DAILY DEVOTIONAL TIME WITH GOD

I typed this into my computer yesterday - did a bit of editing on it this morning, and decided I might as well share it.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL TIME WITH GOD

Some people call it devotions – some call it a quiet time with God. Whatever you call it, maintaining a daily devotional time set aside to be alone with God grounds us and keeps our focus directed to Him. It is the perfect way to begin the day – before the clutter of life clouds the mind – or creates the risk of neglecting this special, important personal worship time with God. It requires self-discipline, but it is essential for spiritual growth. God will honor your commitment!

A daily devotional time is not study time. It is simply a specific time – preferably early in the day – to be alone with God – to read something from his Word, perhaps something inspirational as well, and then pray. . .. Before you begin reading your selected portion of the Bible, ask God to open your eyes to see, your mind to understand and your heart to receive what He has for you that day.

Next is prayer time. There are four primary facets of prayer, easily remembered by the acronym A-C-T-S. It isn’t difficult to spend time in prayer when you have a fundamental prayer outline. [Also see Matthew 6:5-15.]

A is for Adoration – simply praising God for who He is. This should not be confused with thanks. It is pure praise – acknowledging God as the wonderful, amazing God He is. Genuine praise is music to our Father’s ears. He inhabits the praises of His people! “Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name.” Psalm 103:1

C is for Confession – a time to search your heart – and allow God to search you as well, inviting His cleansing, and asking His forgiveness for intentional and unintentional sin and shortcomings. Sin falls into two categories: sins of commission (things we do) and sins of omission (things we should have done, but failed to do.) We are most often aware of the sins we have committed. But – what we omit and fail to do is also sin. Confessing is ‘house-cleaning.’ It keeps us right with God and doesn’t give opportunity for sins to fester or grow roots. It is an attitude adjustment! “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. “ 1 John 1:9 Isn’t God amazing?

T is for Thanksgiving – simply saying thanks for everything you can think of. You’ll be amazed how your list grows – and how much more thankful you will be by paying attention to all God has done for you, beginning with salvation. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise His name. Psalm 100:4.

S is for Supplication – asking for what we need from God. This is where we end – not where we begin. Too often we run to God asking – and forget all the other aspects of prayer. We need a lot from God. We need Him daily. We need to pray for our own needs and needs of others. This area includes intercessory prayer. We make commitments to pray for people and bear their burdens. Carry each others' burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2.