DEVOTIONALS |
Read the following ideas to keep a fresh faith this summer (or any time of the year!). Listen for the days, ways, and friends God brings to mind and heart and don’t wait for excitement. Remember from where your strength, hope, and courage comes as you make the most of your Summer with thriving commitment.
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How do you start and end your day?Four things to do instead of scrolling on your phone.
Reading the Bible Reading the Bible is a great way to begin your day. You’ll feed your mind with God’s word before anything happens, which will give you a framework to refer back to throughout the day. You’ll also have the whole day to reflect and meditate on what you have read and learned. Reading the Bible at night is also a good idea – plenty of people already read before sleep, so it’s an easy way to make time for God. Slip in a couple of chapters of Romans before you open Harry Potter. Prayer Praying before your day begins demonstrates dependence on God. You’re giving your goals, fears and dreams about the day to your Creator and Saviour, and letting him calm your worries and help you serve him faithfully throughout the day. A short prayer in the morning will also help you remember to turn to God in prayer throughout the day. Praying at night is a great way to thank God for all the ways he blessed you throughout the day. You can also pray for the people you saw that day. Prayer can also help calm any anxieties you may have that will get in the way of sleep. Cast your burdens onto Jesus and enjoy a peaceful sleep. Get moving Exercise in the morning is not the most appealing thing to me – I hate being cold, my bed is comfy and sport is NOT my thing. However, taking care of our bodies is a way we show respect and thankfulness to God for the life and health he has given us, so working in some exercise each day is important. Starting your day with a short run, following a workout video on YouTube or even just stretching will keep you fit, healthy and prepare you for a day out and about serving God. A healthy breakfast is also a good idea! In the evening, getting active sometime before bed may help you sleep better. Just make sure you take a shower so you don’t make your sheets all sweaty! Talk to someone Who is home when you wake up in the morning? Are your parents getting ready for work? Are your siblings watching TV in the living room? Instead of staying in bed on your phone, get up and go and talk to them. Use the morning to build relationships, encourage your family and, if you’re in a Christian family, you could even pray together for your days. At night, similarly, don’t head off to your room as soon as dinner is over and sit in your cave illuminated by the light of your laptop screen. Engage with those around you. Chat to your siblings, ask your parents how their day was and enjoy the precious time you have with your family. How do you currently start and end your day? What changes could you make to use these hours to better glorify God? ELISABETH CARTER 9 AUGUST 2016, http://fervr.net/teen-life/how-do-you-start-and-end-your-day
http://fervr.net/
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