His word, we should be ready to speak to Him and discuss with Him in prayer.
Bible reading, careful meditation and sincere prayer are major components of the daily quiet time.
3. HINDRANCES TO REGULAR DEVOTION
(a) Failure to concentrate can hinder: Col 4:2; watch means “ to be alert” and guard against wandering thoughts. Several wandering thoughts that come into our minds during our devotions seem to make the practice to be drudgery rather than the blessing it is intended to be. To overcome this,
Firstly, realize that it is a spiritual battle and not necessarily personal weakness.
Secondly, remind yourself during that period that you are in God’s presence and on holy ground.
Thirdly, try reading and praying aloud it at all possible.
(b) Lack of discipline and determination often hinders.
(c) The rush to serve can hinder: Luke 10:38-42, Eph. 3:16; Performing your responsibilities (services for Christ e.g. singing, attending meeting etc) is good but never be too busy with service in expense of upgrading your inner man through daily devotions.
CONCLUSION
The practice of observing regular daily devotions if it is done in the right spirit, will more than any other habit we can attain- make us more nearly what we ought to be in every way and shine as champions in the Lord.
Realizing this, it is important that personal daily devotions must be a regular practice for all born again Christians who desire to shine on top in life.
Shalom
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