devotions

I have to admit something.  Can I do that?  Is that ok?  I truly admit that I feel extremely blessed to be doing what I am doing for this season of my life.  Here is what I mean.  Every morning I have a tremendous opportunity to teach Bible classes at our school, I also get to pray for specific needs that are represented by the students in the class!  Great stuff (that would never happen in a public school)!  But here is what I really love, I absolutely love to give morning devotions in my classes.  I really enjoy this time because I am able to impart some “Jesus” into students who are searching and seeking the truth.  But here is my thought, If I am giving, giving, giving everyday, where am I getting this stuff from?  I know, I know, you are thinking…dduuuhhh, the Bible!  Well, of course the Bible, but on what grounds am I getting this information?  Is it knowledge from my head?  Is it old stuff that I have stored away in the archives?  Is it just read off of the good ole black and white (sometimes red)?  Is it borrowed from someone else?  Where am I really getting this information that I am giving?  What I am about to tell you is why I feel so blessed to hold this ministry during this season.  As I am growing in my PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP with God, I feel so blessed that I can share with my students, not just knowledge, not just black and white, not just information about God, but I am giving to them what has already been given to me!  My ministry is based on God’s ministry to me!  This is revolutionary because without God ministering to me, I have nothing to give except the information, the knowledge and the stories.  My devotional time is so important to me, but it is equally, if not more important to my students.  If their teacher isn’t spending quality time with God on a regualr basis, then all they are getting is fluff.

As leaders and spiritual leaders, we must be able to take our own advice.  We can’t just teach and preach, “Spend time with God” and not do it ourselves.  Our personal devotion time is extremely important!  Why?  Because those we are ministering to depend and rely on us giving them what we have already been given!  How can you possibly give, if you have nothing ‘real’ to give!  I want you to view your life as a cup.  As you are filling your cup (aka…your life), your goal should be to fill your cup up with God everyday!  Once your cup is filled then you will be given more and that is your overflow (picture your cup overflowing).  You see, your overflow is your ministry.  But your ministry can’t happen unless your cup is filled.  So if we want to give to others or overflow into their lives, we consistently must be filling our life with the promises and the Word of God.

As I said, I am so blessed to be able to give what God is giving to me every single day!  It is exciting to challenge people in ways that I have been challenged.  It is exciting to see my cup overflowing and touching people’s lives because of my hunger for God and His Word!  Your devotions (aka…time with God) is so important.  Remember, you aren’t the only person who is depending on that time, so are the people you influence daily!