Day 13 - Spiritual Disciplines
>>Daily Theme | Spiritual Disciplines
>>Memory Scripture | Psalms 34:15-20
>>Read | Hebrews 12:1 - 12:13
>>Devotional Reading |
Spiritual discipline is the pursuit of an intimate relationship with God through sustained rhythms and habits. These habits do not make our relationship with God more intimate, in and of themselves but they are tools to facilitate that growth. For example, a gym building does not make us grow muscles, but using the gym on a consistent basis allows us to become healthy and develop muscles. As we conclude this time of consecration, our overall goal has been to draw closer to God. Hopefully, for you, part of that process has included building, improving, or renewing spiritual disciplines in your life.
The word discipline can be used in both a negative and positive connotation. From a positive sense, it is an active training on our part. On the other hand, in a negative sense, it is used for necessary correction that comes from another. In either sense, discipline involves change. We have to change our attitudes, perspectives, activities, priorities and affections. Fasting builds discipline not only in our eating habits but also in our war against the desires of the flesh. Whether we proactively pursue spiritual disciplines as part of our daily rhythms or God has to discipline us, in this life, we are going to have to change.
Far too often, corrective discipline comes as a result of neglecting proactive spiritual disciplines. So why should we actively pursue engaging in spiritual disciplines? Because this discipline is necessary and beneficial. While the pursuit of spiritual disciplines does not exempt us from correction, the correction is more bearable if we are actively seeking Him.
In Mark 14, Jesus went to the garden of Gethsemane to pray as the hour was nearing for His betrayal and ultimate death on the cross. He expected that his disciples would be able to pray with him during his time of need. Unfortunately, because they had not been disciplined in their responsibilities, they missed out on their assignment three times. Jesus instructed them to “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”
Engaging in spiritual disciplines is not simply an exercise of our own will. As we’ve probably learned from this time of fasting, we need the strength of the Holy Spirit to work inside of us when we feel that we can’t make it and the grace of God to carry us through. Building spiritual disciplines is not just about us as individuals, but it is yielding and making ourselves pliable to be trained by God. Along with the disciplines of prayer, fasting, meditation, journaling, silence + solitude, worship, giving, and encouragement, God uses the agents of the Holy Spirit, church, family, spouse, children, pastor, mentors, mentees, and others to train us in righteousness.
As we conclude our time of consecration, let us launch into a lifetime of engaging in spiritual disciplines. Our proactive willingness to be molded by God allows us to throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. It gives us perseverance, so that we are not weary and lose heart. It gives us faith to know that we are not alone in the process. Finally, it gives us focus on the one who created us and formed us and desires for us to grow in his likeness. Don’t stay the same! Grow in God.
>>Respond |
Together, we have spent two weeks re-prioritizing for vision + renewal and now it is time to walk faithfully in those areas. What new things will you start after the consecration ends or what things will you continue? Are you planning to engage in the spiritual disciplines? Without the disciplines, you will be unproductive and ineffective in your faith, and you will see the vision but it will not be achievable.
Consider the spiritual disciplines of prayer, fasting, meditation, journaling, silence + solitude, worship, giving, and encouragement. How can you incorporate those disciplines into your walk with God throughout 2011? Furthermore, what areas do you need additional help? Who can keep you accountable in these areas? Ask God where to start and what disciplines to focus on. Set aside time weekly or monthly to assess how you are doing with the spiritual disciplines and allow God to show you WHO you have become in Him.
>>Reflect | Journal or pray through these questions
*Adapted from Experiencing God by Claude King.
- What has God revealed to you about Himself?
- What has God revealed to you about His purposes?
- What has God revealed to you about His ways?
- What has God revealed to you about yourself?
- What has God revealed to you about your priorities?
- What has God revealed to you about your relationship with Him?
- What guidance has God revealed to you about your circumstances?
- What adjustments is God asking you to make (start doing _______, stop doing ___________, continue doing ___________).
- What can you thank God for today?
- What further steps of obedience do you know God wants you to take?
>>Next Steps |
Pray
I will pray about __________________ consistently, asking for ability, guidance, and discipline to listen + obey by God’s strength
Ask
I will ask the Holy Spirit to help me to ____________________
thanksgiving
I will thank God for ____________________
obedience
I will start ______________________
