As I have stated many times, I love football. It is a game where each player must exercise, train, eat healthily, and get good rest. Also, they must develop a relationship with the team members. Developing a relationship with team members is the most important aspect of success. Each player on the team learns discipline which grows their relationship and it shows on the field. All of these things provide for a positive outcome.
So, today I want to share on the topic of Spiritual Discipline. Spiritual disciplines are those practices found in Scripture that promote spiritual growth among believers in the gospel of Jesus Christ. They are habits of devotion that have been practiced by God’s people since biblical times. Without it, you die because you have no relationship with God. You will not grow to maturity.
When do you pray or study God’s Word? How often during the week do you find time to commune with God or do you? Do you have problems? Do you need guidance? Are you stressed, anxious, or depressed? If your answer is yes, then it is time. The time to change and grow your spiritual life.
I have found often we keep ourselves busy because we’re afraid of slowing down and being quiet. It reminds us of all those things we suppress and don’t want to think about nor deal with. As we become quiet all those emotions come to surface and it becomes overwhelming. We can be so busy and driven that we lose sight of ordinary relationships in marriage, family, or friendships……not to speak of one with God. This is why we need to focus on spiritual discipline.
To excel in life, it requires discipline. Just as the football players practiced, we must put the time into our spiritual walk. Walk means consistency in doing it regularly. Honestly, if we name the name of Christ it should be a joy to spend time with God. Of course, it is hard work, but it pays off when you begin to grow and see the fruit, answered prayers, greater faith, peace in a storm, contentment, and a joyful heart. We get to see the power of the Holy Spirit working in us, that same power He raised Jesus from the grave. We need to learn how to live our entire life in the kingdom of God. Jesus’ life is our role model to emulate. This is our purpose. We are to have fellowship with God. Everything we do should point to Him. He wants us to walk in the light and make disciples. He gets the glory.
Spiritual discipline consists of a willing heart and a surrendered heart. 1 Timothy 4:7b states “exercise yourself toward godliness”. Stop being busy and stop telling God how to run your life. Commit to a time and place each week. Start with quieting your mind. Open your heart to the Lord. Pray about what you will read in the bible. Read, study, and meditate. Make this a habit. Reading scriptures brings our lives into focus so that we can discern the Lord’s presence. He will speak to our every need and lead us. We need this time to meet with God, slow down inwardly, and open our spiritual eyes and ears.
Intimacy with Christ is crucial in the lives of Christians. It should not be a chore, but a desire and joy. How will you know the Father if you don’t spend with Him? How will He speak to you if you do not communicate with Him? It is about knowing God and being the person, He wants you to be. Out of that flows your ministry. But you will never know if you don’t communicate with Him.
Obedience, prayer, bible reading, and memorization of scripture bring intimacy with God. The bible states, “Oh taste and see that the Lord is good.” Are we tasting? Imagine eating your favorite food, can’t wait to sit down and enjoy it. This same enthusiasm should be toward an intimate relationship with God. We can only cultivate this relationship when we exercise spiritual discipline in our lives. Out of that flows your ministry.
The rewards of spiritual discipline are many. It will help you act and look more like Jesus. You will grow in godliness and please God. When you have an ongoing conversation with God it helps you control your flesh. We need to have knowledge and wisdom to know spiritual warfare and how to defend yourself from the enemy.
When we don’t exercise spiritual discipline, we reject God and His Word. Hosea 4:6 states “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; because you have forgotten the law of your God.” It affects your spiritual condition. Either your spiritual condition is on the surface which is shallow, or it is deep in your lives. Let’s get deep. This is what Transforming Temples is all about. We exercise spiritual discipline so that we fulfill, Romans 12:1-2 “I beseech, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Wow just think how amazing it is to be transformed. Spiritual discipline can renew our minds, and help us to think with a spiritual mind, and not conform to the world’s way. Let’s plan time to meet with God, just as you plan time with your spouse or someone you love. And let’s look forward to being in His presence. The reward is great.
Remember:
- Set a time and place
- Quiet yourself inwardly
- Pray for wisdom and understanding of the Word
- Take notes or journal
- Memorize scriptures
- Meditate on what you read.
- Listen to God’s voice as you study the Word.
I challenge you for the next 30 days to select a time and place to meet with God, pour your heart out to Him, read His Word, meditate and wait to hear what He has to say. Read the scriptures with anticipation for His response. I guarantee it will change your life. It’s time to get serious. It’s time for spiritual discipline.
