SUSAN BURLINGAME Become More Devotional Instructions

SUSAN BURLINGAME Become More Devotional

HOW TO STRENGTHEN YOUR FAITH WITH A DAILY DEVOTIONAL

What is a devotional?’ was a question asked of me when I gifted one of my first edition copies of “Become More” to a relative. I was surprised to hear this question, having grown up reading devotional books. In case you are asking the same question, a devotional is a short reading or Biblical passage, accompanied by commentary, designed to strengthen the reader’s faith and beliefs.

My first experience with a devotional book came from my childhood. My grandfather gifted me the delightful hardcover illustrated book, “Hello, Sunshine!” by Barbara Kunz Loots with illustrations by Betsey Clark, that my mother used to read to me. The book included the wisdom of the Old Testament book of Proverbs, wrapped up in charming and heart-warming passages from the Bible. Now and then, I read this book for inspiration.

More recently, I took up reading an annual, daily Christian devotional book for five years. Each year’s book included a verse of scripture from the Bible and a couple of paragraphs of commentary. Over time, I noticed that as I would read, I often picked apart the writings, taking my notes in the devotional, and expanding on the commentary I was reading. Then, when the COVID pandemic started, the devotional book was discontinued. At this time, I sensed God was nudging me to dig deeper and write my commentary.

Thus began the process of my writing the devotional book, “Become More.” Initially, I started writing devotionals for myself, just to see what would happen. Once I shared a week’s worth of daily devotionals with my mother – who was living with us at the time – she encouraged me to keep writing. As I was writing more, she encouraged and challenged me to go further. Through this process, I transformed my writing of encouraging non-fiction (through my first book, “Kick-Ass Corporate Wife”) to become a writer of inspirational, faith- based content. Thus became my Christian-based book, “Become More, a 21-Day Daily Devotional.”

This guide is intended to help those new to devotionals or provide new ways to connect with God for those with an established practice. While each devotional may not seem impactful, when you set aside time with God each day, the cumulative effect will lead to personal growth and a deeper connection with your faith. I am honoured to be part of your journey to a deeper relationship with God and help guide you through the inspiring process.

Become More Devotional Resource List

It’s easy for me to think that I have to start my day with a lot of reading of scripture or spend a lot of time in a devotional, but that is not always possible or necessary, due to time and schedule restraints. Those times when I can get to spend more devotional time are great, don’t get me wrong. But sometimes, it’s simply a few words from a Bible verse, that I “pause and consider” and create some application for the day, that gets me back up on my feet to start my day and direct my prayers so that my day starts covered in prayer.

A perfect example is today’s verse I read in 1 Corinthians 16:3. “Stand firm. . .Be strong. Be courageous.” After reading this, my takeaway was that I can simply stand firm in the midst of all that is going on around me today. Some resources I use often, some of which are mentioned in the back of my Become More Devotional are as follows:

Bibles

• The Hope For Today Bible (NLT)
• The Alabaster Bibles, particularly the Book of Psalms and The Book of Proverbs
• The Tree of Life Family (TLV) Bible
• www.Biblegateway.com
• www.Bible.com

Journals

• The “Come Hope To Hope” 2023 Planner
• Franklin Planner
• Living Your Best Year Ever Journal by Darren Hardy

Commentary

• Halley’s Bible Handbook by Henry

Halley

• The Tony Evans Bible Commentary, Advancing God’s Kingdom Agenda

Ways to Strengthen Your Faith with a Daily Devotional

1. When starting your devotional practice, establish a structure or schedule, be it daily, weekly, or monthly to encourage consistent growth. For my daily practice, I like to read first thing in the morning, preferably before I turn on the TV or look at my cell phone. If you’re like me, you may need to set an alarm to wake up a half hour earlier each day. Whatever time you decide, create a quiet and peaceful environment where you can focus without distractions. I like to sit in a chair with a view of the outdoors while drinking my morning coffee. I treat this time as a sacred practice to help me fully immerse myself through reading and reflection.
2. Read slowly and mindfully with a Bible. Rather than rushing through “Become More,” take your time to read each passage and reflect slowly and attentively. I recommend a few of my favourite Bibles and translations in the devotional. In addition, you can also refer to some great Bible apps for quick and easy reading. As stated in the Artist Introduction in the Alabaster Book of Proverbs, “The Hebrew word for Wisdom is Chokmah, and it isn’t just wisdom that you develop by attaining intellectual knowledge. Chokmah is used to describe a skilled artisan, who puts wisdom to work and is herself being developed.” “Become More” is meant to be a devotional that doesn’t necessarily make you smarter, but like a skilled artisan, enables you to be transformed by the scriptures through the renewing of your mind and heart.
3. Journal and take notes — write down reflections, insights, or questions that arise while reading. You can record how the impact of the reading on your thoughts, emotions, or actions in specific lined areas in the devotional. As you look back and reflect on your writings, you will have a personal record of your process to “Become More.” Stay open, receptive, and prayerful throughout the process, allowing your daily devotional time to inspire, challenge, and transform your mind and heart.

About “Become More”
The purpose of “Become More” is to provide you with a means to start the practice of creating a habit of reading the Bible so that you can become more of the person that God created and called you to be. Although you can choose how you decide to read through “Become More,” the devotional is structured to be read daily for 21 days, so that you can create a habit of cultivating a deeper relationship with God, understand biblical principles, and live out your faith in your daily life.

“Become More” offers a way to incorporate reflection and prayer each day, with room to write down any insights or encouragement. “Become More” provides guidance and support in navigating life’s challenges while seeking spiritual growth and fulfilment.

In addition to providing spiritual nourishment and guidance, I hope that “Become More” can also foster a sense of community among believers. The devotional includes stories, quotes, and anecdotes from many Christians who are still with us and some who have gone to Heaven before us.

These quotes and anecdotes serve as a source of encouragement, inspiration, and support for those of us who are busy, yet want to start our day on the right foot, deepen our understanding of the Bible, learn how other Christians have walked with God and lived out our Christian beliefs daily. “Become More” of the person God created and called you to be! Order your copy of the Become More Devotional and strengthen your faith and relationship with God.

References

• Become More Devotional
• Read the Bible online. A free Bible on your phone, tablet, or computer. | The Bible App | Bible.com
• BibleGateway.com: A searchable online Bible in over 150 versions and 50 languages.

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