Sermon by Mike Smith

1. Private Devotions

2. Many Examples of Private Devotions Great men of God are noted for such devotions… Isaac… Gen. 24:63 David… Psalm 55:17; 63:6 Daniel… Dan. 6:10 Jesus Himself… Sought to do so early and late Mk 1:35; Lk 6:12 Taught disciples to pray in secret Mt 6:6

3. Why Have Private Devotions? To draw near to God!!! James 4:8 God is drawn to those who seek Him… David to Solomon… 1 Chron 28:9 Azariah to King Asa… 2 Chron 15:2 To receive spiritual nourishment… Mt. 4:4 Spiritual growth comes from the word of God… 1 Pet. 1:23; 22 God’s word provides spiritual strength… Eph. 6:10-17; Ps. 119:7-11

4. Why Have Private Devotions? To find peace and stability… Prayer supplies the antidote for anxiety… Phil. 4:6-7 God is our rock and we’re to go to Him for help… Hebrews 4:16 God’s word keeps us from falling… Ps. 119:105; 165

5. How To Have Personal Devotions Find a time and place… Time will vary for individuals – early bird or night owls Place also will vary for different people… May prefer outdoors like Jesus… Mark 1:35 Or inside as Jesus said in Mt. 6:6 It’s best to develop a habit, time and place being the same each day.

6. How To Have Personal Devotions Engage in prayer, meditation on God’s word, and praise! Approach God in prayer… With thanksgiving… Col. 4:2 Confess your sins… 1 Jn. 1:9 Make supplication for your needs… Phil. 4:6 Intercede on behalf of others… 1 Tim. 2:1-2

7. How To Have Personal Devotions Meditation: contemplate on things like The Lord himself… Ps. 63:6 His wonderful works… Ps. 77:12 His revealed word… Ps. 119:15, 23, 48, 97-99, 148 Things that are wholesome, praiseworthy… Phil. 4:8 Praise God in Song: A natural response to joy in the heart… James 5:13 Making melody in your heart… Eph. 5:19

8. Your Personal Relationship with God: Got Jesus? Gal. 2:20 The most important personal decision you’ll ever make is to become a Christian! Acts 16:30 Jesus blood can glue you back together from what sin has tore apart. Isa. 59:1-2; Eph. 1:7 How? Hear the gospel Rom. 10:17 believe it Heb. 11:6 repent of sin Acts 2:38 confess Jesus Rom. 10:10 Be baptized 1 Pet. 3:21; Acts 22:16