Spiritual Discipline
Well, obviously, once we become saved, it doesn't stop there. We are to allow the Holy Spirit to sanctify us and make us holy in the likeness of Christ. "And I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again." Philippians 1:6
Let this also eliminate any option of pride in the notion that you might have already completed this task:"...on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again." Also, check out Hebrews 6.
When you want to become accomplished in anything, you watch the actions of someone who already is. Well in this matter there is only one man who has ever accomplished perfect holiness, the great God-Man, Jesus Christ. As we look at His life and practices in the gospels (Matthew, Mark Luke and John) we see three spiritual practices reoccurring -- prayer, knowledge of the scripture, and fasting.
Prayer
"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for what He has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His Peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ, Jesus."
~Philippians 4:6&7
Some would say that there's nothing mystical about prayer; I beg to differ, talking to the all powerful creator of the universe is pretty, darn mystical! The awesome reality of it is that God wants to hear us talk to Him! He knows us through and through; in fact, the Bible even says that God knows what we need before we even ask Him for it. So we don't need to pretend to be someone we're not when we pray to the very one who made us. King James may have spoken with "Thee's" and "Thou's" but Jesus didn't, so be real! God wants a personal, individual relationship with you and being fake never made any true friends.
This privilege of prayer is made possible by the blood of Christ. A Christian is seen as spotless before God clothed in the righteousness of Christ and can come into the holy presence of God confident that He will hear and answer. "let us go right into the presence of God, with true hearts fully trusting Him. For our evil consciences have been sprinkled with Christ's blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water." Hebrews 10:22
So what about the unbeliever? Well, if he doesn't believe in God why would he even want to pray to Him? However, if he is earnestly seeking God, then Christ will reveal Himself and offer to wash away his sins. It's that pure, simple and incredible!
Jesus prayed before every major decision He had to make in life. Prayer was a source of strength for Him and He made it a point to get away alone and speak with His Heavenly Father. I challenge you to commit to do the same. You don't have to sit and pray for hours on end; it's an individual, personal relationship remember? Let God decide how long you pray. I'll put a more in-depth look at praying later, but as for now, this serves the purpose of prayer as a spiritual discipline.
Bible Study
"I inherited your book on living; it's mine forever -- what a gift! And how happy it makes me!" Psalm 119
In Jesus' day, there was no New Testament, only the Old Testament, usually refered to as the Law( incidentaly, the Old Testament is usually over looked by those new to Bible Study but the fact it the New Testament is just the fulfilment of the Old and the old has much to say about Christ). The four gospels are packed with examples of Jesus rebuking the Pharisees and doubters of His day with scripture. No one passage will do it justice so I encourage you to read the gospels, looking for this. He had this stuff memorized! This may intimidate some people -- "How can I memorize scripture? I don't have a mind for that stuff!" Well, what are the lyrics to your favorite song? What's your favorite poem? What part of the TV Guide has your favorite show listing??? You can memorize plenty; the point is, we can all do this if we apply ourselves to it.
Even aside from this, we are not alone in memorizing Scripture. The Bible says that the Holy Spirit reminds us of the scriptures. He wrote this stuff, so ask Him for for help. He will also give you insight on how you can apply it to your life. No one can just open the Bible and read from cover to cover and get all of the wisdom and instruction God has for us. Take it a bit at a time; I read the Bible until God says, "Stop, I want to tell you something here!"
Prayer is how we talk to God, the Bible is the primary way that God talks to us. Many people get distracted when they pray and can't keep focused; well, who can in a one-sided conversation?! Start with Bible Study, let God speak and you answer Him. He's so concerned for you and your needs that He'll bring them up for you.
In order to get to know anyone, you need to spend time with them; it's the same with God! To develop your personal relationship with God, you need to learn about Him and spend time with Him through Prayer and Bible Study.
Fasting
The Bible contains no textbook definition for fasting. However, it undeniably asserts that it's necessary for spiritual growth. In Matthew 6:16, Jesus says, "when you fast," not "if" you fast. Fasting is exemplified by heroes of the faith all through out the Bible.
It's important to note that fasting is not always abstaining from all food. It can be abstaining from certain foods for a while (like Daniel) or, for someone who might not be able to do this because of health reasons, it can be abstaining from anything that is acceptable in God's sight. It's the act of giving up something, that you have every right to do, in an attempt to grow more dependant on God. The best way to get the clearest definition of fasting is to experience it for yourself. It's like saying, "Okay God, I'm relying on you to get me through this time of going without."
Another important point about fasting is that it's always taken hand in hand with prayer in the Bible. In many ways it's a reminder to pray. It all works together to increase your faith and dependence on God.
Well, I'll elaborate more on these topics later; and as always, if there are any questions or comments on these issues, feel free to e-mail me. I respond to all of my e-mails and would love to hear from you.
