The Importance Of Private Devotions (Part I)

   You may attend public worship faithfully, but do you also take the time to do daily devotions by yourself? Private devotions are the hint to having a better relationship with our Lord and Savior.  Great men of God were noted in the bible doing private devotions. 
Genesis 24:63 speaks of Issac...."And Isaac went out to meditate in the field in the evening; and he lifted his eyes and looked, and there, the camels were coming." 
Psalm 55:17 speaks of David...."Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice." 
Psalm 63:6 also speaks of David...."On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night." 
Daniel 6:10 speaks of Daniel...."Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before."
The Son of God even engaged in private devotions throughout his time here on earth. 
Mark 1:35 speaks of Jesus...."Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed."
Luke 6:12 speaks of Jesus...."One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God."
Jesus instructed the disciples to pray to their heavenly father while alone.
Matthew 6:6 speaks of this...."But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
So why should you take part and do private devotions?
By doing private devotions, you can draw nearer to God.
James 4:8 speaks of this...."Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
By doing private devotions, you can also receive spiritual nourishment.
Matthew 4:4 speaks of this...."Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."
Spiritual nourishment comes from the Word of God.
1 Peter 1:23 speaks of the seed...."For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God."
1 Peter 2:2 speaks of spiritual growth...."Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation."
Private devotions will give you spiritual strength.
Ephesians 6:10-17 speaks of this strength in armor...."¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."
Do you want a stronger spiritual life, and a closer walk with God? Then engage in private devotions! ***Check back in at www.jesusstillsaves.blogspot.com tomorrow for Part II!***