Daily Devotions

"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord." 1 Peter 3:15

Today i went to starbucks, because i cant seem to get anything done at home. My computer itself is more than enough to distract me. So i actually got to dig into God's Word and journal. I often forget how essential daily devotions are. Spending quality 1 on 1 time with God draaamatically changes our mind set and replenishes our weary hearts. So often do we leave our homes without starting the day off right with Him. So often do we forget to acknowledge His incredible love n grace. If we say we love Him, shouldn't we therefore live and obey Him?

So today I am once again reminded of the high importance of spending time with my God. This seems to be a reoccurring lesson im supposed to learn. We can so easily say and commit to things, and yet it can be so difficult to actually walk them out daily. Ive really been struggling to set time aside for God because my heart has been distracted by too many other responsibilities, hobbies and comforts. I seem to make time to eat, sleep, do hw, go exercise, hang with friends, and watch my fav tv shows and yet i dont nearly put enough focus on what i claim is my greatest treasure. If we truly say we desire Him, then why can't we set aside time for Him?

Our hearts are constantly in a battle between the flesh and the spirit. Have you ever noticed how easily our desires can change? Our deepest and greatest desire should be what motivates us and overrides all other desires right? Im not saying we need to be perfect, because we all fail at that. But im suggesting that we strive for holiness, because He who called us to be holy set the perfect example. By pushing to grow into His likeness, we will definitely mature and strengthen in our faith. And one day God will perfectly direct our hearts on what they were created to worship.

Here are 4 key aspects of keeping Christ the center and abiding in Him. Fellowship with Him, includes God's Word and Prayer. Fellowship with others includes, Discipleship and Evangelism.
God's greatest two commandments we're to love Him and love others. We can't really obey one of them and not the other. The two come hand in hand.

In our relationship to Him, it's important to put emphasis on prayer slash worship and on His never failing Word, the Bible. God's voice becomes so much clearer when we train our minds to listen and recognize the sound of His voice. Secondly, our relationship with Christians and non-believers will also refine our faith. Discipleship by other leaders, accountability from friends, and pouring into other believers helps us to grow more than we imagine. Evangelizing which can often be scary, is something that i specifically need to work on. But before Doing, we must recognize the importance of Being. Because we are absolutely useless when we're running on empty and dry of the Holy Spirit. But when we're seasoned in His Word and in prayer, we become so much more fruitful in sharing God's love with others.

So perhaps we need to stop and reflect on where we stand with God. Perhaps we need to reorganize our priorities. Perhaps we'll find ourselves in dire need of the Lord, and realize how lost we are without Him. Perhaps this is a time to start taking our walk more seriously.

"Come near to God and he will come near to you." James 4:8