DAILY DISCIPLINES
The beginning of a new year is a time to evaluate and re-establish patterns
and principles that produce God's purposes and plans for our lives. Take
time to pray and reflect on the past year. Where are you spiritually? Are
you doing the things that cause you to grow in God or have you relaxed and
let go of daily disciplines? What we do consistently on a daily basis shapes
the habits that form our character.
Daily Bible Reading
Doing the simple things that work can solve huge, complex problems that may
seem overwhelming. The entrance of God's Word gives light (Psalm 119:130).
When you get light on anything you can see and understand it clearly. It is
the light on your path that keeps you from stepping in holes or stumbling
over obstacles.
Reading the Word aloud has awesome power because it involves your speech,
mind, hearing, and heart in the light. Jesus said, "If you abide in My word,
you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth
shall make you free" (John 8:31-32). The daily reading of the Word gives you
time to meditate and absorb the truth into your mind and heart.
Get a Bible version you can understand that is true to the original text.
The New King James is an excellent choice. Select a place to read on a
regular basis where there is good light and quiet if possible. Obviously,
some situations won't allow that. Most importantly, get focused into what
the Lord is speaking to you through His Word.
Daily Prayer
Take time to get alone and talk with the Lord. Listen for His voice inside
your heart. God still speaks to His people. After Jesus had ministered late
into the evening, scripture says, "Now in the morning, having risen a long
while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place and
there He prayed" (Mark 1:35). He got alone and talked with His heavenly
Father. If Jesus needed daily time alone with His Father how much more do we
need it. Prayer is not only petition but also worship, thanksgiving,
meditation, listening, confession, and surrender. Let the Holy Spirit lead
you each day in fresh, new ways of communication, heart-to-heart with the
King of the Universe.
Church Attendance
We need the fellowship, support, encouragement, accountability, and
exhortation that comes from other believers. At salvation we are placed into
the Body of Christ. Each place where the Gospel went there were local
churches established such as Antioch, Jerusalem, Ephesus, and Philippi.
The Body members each supply help and strength to the other Body parts (1
Corinthians 12). It is God who chose to make us interdependent on one
another. We are called to be linked by cords of love (Ephesians 4:11-16).
Connection with a local church can give you an opportunity to develop the
gifts and the fruit of the Spirit. Hearing from the Lord through the
minister can add to your own personal study of the Word. The corporate
efforts of the church in missions and evangelism give you an expanded
opportunity to reach the unreached. The variety of ministry to different
levels and ages can be a great blessing to your family.
Daily as you surrender your life to Him you can expect Him to make a way for
you. This will be a glorious season and New Year. We pray all of God's
goodness overflows you.
Planting Seeds in Tithes and Offering
Diligence in the area of giving can bring multiplied blessings in many
realms. "A faithful man will abound with blessings" (Proverbs 28:20). The
scripture in the Old and New Testaments gives us wonderful promises of
increase and prosperity when giving is a lifestyle.
Proverbs 3:9-10 – "Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the
firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty,
and your vats will overflow with new wine."
Jesus spoke about giving in His Sermon on the Mount, "Seek first the kingdom
of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you"
(Matthew 6:33).
This year put God first in reading His Word, prayer, church attendance, and
giving. There are many other powerful aspects of the Christian life to apply
in your daily walk such as worship, serving, rejoicing, forgiving, loving,
and others.
Daily commitment will bring huge returns on your investments.
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