Spiritual Disciplines

Spiritual disciplines are the daily food given to the Believer to foster intimacy with the Lord, raise faith levels, and experience new depths of understanding. We must not be lazy in our pursuit of them.

How could we discuss a completely free life and not discuss ways to enhance our walk with the Lord? What a great privilege it is that we can approach the Lord in Prayer and gather with other Believers in His presence. Some of the darkest moments of my life – death, rejection, disease, depression – have been conquered through my commitment to daily disciplines. They are the lifeline that helps us feel close to the Lord, and they accomplish much! As today's Scripture urges us, we must train ourselves for godliness. The word train implies a learning process. We are not born with a natural bent to want to discipline our bodies, minds, or lives. We want what we want when we want. But just as training the physical body results in good health, more agility, and an overall good mood, the spiritual disciplines result in a fit spiritual life – one filled with faith. This is critical. As challenges come (and they will), our spiritual discipline deposits are the fuel needed to get us over the hurdle.

Let's look at a few spiritual disciplines that should be part of our daily life:

1. Prayer – My observation is that many Christians have a weak prayer life. We spend two minutes in Prayer and often become frustrated that we do not see immediate changes in our lives. What healthy relationship could we have where we only spend two minutes a day with the other person? None. Our prayers accomplish much. As we open our mouths and pursue the Lord's presence, as well as ask forgiveness, honor and praise Him, and make our petitions known to Him, things shift. (Read James 5:16).
2. Gathering – We must gather regularly with other Believers. I have great pause about Christians who have no home church and refuse to regularly gather in Bible studies and church services. The establishment of the church on earth in the Book of Acts was the critical piece that afforded the spread of the Gospel. We are urged not to avoid gathering. (Read Hebrews 10:25). Whether gathering in a home church with others, a regular Bible study, or a traditional church site, it is important to have others in our lives who can offer accountability and Prayer.
3. Worship – We were created to worship the Lord. We are to enter His presence with singing. We worship the Creator. We must be careful that our interaction with the Lord is not simply making demands but also adoration, praise, and worship. (Read Psalm 100:2).
4. Fasting – We see Jesus fasting in Matthew 4:1-11 as part of His regular practice. He often got alone, away from the crowd, for Prayer, and also engaged in fasting. Every time I think about who our Savior is, I am compelled with one thought. If the Savior of the world did it, how much more must I need to?
5. Bible – Hebrews 4:12 (NLT) tells us God's Word is "alive and active." What does that mean? It means that not only is the Bible, without error, inspired by our Creator, but it is also applicable to today. The words are life. They are bread to hungry souls. They give instructions and examples of those who have gone before us. The commitment to the daily reading of God's Word gives us knowledge of the character of God and also fuels our mouths as an arsenal so that when the enemy torments us, we simply open our mouths and recite the Word of the Lord.

Points to Ponder:

• Of the spiritual disciplines listed in today's devotional, which one do you find easiest? Hardest?
• How might a commitment to daily spiritual disciplines contribute to an unstuck life for you?