Hello Lightbrights! I hope you are enjoying your summer and that the last blog tips I provided about planning and prioritizing your spiritual life helped you to navigate your way thru a busy summer!
This week's topic is about spiritual food or lack thereof that seems to be rampant in our churches and Christian lifestyles.
I want to give you some of my favorite resources and devotionals that keep my spirit-man in tip top shape, keeps me growing deeper with God and gives me encouragement. We know that God's Word is God-breathed, Holy Spirit inspired and the ultimate Truth given to the world by God and the Revelation of His Son Jesus Christ. We also know that God moves thru Christian men and women and His universal church body of believers to create other writings, teachings and devotionals that are meant to help us live a set apart life although they do not take precedence over the Holy Bible, they can and do provide aid along this journey. Christian authors can provide great insight into scripture using their knowledge , testimonies and God given abilities or leadership skills.
Before I get into my list of favorites ,I want to encourage you to always pray and consult God for direction and discernment when looking to read other spiritual text outside of the bible. There are many false prophets gone out into the world, and sometimes you may come across readings, books and devotionals that may seem to follow under the umbrella term of "Christian" but really promote new age and self help thought/teachings that are outside of Christ. So be careful and be diligent!
So here's my list of favorites by Category.
Daily Devotional -Jesus in Red: 365 Meditations on the Words of Jesus by Ray Comfort
This is a daily devotional that carries you thru an entire year. It's taken from the red letters in the bible -which are what was recorded as what Jesus said. It's written by Ray Comfort, who worked with Kirk Cameron from Way of the Master , and if you follow any of their Youtube videos or watched their movies, street preaching or the Fireproof series- then you know its sound teaching! There is a devotion for every day along with more to think about for each scripture. You can purchase at your favorite Christian bookstore on online like I did on Amazon: https://a.co/d/f3GG8zf
2. Morning Devotional - Upon Waking Jackie Hill Perry
This morning devotional has become my favorite daily reading. Jackie wrote this devotional to encourage Christians to reach for the Word of God before reaching for our phones, answering emails or starting work. She challenges you to put time spent with God first. It's a great read for any Christian to set aside your time as a first fruit offering given to God everyday, every morning. Jackie has an awesome testimony and is also the author of the book, Gay Girl Good God. She is a great oratory speaker, poet, Christian rapper and preacher! I highly recommend this devotional as it has made a great impact in my morning meditation time with God! Amazon link: https://a.co/d/0xuS034
3. Married Couple Devotional- Time to get serious by Dr. Tony Evans
Tony Evans is a trailblazer in the Christian avenue and has pastored and mentored many in the Word of God, discipleship and sanctified living. This devotional is one my hubby and I like to read as Dr. Tony Evans gets candid about marriage , what God expects of the husband and wife and the respective roles God gave to each. It's a long study and has some great scriptural study, its one you can go back to thru out your marriage for study and counseling. Amazon link: https://a.co/d/dXS4O4L or read on Kindle:https://a.co/d/1mEbUto
4. Teen Girls & Parent Devotional- Worth it! a teen girl's journey to discovering her worth in Christ: a 7 week study brought to you by P31 Fitness by Rachel Curtis (Author), Stephanie Gugelman (Author), Sherri Van Fleet (Author), Larissa Baker (Author), Brenda Cicchini (Illustrator), Hillary Grigel (Contributor)
This study is a candid look at all the pressure our children especially young girls are up under of what society says they should look like , act like or aspire to be. It combats these negative false intentions with the Word of God instilling what and who God says they are. This study comes with a book for the teen girl and a facilitator guide for the parent(s) with great questions and dialogue to use while doing the study. We have our study every Saturday morning before we get into having fun like shopping or doing chores. It gives scriptural reference and is not a boring read. It keeps your attention and you and your teens will learn a lot about themselves and the word of God. Amazon link: https://a.co/d/fZAarv7
5. The Bible App
If you don't know where to turn or what you should be reading, start with a good bible app.
There are various devotionals you can add to your daily bible reading. Most bible apps even have a feature where you can study along with friends in your contact list or other people . You can pick a simple study devotional or one that goes deeper into the doctrines of Christianity. The bible app devotional is a good place to start for new converts or babes in Christ! Download you app of choice thru the Apple or Google store on your mobile device!
As mentioned there are so many resources on line, at the bookstore and even daily devotionals you can join on Youtube. You must make it a habit to feed your spirit man to prevent stagnant growth, deceptions and a lack luster Christian lifestyle. God knows we sometimes have busy lifestyles but we don't get a pass because of that to not spend time with Him. Praying along with studying His word must be a need and not a nuisance.
Whatever you feed is what will get stronger and grow.
If you fill up your time with senseless TV, derogatory movies and books, gossip and debauchery and partying , laziness and selfish acts- then expect to see that type of fruit in your life. Expect to be lukewarm and under spiritual attack from the enemy constantly.
Basically --expect to lose, to be fearful, unproductive and fruitless.
God has saved us for good works, to advance His kingdom, to be fruitful and a light shining to the nations and unbelievers.
You are showing up to a fight with a knife while the enemy has a gun if you are ignorant of the Word and God's expectation for you life.
I encourage you to find and commit to a daily devotional, prayer life and reading the bible to watch your life change and to deepen your relationship with Jesus.
He will meet you right where you are, YOU just have to show up!
Until next time,
Keep Shining!
Kee Isadore
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