Lecture Notes: Seven Steps for Personal Devotions

Introduction

• Personal devotions/quiet time with God can be confusing, especially for new believers.
• No set way to do it; it's about building a relationship with God.
• Each person may connect with God differently but there are specific steps that can guide everyone.

Step 1: Create a Space for God

• Matthew 6:6: "But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret."
• Jesus taught to pray and connect with God privately.
• Set aside a special place for God to build your relationship with Him.
• Examples: a spot in your backyard, next to your bed, dining table, etc.
• Being intentional about time with God helps build spiritual strength and intimacy.

Step 2: Choose a Reading Plan

• 2 Timothy 3:16: All scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.
• Ephesians 6:17: God's word is the sword of the Spirit for spiritual battles.
• Different reading plans:
  • Four chapters a day (three in the Old Testament, one in the New Testament).
  • Two chapters a day, finishing the Bible in two years.
  • Reading at one's own pace from Genesis to Revelation.
  • Recommended starting with the Gospel of John for beginners.
• Importance of sticking to a reading plan for spiritual growth and strength.

Step 3: Grow in Your Prayer Life

• Matthew 6:9-13: Jesus teaches the Lord's Prayer.
• Prayer should be authentic, not mindlessly repeated.
• Breakdown of the Lord's Prayer:
  • Acknowledge God as Father and respect Him.
  • Dedicate daily activities to God's will.
  • Pray for personal and others' needs.
  • Ask for forgiveness and help in forgiving others.
  • Request strength against temptation and evil.
  • Surrender oneself to God, remembering His glory and power.
• Importance of a sincere and structured prayer routine.

Step 4: Know What You're Applying for the Day

• Matthew 7:24: Hear and do God’s word to build a strong foundation.
• Importance of not just reading but applying God’s word to daily life.
• Suggestion: Use the "Spectrum" acronym to find applications from scripture.
• Ensure to have clear "marching orders" for the day from your devotion.

Step 5: Respond to God in Love

• Romans 5:8: God showed His love by sending Jesus to die for us.
• Don't approach devotions out of obligation but out of love for God.
• Reflect on God's blessings and love to motivate sincere prayer and reading.
• Avoid turning devotional practices into a mere routine without heartfelt connection.

Step 6: Make It a Habit to Connect to God Every Day

• Luke 5:16: Jesus often withdrew to pray.
• Importance of making quiet time with God a daily habit.
• Overcoming busy schedules by prioritizing time with God.
• Daily devotions prepare us for life's challenges (Ephesians 6:13).

Step 7: Learn How Others Follow God

• Ephesians 4:11-12: God gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to equip the church.
• Learn from strong Christians and mentors about their prayer and reading practices.
• Adapting new methods can provide fresh perspectives and deepen your devotion.

Recap of Seven Steps

• Create a space for God.
• Choose a reading plan.
• Grow in your prayer life.
• Know what you’re applying for the day.
• Respond to God in love.
• Make it a habit to connect to God every day.
• Learn how others follow God.

Conclusion

• Following these steps can help deepen your relationship with God.
• Remember that Jesus loves you and desires to connect with you in your quiet time.