1 - Devotions
Why should we meet with God?
What is the benefit of trusting God?
Jeremiah 17:7-8
Trusting God results in blessings of stability and fruitfulness. I will not easily be shaken and I will achieve what God wants me to acheive.
How did David develop his trust in God?
Psalm 27:4,7-8
David set his heart to seek God, to dwell in His house (presence) and to learn about God (gaze upon the beauty of the Lord)
When should we meet with God?
What did Jesus, Himself, do?
Mark 1:35
Jesus rose early and found a place where He wouldn't be interrupted to spend time with His Father.
What do you think the following verse say about when we should meet with God?
Lamentations 3:22-23
Every morning.
Suggested Structure of our meeting with God
Scripture
On the way from Egypt to the promised land, God fed His people in the wilderness. How much were the supposed to gather and how frequently?
Exodus 16:4
Every day they were to gather enough for that day and that day only. This was a test to see if they would do as they were told.
Why do you think Jesus refers to the manna in this verse?
John 6:31
We, also, are supposed to feed on His Word, every day and just enough for one day.
Observation
Not everything in Scripture relates exactly to our modern world but the principles remain the same. What is the first thing we sould do after reading a passage of scripture?
I Corinthians 10:11 (ESV)
We must work out or observe what was happening in the passage
Application
It is not enough to just read God's Word. God's Word is not just to increase our knowledge but to direct our lives. Having observed what is happening in the passage, what do we do next?
Psalm 143:8
We need to ask God to show us what He is saying in His Word and how is can apply to our lives.
Prayer
Prayer is most important. Before reading the Scripture, we should ask God to help us to see (observe) what is happening in the passage and how He wants us to apply it to our lives. As well as this specific type of prayer, there are other types of prayer we should be involved in.
What type of prayer is indicated by the following scriptures?
Psalm 135:3 (ESV)
Praise and worship
I Timothy 2:1 (ESV)
Intercession, prayer for other people
Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
Supplication and thanksgiving
I John 1:9 (ESV)
Confession