Lately...

My girlfriend and I have started a devotional together, appropriately named, Devotions for Dating Couples.  I love that she wants to be join me in sharing God's Word together.  It has been beneficial for both of us.  We just finished a week on simplicity, which is never long enough.  The week before that was on God's Word.  Every time I read about the need for abiding in God's word I long for his presence.  His word strikes my heart in areas that I just go with flow of life, contrary to His word and His will.  I always get confronted with these questions that are always answered when I intentionally involve myself in the word.

First, how do I know God's will?  His will is found in the word. Through scripture, prayer, and wise counsel, we can know what God desires for our lives.  In the 66 books of the bible, we can know that his will for us is to immerse ourselves in His Word.

Second, what are benefits of being in the Word?  The list is so exhaustive, but here are some of those benefits:  Food.  Rest.  Comfort and Confidence (John 14); Satisfaction (Psalm 37:4).  So many things.

Third, some of this stuff hurts, how do I get through it?  It is a fact that God's word is powerful, and it does cut like a surgeon's scalpel.  (Hebrews 4:12-14) But the benefit though, is found in the same chapter, where we have a high priest who has been through what we have, and he can help us navigate through life with mercy and grace.  AMEN!

So, how do you get started?  Pick a good bible. Ask your pastor or group leader (Sunday School or small group leader) about a good translation.  There some really good devotional materials on the internet.  Some really good ones are at youversion.com  They have reading plans that are easy to navigate and they keep up to date for you.  What happens if you miss a day?  What do you when you fall down?  Get back up!  Same thing here.  Just because you miss a moment doesn't mean you're condemned forever.  Just stay in touch with our friend (John 15:13) regularly.  Isn't that how you maintain friendships with folks you attend church now, right?  It's the same principle.  Lastly, commit to memorizing scripture.  You will find benefits that last lifetimes--right, I said LIFETIMES.  What a legacy to leave your children!  Read Psalm 119 and look at the benefits for the Psalmist.  It's amazing.

Thank you for indulging me, Dear Reader.  I hope I've been able to share something that will help you in your walk.

I really liked this prayer from  the book, Devotions for Dating Couples:


Dear God,


You are strong and mighty.  You are holy and pure.  There are no other gods above you. You know when I sit down and when I rise.  You know every word I speak before I even utter a sound.  You have planned every day of my life before I was born.  You are everywhere present.


God, you are so gracious to give us the Bible, which is the only true story of who You are and how You have provided a way for us to know You through Your son, Jesus Christ.  Thank You for the promises and power I receive when I study and apply Your Word to my life.  Teach me on a daily basis what the Bible is saying and how to make that a reality in my job and relationships.  Help me to hide Your Truth in my heart and strengthen me during times of temptation.


Give me the diligence to read Your Word consistently, and may I seek to discover Your will for my life as I turn the pages.  I affirm that Your Word is right, true, and pure. May my mind be transformed by the power of the Spirit as I soak in the Scriptures.  I pray that I will learn to feed on the promises found in the Bible, so Your words will truly be my bread.


In the name of Jesus.  AMEN