This continues a series of reflections on personal devotions written by individuals from many different walks of life. This reflection was written by Robin Block, a wife and mother.
Devotions and Consistency:
I learned over the years that it’s easier to stay consistent in devotions when I had accountability to someone else, e.g., a friend, family member. You can do it together in person, or just report back and forth between you and a friend (or group).
Devotions: What to Read or Listen to:
The Bible
It can be easier to read a devotional than the Bible itself. As a young person, I read devotionals to the exclusion of the Bible. My dad would tell me devotionals are fine, but not to the neglect of just reading the Word, itself. The Word has power!
Reading through the Psalms is a good place to start. The Reformation Heritage KJV Study Bible is great. It includes notes about each verse and thoughts for personal worship after every chapter.
Books
Faith Made Perfect, by Prof. Hanko, is an easy selection. It’s a very readable commentary on James and applies so much to the ups and downs of our personal lives.
I Believe, by Prof. Hoeksema is a book of radio messages he made on the Reformed Witness Hour about the Apostles Creed. The chapters are short and very easy to read.
Reading increases knowledge. Having knowledge equips you for warfare.
Podcasts and Sermons
Sometimes I listen to the previous Sunday’s sermons to get it down better in my mind. Besides sermons, Prof. Gritters’ recent class on church discipline is good as are Hope PRC’s podcasts on divorce and remarriage.
Devotions and Prayer Life
For prayer, I keep a scribbled list of people and things to pray for. I start a new list every month. This way I remember the things I mean to remember. Use your bulletin as a guide for who and what to pray for.
Remember in your devotional life that there’s nothing about you God doesn’t know, so don’t hold back confessing your sins, your heartache, your weakness. Remember God promises His grace and holy spirit to those who sincerely ask Him for them.
Encouragement
Don’t give up because you think you can’t do it right, or because you always fail. The devil wants you to quit. Keep starting over. Ask God to help you be more disciplined and purposeful about devotions, and He will!
By Robin Block
Young Calvinists 