Everyone knows that encouraging words produce good results in marriage. Our sincere compliments help fuel our physical and emotional closeness. Yet many times we ignore the profound impact encouraging words have on the spiritual dimension of our relationships.

The purpose of spiritual intimacy is not just so we can become closer spiritually as a couple, but also so that we can build up and encourage each other with the Word of God.

The most practical way to get those encouraging words (the Word of God) on the inside of us is through daily devotions.

So what is the most "spiritual" way to do devotions?

There isn't one.

Devotions are not about methodology (when you do them, how much time you spend, or how much you read). Devotions are all about what you bring into your daily living.

Joshua 1:8 tells us that if we keep the Word of God (encouraging words) in our mouths and meditate on them day and night, then we will be prosperous and successful.

How can we meditate on the Word if we can't even remember what our devotions were about?

When Stephanie and I began getting "manna" each day, our devotional time really came alive.

What Is Manna?
In the Old Testament, manna is the bread from heaven that God sent to the children of Israel when they were in the wilderness. God instructed them to gather manna everyday. (Read Exodus 16).

What is manna today and in the New Testament? Jesus tells us in John 6:31-58, we are to gather manna from heaven everyday.

The only difference is that our manna is the Word of God—spiritual food instead of physical food. (Read Deut. 8: 2-3 and John 6:31-58 and see how Old Testament manna is compared to the Word of God.)

How Do We Gather Manna Daily?
  • Pray and ask God to show you something in His Word before you read it. He's sure to answer this prayer every time.
  • Condense what you've read down to one verse that you can hold on to all day long.
  • Remember the verse. Write it down on a note card if you have to, and read it throughout your day.
  • Share it. This will help you remember it because once you've explained it to someone else, it drops into your heart and becomes more alive to you.
  • Pray it. The Word of God carries anointing and is powerful when combined with faith and spoken out.
These five steps are sure to maximize your devotional time. Start getting manna today!


Bloom Church
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