Going through seminary, students are taught to study the Bible and uphold its doctrines about God while also being encouraged not to neglect their devotional times with God. Yet during my own devotional time I, and probably many others, often ask, “Is this approach the best way to grow spiritually, or is there a better way? What could I do differently? Should I incorporate my studies with my devotions?”
Each week, I ask a different scholar two questions about how he or she spends time with the Lord and continues to love him with all their mind, strength, and heart. While no one method or style is “the only way,” we can draw on one another’s experiences.
This week, I have asked Trevin Wax if he would share his thoughts with us.
1. How do you spend your devotional time with the Lord?
First thing in the morning, I read Scripture. Currently, I’m using the Day-By-Day Chronological Bible. I alternate between a formal Bible reading plan and just reading through different books of the Bible. I read psalms in the morning and at night. After Bible reading, I have a prayer journal in which I write a letter to the Lord every day, and I have a series of specific prayers I pray for my family that are taken and adapted from Scripture.
2. How do you practically seek to deepen your love for Christ?
I love to listen to music that focuses my attention on Christ – who He is and what He has done. Bible reading and prayer helps to shape my love for Him, as well as life in my local church congregation, where I see Him at work in the lives of others.
Trevin Wax is Director for Bibles and Reference at LifeWay Christian Resources, visiting professor at Wheaton College, and General Editor of The Gospel Project. He has written This Is Our Time: Everyday Myths in Light of the Gospel, Eschatological Discipleship, Gospel-Centered Teaching, Counterfeit Gospels, and Holy Subversion.
Twitter: @TrevinWax
Other Scholars’ Devotions
- Andrew Abernethy
- Michael Bird
- Craig Blomberg
- Darrell Bock
- Denny Burk
- Andrew Das
- Stephen Dempster
- Jason DeRouchie
- Kyle Dunham
- James Edwards
- David Firth
- Stephen Fowl
- Norman Geisler
- Joel Green
- Sigurd Grindheim
- Jim Hamilton
- Matthew Harmon
- Charles Lee Irons
- Dru Johnson (a fan favorite)
- Dru Johnson Redux (extended edition)
- Craig Keener
- Edward (Mickey) Klink
- Tremper Longman
- Ernest Lucas
- David Moffitt
- Jonathan Moo
- Amy Peeler
- Nicholas Perrin
- Tom Schreiner
- Brandon Smith
- Douglas Stuart
- Frank Thielman
- Bruce Ware
- Rikk Watts
- Cynthia Long Westfall
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