SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES

Spiritual growth comes through understanding and practicing the principles that are given in the Word of God. Where there is no growth, no true life exists. Spiritual growth is simply matching up our practice with our position.

I.                 Daily Quiet Time

Consistently devote part of each day to a quiet time so that you can spend time with the Father so that you can stay attached to the Vine. A quiet time is more than a mere habit; it is an appointment at the beginning of the day with Jesus Christ, Who is at the center of our lives.

“But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness” – Matthew 6:33a

“O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee; my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is” – Psalm 63:1

“You shall love the lord your god with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment.” – Matthew 22:37-38

The only way to do everything that God has called you to is by staying in communion with Him. A disciple that has their priorities in order has no problem having a daily quiet time with God at the beginning of the day. The realization that we can do nothing without Christ (John 15:5) will result in a disciple seeking Him at the beginning of each day for daily instruction. This person thirsts and hungers for more of Him.

II.             Reading And Studying The Bible

The Bible tells us all we need to know about our relationship with God. The quality of our relationship with Him is dependent upon how much time we devote to His Word. Without continuous Bible study, you will become spiritually anemic and live a defeated life.

“It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’” – Matthew 4:4

“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth.” – 2 Timothy 2:15

III.         Memorizing And Meditating On Scriptures

Joshua 1:8 says, “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it, for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.” Memorizing puts God’s Word in your head and meditating put it in your heart. With God’s Word in our hearts, it is readily available for instant use.

“I have hidden Your Word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” – Psalm 119:11

“Oh, how I love Your law! I meditate on it all day long. Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me. I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on Your statues.” – Psalm 119:97-99

The absence of regular involvement with God’s Word keeps you from being the kind of follower that Christ wants you to be. When we meditate on Scripture, we are filling our minds with God and keeping our thoughts focused on things above. Meditation is deeply thinking on the truths and spiritual realities revealed in Scripture for the purposes of understanding, application and prayer.

IV.          Prayer

It is God’s desire that you seek Him through prayer. It is through our prayer life that we come to know the Lord Jesus in a personal way. You are challenged from this day forward to make prayer, more than just another thing to do, more than just another task or assignment, but rather as an indispensable part of your life. Spend time with God in prayer for our families, our church, our leaders, our communities, and for our nation. For when our prayer life becomes effective our relationship with Christ becomes more intimate.

“Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things which you do not know.” – Jeremiah 33:3

The Bible is God’s main communication with us. Prayer is our way of communicating with Him. Prayer is talking with God and is best learned by praying. The Holy Spirit helps us know how to pray (Romans 8:26). Our heart’s attitude is more important than the words we use.

V.              Stewardship/Tithing

A Christian steward is one who realizes that as Christians we live, move, and have our being in Christ. The Christian steward recognizes God as his Master and lives for Him. The steward’s life, personality, talent, time influence, material substance…everything is dedicated to Christ. A Christian steward is also responsible and willing to walk in obedience to the commands and will of God (Romans 4:1-2).

Besides the tithe, God required His people to make offerings for the maintenance of worship, care for the temple, and salaries of the priests. Jesus said if we’re generous with others, God will be generous with us. He is the model of generosity (Luke 6:38, 2^nd Corinthians 8:9). Giving is worship. It’s a spiritual sacrifice, and expression of gratitude, because everything we have and enjoy comes from God. It’s free expression of our love for God, whose gift to us infinitely outweighs anything we could ever give in return. Love offerings were also accepted. The way in which you give an offering is as important as the act itself.

Learning to give to the Lord of the things He has given you is an important part of your spiritual growth (2^nd Corinthians 8:7).