Spiritual Disciplines – Page 2 – Loving God with Excellence

July 6, 2012

Staying Connected

John 15:5 states, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

God is not in the business of making those who are strong stronger, rather He takes the weak and makes them strong through His Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. And how is this accomplished? How do we become instruments for His plan and purpose in this world? By staying connected to the true vine. No movement, growth, development takes place without staying connected to the power source of the universe-God. We can’t bear fruit [His fruit] without Him. We try, and fail miserably. There is ample proof of that. But when our lives are devoted to Him, when our hearts seek Him, when our eyes are fixed on Him, we become stronger, more creative, more loving, more giving, we become more like our Christ. But we must stay connected to the vine.

One of the ways to stay connected is through prayer. How is your prayer life? John Bunyan wrote, ” Pray often, for prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God, and a scourge for Satan.” The Holy Scriptures encourages us to pray, and provides many examples of how to pray, and answered prayer. In fact, we are obliged to pray. It is our duty to pray, and it is a blessed privilege to engage in prayer. Think of it, we mere confused, hurting, sinful mortals can speak to God through Christ, the author and finisher of our faith. The Bible tells us God wants to hear from us and speak to us, because of His great love for us. We also discover through prayer there is great power, great wisdom and great love. We learn how to better manage our bodies, minds and spirits by staying connected. All the issues; and “the personal, pertinent, and all-important questions for every soul” brought to Him in prayer are effectively, and efficiently dealt with. Enemies are defeated, grace and favor is applied.

You have an amazing day and life ahead of you. Don’t waste it. Don’t get side-tracked or distracted. Draw closer and stay connected to Christ today, and experience the amazing and miraculous.

July 4, 2012July 5, 2012

Emergency Preparedness Kit

My husband and I lived in New Orleans Louisiana Post Katrina. Each hurricane season, emergency preparedness messages were broadcast to get people ready just in case another hurricane hit the area. After Katrina, and Rita, officials encouraged residents to have their “Emergency Preparedness Kit” ready in the event of an evacuation. The kit should contain batteries, water, non-perishable food, money, battery operated radio, clothing, medicine, and personal records. Also, information and instructions on evacuation procedures, and what to do upon returning home. The kit came in handy when we experienced two hurricanes after Katrina.

As a believer, do you an Emergency Preparedness Kit? How prepared are you for this life? For its challenges, and crisis? What should be in your Emergency Preparedness Kit?

There are lots of things the world wants to have, but only those things provided by our Lord and Savior will help us navigate these last days, and get us home safely.

June 27, 2012

Godliness

“Godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing in the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either.” 1 Timothy 6:6-7 NASB

Godly contentment seems like a lofty goal since we are plagued with constant messages of volatile markets, and ever – changing political climates both here and aboard. The harbingers of doom and gloom-the news and entertainment media fill the airwaves with images of death, destruction, grief, sorrow. And along with these are the conveyors of every conceivable pleasure laden items, and substances, all waiting to snatch away our peace of mind. “Vanities of vanities, all is vanity.” How can one expect to maintain a sense of peace within or achieve Godliness? 1 Corinthians 14:33 “For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace – as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.” NIV

God promised our minds would flow and remain in perfect peace and harmony when we focus on Him. We will never be content with this world’s vain riches. Nor can our minds withstand the endless onslaught of messages and images designed to attract and distract us from our divine purpose. Our soul craves for the living, soothing water of Christ-the Prince of Peace. It is His message, and His image that establishes contentment and peace. Only with the power and presence of Christ can we place all things and experiences in their proper place. “The earth is the Lord and the fullness thereof.” Recognizing everything belongs to the Lord, and that we are merely His stewards means freedom. So let go of the entanglements, and the sin that so easily besets us, and lay hold of the peace and contentment that passes all understanding through Christ, our King.

June 16, 2012June 16, 2012

Prayer

In Prayer and the Coming Revival by Andrew Murray, he wrote “Prayer is the one power on earth that commands the power of heaven. (paraphrased). The one power that bring heavenly power to earth. The one power which combines the natural and supernatural. It gives light and peace, joy, and all the benefits of heaven. James 1:17 states, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” [NKJV]

To receive the glorious benefits of heaven, to transform the world around us prayer is needed. Take note my dear brothers and sisters we need to pray more. Prayers like that of Hannah, whose barren womb was opened up to receive the good gift of a son. We need to pray like Nehemiah, who when he heard of the conditions in Jerusalem prayed and receive wisdom to begin restoring the walls. We need to pray like David, whose prayers filled the pages of our Bible with words of repentance, despair, hope, compassion, love and appeal for others. These prayers and others changed the lives of the one who prayed, as well as recipients. We are told to pray without ceasing…to make our petitions known to God. To pray is to invite heaven to reside on earth – the corrupt to know the incorruptible. Through it [prayer] our feeble hands touch the hem of His garment and receive power. Amazing Prayer transforms our minds, and prepares our spirits to become better instruments for His use. At our church we have a motto: Prayer, Praise, and Participation = Power. Focus on your prayer time, and strive to really pray, so more of those good and perfect gifts can be realized in your life.

June 13, 2012June 13, 2012

Cleaning House

Ever spent days getting ready for guests? You clean and clean, but there always seem to be more and more dirt. Things overlooked due to our over committed schedules get attention. Piles of things that needed to be put away or organize, are now a priority because someone’s coming. Increased time and energy is expended to make the house sparkle and shine. With laser focused eyes, you notice every little speck, and the whole place gets a deep cleaning. Everything gets put in its place-all neatly tucked away or displayed. What about you? How are you looking? Do you need a deep cleaning? Is there a blemish in your character that needs some attention? Are there piles and piles of issues that should have been put away, or better yet throw out? What thing have you buried so deep that needs the cleansing power of Christ ?

I remember for years mom would have us do a spring cleaning. We spent days getting into every nook and cranny of the house. Everything was completely washed. Walls scrubbed, mattresses aired out, nothing was off-limits. We clean the house from top to bottom. It was an annual ritual. We didn’t like doing it, or the amount of time it took, but in the end when all was completed there was contentment, and blessed peace. And it looked good.

Sometimes, we need to do a “deep cleaning” on our body temple. This physical space our spirits occupy belongs to God, and He expects us to keep it clean and in good condition for His work.

When was the last time you did a deep cleaning? If it hasn’t happened in a while, then I recommend you start today. Get into every crack and crevice. Wash your mind, body and spirit with the healing power of Christ’s living water. God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, of love and of a sound mind [2 Tim 1:7]. Use the power of God and begin cleaning your spiritual house today, and experience the blessed peace of Christ. You will look good inside and out. Romans 12:1-2

June 7, 2012

The Game

Recently, I watched an old movie starring Hayley Mills “Pollyanna”, who came to live with her maiden aunt after the death of her missionary father. Her aunt Polly was extremely wealthy and ran the town. Its citizens followed a strict code of conduct and weren’t particularly happy. Pollyanna’s character, upon arrival introduced the philosophy of “The Game.” Her father taught her to look at the bright side of things, even when disappointed in circumstances, or in people. “If you look for the good in people, you are sure to find it” was the inscription on the necklace given to her by her father. There are more than 800 happy texts in the Bible Pollyanna told the Pastor portrayed by the late actor Karl Malden. He went and looked up every single one of these “happy texts” and it dramatically changed his ministry, and relationship with the townspeople.

Cynicism, malaise is creeping into our thoughts, actions, and deeds. Are you looking for the good in people at the home, the supermarket, store, bank, school or on your job? You might say, you don’t understand what I’m going through. You don’t understand the news I just received. My kids, my spouse, my job, my work, my life….there is nothing good here now. You are so wrong. Good is always present. “Our God is an awesome God, He reigns from Heaven above, with wisdom, power and love, our God is an awesome God” are lyrics from a song sung by Helen Baylor. Our awesome God has given abundant life. He has given us the perfect planet in which to live. He has given us his Only begotten Son Jesus to rescue us from the wages of sin and the grave. He has given us family, opportunity to use our gifts and abilities, and so much more. We are his beloved children, stewards and ambassadors who should be looking for the good in others. The world needs us looking through the lens of good so they can have hope. So go find a happy text in the Bible, and then play the Game. Remember: When you look for the good, you will surely find it.

1 Corinthians 13

May 31, 2012

Graduation

Graduations are times of immense joy for both the graduate and their families, friends, and loved ones. When the graduate receives his or her diploma, the long days of study, hard work and sacrifice seem worth it for this one moment.

Our family is gathering to celebrate a graduation. It is particularly meaningful, because of the events of the past two weeks. The enemy tried his best to take the life of this young person. However, those attempts were no match for the powerful intercessory prayers of his parents, family and friends, and the grace of God. When it was all over, we praised God for His grace, and for allowing us to complete this test.

I looked up the definition of graduate, and it means someone who holds a degree. Graduation signifies the completion of all the requirements necessary to become a degree holder. We are all enrolled in God’s University. This heavenly tabernacle of instruction is life changing and eternal for both disciple, and teacher. There are many courses to take, and completion of each is necessary to successfully pass, and withstand the fiery tests of our adversary. Spiritual courses such as prayer, fasting, solitude, silence, meditation, study are all critical requirements. Our book encourages us to “study thyself to show thyself approved, a workman who needed not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Belief in The Son of God is prerequisite for entry into the university. One of our professor emeritus, Peter outlined in one of his syllabi [2 Peter 3:18], that we are to grow grace and in the knowledge of Jesus, our Master Teacher. Jesus told us to remain connected Him-the True vine [John 15:4] for knowledge of Him changes and sustain us through each tests, as we strive to finish the course. Although, some tests, and trials may be difficult and long, in the end He promises that we will graduate, and become a degree holder.

For those who prayed for the life of this young person, we are pausing to celebration, and recognize this test was successfully completed, and the grade turned in. Maybe, you are pausing to celebrate a crucial victory in a young person’s life that has, or is about to graduate. Remember, you’re still in school, and another course is just around the corner. No need to worry though, we already have the best Teacher and the best Book.

May 28, 2012

It is Well With My Soul

“It is not too much to say that all real growth in the spiritual life-all victory over temptation, all confidence and peace in the peace in the presence of difficulties and dangers, all repose of spirit in times of great disappointment or loss, all habitual communion with God-depend upon the practice of secret prayer.” Author unknown.

Recently, my meditation readings have focused on peace-peace within, bold peace. “Where there is peace, God is” said George Herbert. Our minds are kept in perfect peace, when we focus on Him, not them. Romans 12: 1-2, strongly encourages us to present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto Him. Do not be conformed to the same manner of thinking, behaving and reacting to the world. How can this be achieved? Peace.

There comes a peace that even in the face of tremendous pain or challenges we can experience a peace that passes all understanding. That peace is the peace of Christ, since he is the Crown Prince of Peace. Peace is part of His divine nature, His essence. The Lord blesses his people with peace (Psalm 29:11). It is Peace that rides along side us and hovers over us when we rest at night filling our soul and spirit with blessed assurance. Peace gives us strength from day-to-day. Peace strives to keep unity and does not create strife. Peace is never anxious, because with prayer and supplication and thanksgiving, petitions, requests are made known to God, knowing full well He can handle it. Peace is the legacy Jesus leaves with his children (John 14:27), “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” Peace, glorious peace. As this day unfolds, rely on that peace. Fill every corner of your mind with peace, knowing all is well your soul.

May 24, 2012

Humility Plus

A gracious friend recently shared she is studying and working on the spiritual discipline of humility. 1 Peter 5:5 [NIV] states, “In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud, but shows favor to the humble.” Familiar with some works by noted author and theologian Jonathan Edwards, I reviewed an article he wrote on the subject, and found it to be in alignment with this passage. Edwards stated that, “The man who is under the influence of a humble spirit is content with such a situation among men, as God is pleased to allot to him, and is not greedy of honor, and does not affect to appear uppermost and exalted above his neighbors.” Humility is not arrogant, proud, exalted, it does not seek to be in the front row. Humility is no respecter of person. It lovingly considers our status to be equal children made in the image of God. Edwards summarized his article by pointing out that humility:

Seek for a deep and abiding sense of your comparative lowness before God and man.
Know God.
Confess your nothingness and ill-desert before Him.
Distrust yourself.
Rely Only On Christ.
Renounce all glory except for Him.
Yield yourself heartily to His will and service.

Self-examination and quiet reflection is designed to gain insights. I certainly have and will continue to do so on the topic. For in looking at this essential characteristic, I know I must continue work on being more humble. Our culture does not extol this virtue. Let’s face it, there are not as many stories shared about the truly humble. Could you, at this moment name 10 people who you consider to be humble? Who would be on your list? Family members, celebrities, sport figures, politicians, historical personages, etc? Right now millions of people around the world, myself included have spent precious resources developing and organizing information to promote themselves, their causes or interests. Self promotion is the new normal, and much of it does not lend itself to being humble. As children of God, we are instructed not to think more highly of ourselves. Because there is an inherent danger in promoting a message, and being the messenger. Even Jesus, at different times told those he healed to not broadcast who healed them to others. Clearly, our Lord understands the insidious temptations involved, as well as our own self-interests. He experienced it during his earthly ministry. There were those ready to thrust Him into being a King even among his disciples. But Christ came to serve.

In Isaiah 57:15, scripture tells us God inhabits the humble, and requires us to walk humbly with Him Mic.6:8. Our Lord gave us the perfect portrait of humility when He emptied himself, and became a willing servant, even to the cross. Picture the evening when he washed the disciples’ feet. How could the Lord stoop to do such a thing? Our Lord is always the benchmark. Humility speaks to us to open a space in our hearts for others. The disciples needed an example, and now in this age there are many, many others needing real life examples of Christ-like humility. When we perform our work with a humble spirit we bring glory unto the Lord. No matter the occupation, season, calling or the recipient, it is to be carried out just as Jesus washing those feet. Oh yes, humility is an essential part of the Christian experience, and it creates true servants of the most High God.