THE RIGHT REASON FOR YOUR DEVOTION
Why do we have and maintain a daily devotion with the Lord? This is to engage God in our daily activities, to know His mind and plan for our day and to ensure that we stay connected to Him each new day (see John 15:1-8). It also enable us to function with the truth, or from the standpoint of the Word. Daily devotion is a spiritual discipline or practice that grants us a daily update with God's Word and a divine guidance in the midst of the tasks and endeavours of life.
Reference: Romans 15:4 Amplified Bible (AMP) 'For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope and overflow with confidence in His promises.'
The Scriptures we engage in our daily devotions are for instructions that help us to consider God's way an walk in it. Those instructions encourage us to have faith in God and demonstrate our confidence in His Word as we handle our daily tasks.
Having a Daily devotion is the most wonderful way to focus our time and attention on seeking God's plan for the day. Its a time to renew our mind with God's Word because the Bible says, 'Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:2 NIV). You must understand that your daily devotion is necessary for your spiritual growth and so, you must be motivated to do it. This implies that how you do it matters. You have to undertake it with the proper attitude. This is because, in God’s eyes, why you do something is far more important than what you do. So the Scriptures must be present with you (and your devotional guide, if you have one).
The Scriptures contain true stories rooted in historical events and people who actually existed. For instance, prophet Samuel is one of the old testament prophets mentioned in the Scriptures. God told him on one occasion, saying, "The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7 NIV). That means, It is quite possible to have your devotion but with the wrong manner.
Whenever you meet with God, you must approach Him the right motive and attitude. You must be full of anticipation and eagerness. You must be expectant. If your motive is not addressed, or if your attention is divided, you can start out by addressing the motive or attention with God. Tell Him how you feel and expose the wrong motive before Him. Then expect to have a good time of fellowship with Him and to receive His blessing in return. Don't rush your time of devotion with God. Don't do it just to fulfil all righteousness. For example, if you have a time for fellowship with God and you know its a fixed time. If its an hour devotion, you may start praying and looking at the time to know when to get done or wishing the time runs fast so you can conclude. With such attitude, your concentration or attention is not properly focused on the reason and expectation for your devotion because you're more concerned about the time.
Look at David's attitude towards his devotion: O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you (Psalm 63:1 NLT). This is the right attitude. He longed to have it. Don’t rush God’s presence; be prepare to have a heart connection with Him by ensuring that you clear away the thoughts of the world from your mind and closet.
You are meeting with the Creator, the Maker of heaven and earth, and the King of kings. Its wise to decide before times of devotion that you will do anything and everything to clear the distraction and make it count (Habakkuk 2:20 NIV), and that you'll exercise faith to receive all that God wants you to receive (Hebrews 11:6 ESV).
Scripture Reading - Joshua 1:8; Proverbs 3;1-2; James 1;22-27; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Revelation 1:3.
Guided Prayer: Heavenly Father, Its a privilege to meditate on your precepts and consider your ways every day through my devotional times with you. I delight in your decrees; therefore I will not neglect your word. By your spirit, I'm conditioned to set my eyes and heart on you afresh through my devotions. Thank you for renewing my mind and filling my heart with your peace and joy, as I engage your presence daily, in Jesus' Name, Amen!
