Faith Building & God’s Word

Hear God speak. I’ve found that I often hear something from the Lord while I am praying or reading the Bible. Often referred to as devotions.

Devotions are simple. It is setting aside a certain amount of time to devote yourself to reading God’s Word, writing scriptures, praying, spending time learning about God, reading His Word and praying to Him.

You may do one or more of these things during the day already.

If you desire to hear God speak, or you may have had the thought “God doesn’t speak to me”, then a devotional life is a wonderful way for that to happen.

God promises, and we know that He isn’t a liar (Numbers 23:19) to speak to us. That when we are seeking Him, He will be found, He will speak to us, and He will show us direction for our lives, our day, our situation.

Psalm 22:3 says “You inhabit the praises of your people.”

Jeremiah 33:3 “Call. upon me and I will answer you and show you things that you don’t know.”

Please make sure you get our free Devotion Notes, Planner HERE that is our gift to you to download, print and begin writing in scriptures that will build your faith, change your heart, and change your life!

Isaiah 30:21 says “And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.”

God is speaking. His Word speaks. His voice is in His Word, and we are much more inclined to hear Him when we are seeking Him, praying to Him, focusing our time on Him.

One thing I have found over my lifetime is when I am reading the Bible or praying, that an answer will come to my mind, an idea, a thought, a rerouting of my plans…will come to me as I am praying. I may be praying about something completely different, but a thought will come while I am praying. While I am reading God’s Word.

I remember my mother Betty Mills, telling me early on when I was a teenager, that reading the Bible and praying each day helped keep her steady. Steady in her thoughts and emotions. It was what we would call nowadays part of a ‘wellness routine.’

She made it a point, each morning to read something from God’s Word. Every morning she would pray, read the Bible, drink her coffee, and then start her day. Each day her plans revolved around her devotions.

She also instilled in me a strong resilience based on her faith with the Lord. And she often said:

“We don’t quit,
we don’t give up,
and we never walk away (ever.)
We live for Jesus.”

Betty Mills

Praying and reading the Bible fills you with God’s Words. Both can significantly enhance your spiritual well-being.

1. Morning Prayer:
   • Begin your day with a moment of prayer and thinking about the promises, written Words of God (also called meditating on His Word). Whether it’s before getting out of bed or while you’re getting ready, set a positive tone for the hours ahead.
   • Listen to the Bible on audio, play a sermon in the background, or explore Bible study podcasts on platforms like Spotify.
   • Reflect on scriptures or use devotional guides like She Reads Truth to deepen your connection with God.
2. Biblical Affirmations during Exercise:
   • Infuse your workout routine, stretching, walking with positivity by incorporating Biblical affirmations.
   • What does God say-
   • Repeat verses that inspire strength and resilience. For example, during a challenging run, remind yourself of Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
3. Gratitude Journaling with Scripture:
   • Cultivate a heart of gratitude by incorporating scripture into your journaling practice.
   • Write down Bible verses that express thankfulness and reflect on the blessings in your life.
4. Faithful Mealtime Reflections:
   • Pray over the meal, blessing the food
   • Make your meals meaningful by pausing to reflect.
   • Express gratitude for the nourishment you receive and acknowledge God’s provision.

Remember, consistency is key. Choose a dedicated space and time for your devotions. Whether it’s through reading, prayer, or reflection, daily doing this routine will help you connect with God and nurture your soul.

I am encouraging you to begin your devotions, pick them up again, or continue them in increased measure.

If you think you just don’t have time and you are in a busy season, think about this- Devotions are simply a way of doing things daily that focus your heart, mind and spirit on the things of God, hearing His voice, knowing HIs plan for your life, and bringing order to your day and life.

There is purpose in meeting with God and filling up with everything He offers to fill you up with.

Choose some of these options, try the following ideas –

• Listen to the Bible daily on a Bible app. Listen while driving, eating in the morning, getting ready, putting makeup on, etc. Remind yourself to change an activity to make time for listening. Also you could listen for a few minutes while you wash dishes, make coffee, get dressed, while waiting on kids at sports practice, sitting in traffic, etc.
• Print out, or use pre-made pre-printed scriptures. Tape at eye level so that you see God’s Word routinely. Scriptures that mean something to you that motivate and inspire you. (“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”)
• Change one activity to make time. Exchange 30 minutes by lessening what you watch or the time frame that you normally abide by. Remove one tv show or the news or perhaps scrolling on social media. This exchanges time. 30 minutes that can be spent on reading the Bible, listening to a faith filled message or praise and worship.

God’s Word can change your life, and change you. Making time for devotions or spending time that is purposeful with God will completely change you.

His Word is powerful and can fill you when you are empty and bring restoration to the parts of your soul you feel have been lost.

Father in Jesus Name we give you today. Lead us, guide us, help us see what we need to see, find out what we need to find out, and know the things you have for us. We know that your mercies are new every morning and no good thing do you withhold from them who walk uprightly.(Lamentations 3:23, Psalm 84:11)

Lord we seek you(Matthew 6:33) and thank you that your Word says you will give us the desires of our heart.(Psalm 37:4) We pray that your will would be done in our lives, on earth as it is in heaven.

We pray all these things in the powerful Name of Jesus the Name above every name, the Name that changes everything.
Amen!
To God Be All the Glory!
Debbie (Mills) Booth