Devotions 101: Getting Closer to Jesus

#4 Preparation

Get all your materials and Bible ready! Preparing everything you will need beforehand is one way to save time and effort looking for things when you need it. You can organize your materials the night before by placing them all in one place on the table or keep the materials in a small cart. If you want to have devotions outside of your home, you can pack all your materials in a bag or backpack to have them handy anytime.

Here is an example list of essential materials for your Devotions with God. Let us start with the basics that everyone should have:
1. The Bible- We will know God's character and learn about the gospel by reading His Word. The Bible renews your mind and transforms you to know God's will. Having good and solid foundation helps you to remain steady in the face of challenges because your moral beliefs are grounded in biblical truth.

The common Bible translations to start with is NIV or ESV. The New International Version (NIV) has a thought by thought translation suitable for reading, memorizing, and preaching. The English Standard Version (ESV) has a word for word accuracy which is the literal translation of the original Hebrew text.

If you want to interact and closely look into the biblical text, there are Bibles that have wide margins on the sides where you can write your sermon notes, verse notes, or personal notes.

2. Journal Notebook- If you do not have a journaling Bible with wide margins, a good quality notebook is another alternative to write your Bible study notes, your interpretation of the text, and everything that God has been speaking in your heart. Having a separate notebook can help you go back and reread all previous notes and realize what and how God has been changing you through the course of time. Journal notebooks are fun because it does not just require you to make comprehensive Bible notes like a student revising for exams but you get to meet and encounter God whenever you study His Word.

Expressing your personal thoughts can be helpful as you read verses that may relate to what you are going through because you get to see how different characters respond to the same situations. There is no limit in writing your reflections and interpretations about the verses or chapters in your own notebook. You will be surprised after some time and you go back to previous notes, you will realize how God grows your faith and transforms you to be like His Son.

3. Pen- In order to turn your thoughts into words, a pen should be ready anytime. Using one or mutlicolored pens depends on you. The color and type of pen does not really matter because you choose according to your preference. What matters is that the pen writes smoothly and the ink dries faster so that it does not mark on the next page. Extra pens on hand are also helpful in case you run out of ink in the middle of your Devotions.

These three are the most basic and important materials which everyone should not forget. With the Bible, a notebook, and a pen, you can start studying God's Word anytime and anywhere. However, there are more materials on this list that can level up your Devotions and make your Devotions with God more creative and encouraging.