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Mark Stouder

The Discipline of a Devotional Life

Updated: Mar 24, 2023

So, for our term’s devotion will mean setting aside time for prayer, reading God's

Word, meditation of God’s word, confession, worship, and repentance.


My belief is that there is no “right way or time” for devotions that overshadows

the act of the will to just do it. Don’t get caught up with the how but get caught up

with the “actually doing it”. Again, it’s more important to just start doing it. As

you practice doing it you can “tune it” to get more out of it and spend longer

periods of time with God.


First and foremost, ask God to help you to start doing it on a consistent basis- God

doesn’t want you to work off an obligation checklist – he wants to spend some

time with you. How would you feel if your spouse or friend just wanted to say

"hi" out of obligation rather than actually wanting to spend time with you? If God

changes your heart and gives you a desire for a devotional life then it will happen.


The benefits of a devotional life are far-reaching bringing...

Revival of the soul -Psalm 19:7

Wisdom to navigate this life -Psalm 19:7 and Psalm 119:97,98

An increase of our Faith -Romans 10:17


I have personally noticed these benefits in me. An increase in peace in my life and a decrease in anxiety. More joy is experienced throughout the day.


Honestly my relationships are more meaningful and better. Overall mood changer – more upward less gloomy- Less fear in my life about the future.


My ability as a man to lead my family overwhelmingly enhanced. Listening to God's still small voice in my devotions has “slowed” me down to appreciate more of life.


There is not one negative thing in my life that I have experienced caused by my

devotional life- now what bill of goods can say that? – and it's free not costing any

money.


What does it cost? – Time in the day- but honestly, we waste so much time in

our entertainment involving screen time- so just exchange and then doesn’t even

cost any more time in the day.


I personally do it a minimum of 3 times per day – short time periods of maybe 30

minutes each – which started out as 5 minutes – but then grew as my desire

grew- now granted there are times when I miss- but I miss it.


I think it's important to have an uninterrupted quiet place- in my noon time – I close

my office door and have worship music going in the background- the other times

are at home- it's ok to allow your kids and wife to see you in your devotions as well,

or in a private place- again this is all up to you the important thing is just DO it!


I have had worship music playing while driving when I just broke out into

praising God. Driving can for me be a devotional time – especially long drives

It has been said that if the devil can’t make you bad, he will make you busy- and

distract you! If you need an accountability partner I would love to be one with you. Dave and

Brandon are accountability partners and each morning keeping in touch regarding

the scripture they read each morning. Brandon has told me how much this has

helped. Sean and I have just recently been praying for our sons together checking

in with each other every day to see how it went. Two-fold benefit the accountability plus I am getting to know Sean more as a person.


How much of a better life do you really want? Or do you just want to complain

and blame others? –It's time to grow up and become a man of influence for Jesus-

to lead well thru a servant’s heart – Devotions are key to unlocking this in your life

and cooperate with the Holy Spirit to empower you!


Let’s be the man God created us to be – it's time!!

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