231227 Devotions For the Next Generation: Bible Time

Loving God More in 2024

What are devotions?

Simply put devotions are a time set aside each day where we go to God and spend time with Him. In some ways it is like going to breakfast. When we go to breakfast we get fed and spend time with our family, talking to each other about the day, what we are going to do and what is on our mind. Most people don’t skip breakfast or spending time with family but when they do, sometimes the day gets more difficult. We have less energy, there are miscommunications, feelings get hurt and everything can fall apart. When we get a big breakfast, bacon, eggs, hash browns, pancakes, with hot cocoa, orange juice, milk and coffee it seems like we can go all day. When we get a big breakfast - it takes a while to eat it and we spend time together with the people that we love. Usually we leave ready to take on the day. The difference is clear between skipping breakfast and getting a big one. In the same way having a time of devotions sets us up to succeed day by day and teaches us how and why we ought to love God.

What are some blessings from spending time with the Lord each day?

Supernatural discernment - like being able to see in the dark when everyone else is blind Psalm 119:105“Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.”

Exceptional comfort even in the worst of circumstances Romans 15:4“For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through the perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”

Unfailing Joy Psalm 119:111“I have inherited Your testimonies forever, For they are the joy of my heart.”

Courage and Strength Joshua 1:8–9““This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way successful, and then you will be prosperous. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be in dread or be dismayed, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.””

Understanding the big picture of God’s great plan Ecclesiastes 12:13–14“The end of the matter, all that has been heard: fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the end of the matter for all mankind. For God will bring every work to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.”

Bible Reading: Who, What, Where, When, Why and How

Why do we read the Bible? To hear the truth from God. The Bible is how God talks to us

John 17:17““Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.”

So why do you read the Bible? I like to read it because I like to know more about the One who made me and saved me and is making me like His Son

How do we read the Bible? We read the Bible to get the truth that God intended for the original audience. It is not for us to re-interpret by saying things like, “I feel like it is saying to me right now,”

Proverbs 30:5–6“Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His words Lest He reprove you, and you be proved a liar.”

So how do you read the Bible? Some people read the Bible slow only reading a couple of verses each day but I like to read it fast, reading multiple chapters and sometimes whole books each day. I also like to read my Bible with an audio Bible playing at the same time, that way I can hear it with my ears and read it with my eyes and understand it b

When do we read the Bible? We read the Bible whenever we can. This means that we build good habits that strengthen us for hard times

Psalm 119:148“My eyes eagerly greet the night watches, That I may muse on Your word.”

So when do you read the Bible? I like to read it first thing in the morning before I talk to anyone because if I don’t I usually say something I shouldn’t. I read it so that I can get my mind on the Lord before my sinful self starts speaking

Where do we read the Bible? We read the Bible at home and at school at worship and anywhere in between.

Deuteronomy 6:7““You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.”

So where do you read the Bible? I like to read my Bible someplace quiet so I can focus on what I am reading

What do we read in the Bible? We read all of Scripture! All of Scripture is good - even the genealogies

2 Timothy 3:16–17“All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be equipped, having been thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

So what do you read in the Bible? I read all of the Bible but not in order. I read a Proverb each day and a couple of Psalms and a few chapters from the Gospels and then I read some Old Testament Books and New Testament books that way I am soaking in all of Scriptures and not just in one book.

Who do we read in the Bible? All of Scripture ultimately points to Christ and it reveals Him. We read like investigators looking for clues, signs and pictures of Christ.

Hebrews 1:1–2“God, having spoken long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days spoke to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds,”

So who do you read in the Bible? Understanding Christ better so I can share Him better is my goal but I also want to read about other people and their context and why they did what they did so I can do the good things and skip the bad things that they do.

Why do we pray to God?

To speak to Him about what is on our heart