Key to Spiritual Growth by Joan Cook
As I prepared to speak at a recent conference, I began to contemplate a topic that would benefit the women I would be speaking to: "Feeding the Spirit and not the Flesh." I would like to share with you one of the key points to help you become spiritual strong!
"But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified." 1 Corinthians 9:27
Discipline is of the upmost importance in feeding our spirit. Lack of discipline in one's life can cause our flesh to begin to overpower our spirit. Paul tells us that we must discipline our bodies and bring them into subjection. Subjection to what? To the will of God - the spirit man that lives within each Christian. Do you want to be spiritually strong? Of course, you do! Here are a few ways that will help you.
1) Be consistent with time your set aside for talking and hearing from God.
"...he knelt down on his knees three times a day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days." Daniel 6:10
Morning, Noon, Evening. There's not a right or wrong time to meet with God. Find a time that is best for you. Personally, morning is best for me. It helps me start the day off right when I've talked with God. It sets the tone for my day!
2) Have a specific place set for your devotional time.
Make a place that is where you commune with God. I suggest you do this so that your time is planned and not "up in the air". My special place is a comfortable chair in my living room.
3) Start by a prayer of thanks and ask God to bless your time.
If you're a parent, you like to hear your child say thanks occasionally and not only come with their hands out asking for something. The same is true with God.
4) Read The Word. (Example: Devotional Book, Read Bible Through, Psalm and Proverbs, Chapter or Verses in specific Book)
In order to live a Spirit filled life, we must be led by the Spirit. How do we know what God wants us to do? Let the Word speak to you. Logos is referred to in the Bible as the revealed, true, spoken word to everyone. Rhema is a God quickened word...just for you. Mark in your Bible when God speaks to you. Write it down; it will be testimony in the future.
5) Keep a devotional journal. It can be a very useful tool for remembering how God spoke to you. It will also help you remember how things touched your life and reflect on God's promises at a later date. In your journal, write down prayer requests and then date it. Beside that, write down how your prayers were answered.
I can not tell you how important this has been to me over the years. I can look back at some of the things God has shown me in His word or in prayer and it encourages me! It also reminds me of ALL that God has done in the past and I get excited about how He will work through me in the future.
6) Pray.
Praise - Psalm 66, 93, 106
Thanksgiving - Psalm 75, 105
Confession
Appreciation
Chatting
Petition - Matthew 21:22, Ephesians 3:20, James 1:6, Luke 11:9
Chatting is when you simply talk with God about absolutely anything that's on your heart. After all, He is interested in everything about us and wants us to feel comfortable and close enough to just chat!
7) Meditation. Quiet reflection and an open heart. Be quiet and wait on Holy Spirit to speak.
Personal Prayer Focus: Pray that God will bless, direct, and keep you in the center of His will.
On The Go Prayer Focus: The Finances of Team as they boldly go out for Jesus Christ. Pray that all their needs will be met at home and for the projects they are working on.
Thank you for taking the time to pray for this important division of On The Go Ministries. For more information on any our ministries here at On The Go, you may send your questions to info@onthego.org.
On The Go Daily Devotion for June 25, 2016
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2003, 2016 On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
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On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
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