Alternate ideas for devotions

[TrustGzus]

Christian book stores usually have a section for "devotional" books. Some of them are good. A lot of them, in my opinion, are fluff.

An alternate idea that I'd like to recommend is reading a commentary or a systematic theology by reading a couple paragraphs or a section per day.

Some recommendations I have would be Warren Wiersbe's commentary on the Bible or a systematic theology by someone like Wayne Grudem, Millard Erickson or Norman Geisler.

Some might be strapped for money. Each of these books I recommended above, if read a couple paragraphs, or a section, at a time, would take years to get through. So if thought of that way, $30 - $60 could spread over many years. It can come down an average of a few dollars per year with one purchase.

Another idea that would be an alternate is to do an audio devotional. For example, J. Vernon McGee's Thru the Bible daily radio program (or podcast now in these days) could be used in place of reading a commentary like Warren Wiersbe's if you don't do well reading. McGee's radio program/podcast is 26 minutes a day and gets you through the Bible in 5 years (plus, you can get this for free). What do you do after you complete it? Do it again! Why? I can't remember everything I heard in the last 5 years.

Actually, one can listen to Wayne Grudem teach through systematic theology for free on itunes also these days. So you can do Bible commentary and systematic theology audibly for free these days. I learn best by a combination of methods. I like audio. I like reading. I do better with both.

I recommend eventually getting through both a book commentary (like Wiersbe) or audio commentary (like McGee) and systematic theology. Doing both of these will really ground you in God's Word. You won't be tossed to-and-fro by every wave of teaching that comes down the pike.

I have found all of these make great devotionals and they ground a Christian in a much deeper knowledge of Scripture than any devotional you can buy off the shelf. I have been blessed for years by doing this. And since I like being blessed, I assume you do too, I thought I'd share something that has benefited me over the years.

[Boo]

Since everyone here has a computer - safe assumption? - I have found a really great source of devotional/educational writings.

Eveyone can download and install Bible Explorer 4 and then purchase the electronic version of:

HARD SAYINGS of the BIBLE by

Walter C. Kaiser, Jr., Peter H. Davids, F. F Bruce, and Manfred T. Brauch

I think there are folks who are aware of my great deal of skepticism of people who write commentaries. I have found little reason to doubt that truth of these writer's articles.

[TrustGzus]

Hard Sayings is a great book (and is a commentary in a sense).

Define what you mean by skepticism of people who write commentaries.

[Boo]

Hard Sayings is a great book (and is a commentary in a sense).

Define what you mean by skepticism of people who write commentaries.

I have a great many books with commentaries in them. Depending on the denomination or background of those who write the commentaries, I see varied opinions on how to take certain verses. I know that they cannot all be true when they disagree, so I have to acertain who is actually understanding the passages and presenting them correctly. It can also be true that all of them are incorrect and that their explanations are slanted along common lines - sort of like a filter. When I say "incorrect," I am referring to the fact that my understanding doesn't agree with their explanations at all. If I am incorrect, I hope that one day my understanding will be corrected.

[TrustGzus]

I agree with everything you said. I wouldn't describe myself as having a "skepticism of people who write commentaries." I love commentaries. But a balanced understanding of them is appropriate. They are not the word of God. The commentary writers are not prophets writing God's word. However, in most cases, they are Spirit-filled children of God, like myself, but more educated than me. They are worth reading. They are worth listening to. It's haughty and prideful to avoid them all together. However, since their writings are not God-breathed, we must realized that they all make errors (just as I do) and I should weigh their words.

That being said, I think we can often just write them off if we don't agree with something. Why don't we write ourselves off more often? Why aren't we sometimes more skeptical of ourselves? Unfortunately, I find Christians are often very haughty and arrogant. When I don't agree with a commentary at some point, I should weigh what they say and I should weigh my own thoughts and examine both carefully. I could be wrong. They could be correct.

Unfortunately, I see this kind of attitude in the forums a lot too. People have their view. They don't agree with another person and then try to trump them with spirituality. I see it all the way from newbies to "leaders".

[Laish]

Hello TrustGzus
You have such a great idea here . Using Grudem's systematic theolgy is my favorite you mentioned .
I have the book an never thought of using in that way , but it is a great fit . The questions at the end of each chapter an the hymns are great .
Also you can buy the book by the subject ( God, the Trinity an so on ) at a lower price , depending on what you want . Thankyou for the great idea .
Your brother in Christ
Bill

[TrustGzus]

I like how Grudem has the hymns and suggested memory verses.

[Boo]

I like how Grudem has the hymns and suggested memory verses.

I also have the Grudem's Systematic Theology book. I do get many ideas and alternate views from books that shape my own beliefs. Once in a while, it is as if the theory hardens into a truth for me, but many times; I find that I need to keep searching.

I recently had decided that I would accept a doctrine that would allow me to agree with most other people and avoid any conflict, but then I was led back into the search. It is as if God told me that my search was not yet over. I wanted so much to accept a common doctrine, but I just can't yet. Believe me, life is much easier when you can agree with the majority. I don't think that is really God's way.

My daily dose of scripture mostly happens when I am searching out truth. It makes my day better.

[aftertheflood]

Might try reading the homilies of the ante-Nicene fathers.

[TrustGzus]

Might try reading the homilies of the ante-Nicene fathers.

Another good idea.

[aftertheflood]

I have a great many books with commentaries in them. Depending on the denomination or background of those who write the commentaries, I see varied opinions on how to take certain verses. I know that they cannot all be true when they disagree, so I have to acertain who is actually understanding the passages and presenting them correctly. It can also be true that all of them are incorrect and that their explanations are slanted along common lines - sort of like a filter. When I say "incorrect," I am referring to the fact that my understanding doesn't agree with their explanations at all. If I am incorrect, I hope that one day my understanding will be corrected.

Consider that a given understanding may be nothing more than a partial or incomplete understanding. It could also be that where one is at in their walk with Christ require them to look at it that way. As an example at any point in time in believers life he or she will either see God as loving and good or they will see Him as the one who inspired fear at Mount Sinai. I like to challenge my students with this - what was sin for Paul may not be sin for me. I say this because a sin for Paul may have been that God had called him to pray x amount of hours in the day whereas I am only called to x-1 hours a day.

And by the way, if you have a smart phone or even a phone from which you can check emails you can sign up for the morning, noon, and evening devotionals of Charles Spurgeon. They will be sent right to your phone. Also the You version bible app has devotionals and there is a daily devotional app as well.

[Boo]

Thanks. I'll look into it.

I have a large book of the teachings of Charles Spurgeon. His ways of presentation are pretty good.