FAQ

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What is the purpose of Catalyst?
  • To develop consistency in making God’s word a devotional part of daily life.
  • To encourage followers of Jesus to encounter God in the Bible and apply
    its principles to daily life.
Why the name Catalyst?
  • “Catalyst: A substance, usually used in small amounts relative to the reactants, that modifies and increases the rate of a reaction without being consumed in the process”(www.thefreedictionary.com).
  • If we take the initiative to incorporate God’s word into our lives each day, there is a reaction of transformation that only eternity can measure. We are created to live by more than bread alone. When we hear from our true Father on a daily basis, our faith increases in supernatural ways.
What is the format?
  • Each day begins with prayer for hearing God’s voice in his word. This simple step is critical to focusing our minds to hear what he wants to say to us each day.
  • The feature item is the biblical text, most often in the New International Version.
  • The next section is a personal record of how God spoke to Pastor Lou through the day’s reading; hence, the work is devotional in nature. This is provided as an example and your devotional insights will differ in many ways.
  • Scripture memory verses are often attached. Many people feel intimidated when it comes to memorizing Scripture, yet we memorize things that are critical in our lives. Most people know their address and phone number. They memorized it by repetition. So our plan is simple: We give you a text to recite twice each day. Before long, it will begin to stick. Along the way you will notice that verses are reincorporated to help you review.
Why are the readings about 20 verses?
  • The readings are typically short to encourage you to connect with God rather than read a history book.
  • Consistency in the Bible is imperative to spiritual growth. It is better to connect with God in 20 verses a day for a week than to read 140 verses once a week. If you over commit yourself you will quit. Keep it real, keep it light, and keep going.
Am I limited to 20 verses a day?
  • No, you can use this devotional as part of a bigger devotional plan.
  • I also recommend that you strengthen your devotional plan with other spiritual building habits:
  • Prayer life—in addition to hearing God’s voice in his word, we have a need to speak our hearts to him. A great tool to help with this is Kenneth Boas’, Face to Face, by Zondervan.
  • Personal Bible study—having a daily time of encountering God in the Bible is not the same as having a Bible study. I recommend having a special time each week for a personal Bible study where you can dig deep into a text and learn to understand the Bible on a more comprehensive level. Check out Rick Warren’s Bible Study Methods by Zondervan.
  • Church—have a time when you meet with other believers to share your journey of faith and growth.
  • Talk with your small group leader about helping you with Christian disciplines.
  • How are the daily readings chosen?

    The texts are selected as God leads the pastor though the journey of life; like the wind, there is an element of adventure.

    What is the purpose of the comments to the Scripture?
    • This is an opportunity for people to see what it looks like to let God speak through his word.
    • Although you may find biblical background facts, theology, or exegetical insights in the devotionals, these are not the primary focus. If you would like these, use a study Bible and/or a bible commentary.
    Will other helps and devotions be included?

    Yes

    How can a person make the most of Catalyst?
    • View it as a time to connect with God rather than a task to complete.
    • You may want to consider writing down what God says to you.
    • Share what God tells you with others. Most people you meet have never met someone who has God’s word shining in their lives. Amos talked about a famine in the land when it came to God’s word and this is true today. Let God, his wisdom, and his faithfulness be a part of your life.
    What happens if I miss days?

    Don’t keep trying to go back. It’s like a vitamin pill, one a day. If you feel like you have to make up lots of days you will probably procrastinate more.

    How can I stay faithful to meeting with God?
    • Pick a partner from your small group to join you in the journey.
    • Set a specific time and place.
    • Be motivated by meeting with God rather than fulfilling an obligation.
    • Determine never to go to bed until you have spent time with God.

    Click here to Join the Catalyst Devotional.