My husband has two devotion books on his bedside table. Thomas and Amelia like to read Poppy’s books, calling them their Bibles. They enjoy moving the ribbon page markers so if Poppy has ever thought, “I believe I’ve read this one already,” he’s probably right. I had the opportunity to teach Thomas the difference between a devotion book and a Bible just this morning.
A verse or partial verse from the Bible with my own thoughts, experiences, and comments highlighted would constitute a devotion. Usually short and sweet, these daily thoughts may briefly define ancient Biblical words or concepts or give examples of practical life application. They are written to challenge or inspire the believer’s faith walk; meant to supplement daily Bible reading, not replace it.
Meditating on God’s Word requires reading the Bible alone or in conjunction with study materials so that the Holy Spirit can guide us into all truth, revealing more of who God is, who we are in Him, and how to walk in faith as He makes us more into the image of His Son. (John 16:13, Psalm 25:5) The Bible is the living, God-breathed Word that makes a life of faith possible. (II Timothy 3:16)
”Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.“
Psalms 25:5 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.25.5.NLT
”Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.“
Psalms 119:105 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/psa.119.105.NIV
”I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.“
Psalms 119:11 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/psa.119.11.NIV
In his first letter to the church at Thessalonica, Paul wrote, “Do not quench the Spirit.” (I Thessalonians 5:19 NIV) “Do not stifle the Holy Spirit.” (NLT) “Never restrain or put out the fire of the Holy Spirit.” (TPT) “Don’t try to stop what the Holy Spirit is doing.” (NIRV) Paul would know. By his own testimony, he was blinded on the way to Damascus to persecute believers. He heard the voice of the Lord speaking directly to him, saying, ”Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.“ (Acts 26:14 NIV)
A Pharisee, Paul knew the scriptures, and God knew Paul. He knew exactly what it would take to move him from religious zeal to vibrant faith. God essentially said stop fighting Me because I have work for you to do. Many people approach faith with exactly this question. What am I meant to do? We look for ways to be busy for Jesus and He absolutely does have work for each of us to do, but neglecting His Word leaves us working in our own strength. Without God’s Word hidden in our hearts, we may also fall for the myth that just because things are going well, we’re right where God means for us to be.
”But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”“
Acts 9:15-16 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/act.9.15-16.NIV
My writing is a reflection of my own faith journey. In my introductory comments, I try to share context. In my experience, God reminds me more of His Word through simple things than profound ones. I hope to communicate how God is teaching me His word in this context in the hope that you will begin recognizing His voice in your day to day. He can speak to you in your context when you are in His Word.
”You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.“
Jeremiah 29:13 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/jer.29.13.NIV
My newest title is Lolly. I am a grandmother. Since God has no retirement plan, this is no time to take it easy, relax, or drift. Our children and grandchildren still need our examples. We are a part of their great cloud of witnesses to the life of faith. (Hebrews 12:1) They need us to disciple them all their lives. Our job doesn’t relax when they age out or move out. In fact, it becomes increasingly challenging. We pray more because of the unknowns. We still have an investment to make and just because we don’t live in nuclear families like in past generations, we are not excused. We must make the effort to stay well-acquainted with the Word, always praying, ever encouraging, and setting the example. And there are others nearby who need our investment as well.
”Be assured that from the first day we heard of you, we haven’t stopped praying for you, asking God to give you wise minds and spirits attuned to his will, and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which God works.
We pray that you’ll live well for the Master, making him proud of you as you work hard in his orchard.
As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work.
We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives.
It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us.“
Colossians 1:9-12 MSG
https://bible.com/bible/97/col.1.9-12.MSG
”For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.“
Jeremiah 29:11 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/jer.29.11.NLT
A Fitting Reply 