In my last post, The Beginning, I talked about the start of my relationship with God. I included some techniques that I use in my devotion but I didn’t go into depth about it. I want to touch on it just in case you’re looking to incorporate different methods into your devotion. However, I want to make a disclaimer that you don’t have to do any of these because it all depends on you. It’s important to be yourself and authentic with God; that’s when you will experience your true relationship with Him. With that being said, here are some ways that can help build a foundation with God.
Prayer:
Prayer is communication! It doesn’t have to be this dramatic and drawn out prayer. It’s simply a moment of showing adoration and gratitude. You also can use this time to confess to God when you’ve fallen short or need Him to intercede in any situation. It’s a way of asking for His hand of protection around you and your loved ones. Bring everything that’s on your heart and give it to Him. He is the only one that truly cares and can turn your darkness into light.
And something to remember! You don’t have to just pray morning or night. Pray throughout your day! I invite the Holy Spirit into everything that I do because it is His wisdom and knowledge that walks me through everything.
Reading the Bible:
Prayer and reading your Bible are the two most important services you can do. The Bible shows us how to live our life the righteous way by principles, but prayer allows you to ask God for revelation on His EXACT will for your life. Keep in mind, this world is always changing and the ways of thinking are constantly persuaded, but God never changes and His word will always remain the same.
Worship Music:
Create a playlist of your favorite worship music and just let it play. Whether you’re just cleaning up. Fill your atmosphere with praises to Him and allow God to come in the midst of whatever you’re doing.
Read Old Sermons:
This is important because we write things down but most times don’t go back to them. I’m guilty of that! But we can’t do that with sermons because if we took the time to write it down it must be important. Sermons are part of our teachings and it takes multiple times to read, for it to be embedded in our mind and hearts to practice everyday since it’s easy to fall back into old habits.
Ex: take 15 mins out of your day to read back this month’s sermons.
Movie Date:
This is something I wish I started at the beginning because it makes me excited. I love the thought of a movie date with God alone. It’s another way of making time for God. We are so quick to go on dates with our partner, friends, or family. Why not do that for God?
Keep in mind, I don’t just pick any movie. It’s Christian and faith based movies that I go through. You can easily go to Netflix, type in Christian, and a whole list of movies pop up. I find the movie that I feel drawn to and ask God for the lesson that He wants me to learn or at least one advice that I can take away and apply to my life. Once the movie is over I pray again or write about what I learned/what touched me.
Suggestions to get you started:
- God bless the broken Road
- Greater
- Interview with God
Sacrifice/Fast:
Fasting is a way to sacrifice to God. I want you to remember that fasting isn’t always about getting something physically out of God. For example, for the month of March I deleted my Instagram and for one week I deleted all socials. I needed God to bring back my focus because I got off course. I also asked God for help with emotions and cleansing my heart. As the month ended I saw small changes and it reminded me that God is doing something in me even in small ways. Don’t overlook the small changes!
Sometimes it’s not food that we need to sacrifice. Give up those pleasurable things and replace it with more time with God. You can do a fast on whatever you feel led to give up or what He tells you to do. Have faith that He will do it and watch God move.
Gratitude:
Every morning or at one point in the day just tell God what you are grateful for. We often forget the little things or provisions from God in our daily life that go unnoticed or we take for granted.
Like:
- Breath in our bodies
- Walk
- Talk
- Sight
- Sunlight
- Bed
- Water
- Clothes
And the list goes on!
There are many ways you can include God in your day. I know starting off you feel that pressure of not really knowing how to devote your time. That’s okay; take your time! And if you’ve been on a journey just want to try something new, this is also great for you too! If you have a technique that you use, comment down below. I’m always open to new ways too.
Talk to you soon, Key Lashaye🖤
