We’d love to see you this week at America’s Keswick. Dr. Charles Zimmerman is speaking Sunday night through Thursday night, and is speaking Monday – Thursday morning. You can also watch live at: www.americaskeswick.org. We’d love to see you. Check out our new website or call 800-453-7942 for more information.

Spiritual Disciplines

The goal of spiritual discipline in a Christian’s life is to become God-centered, which is not to be confused with developing a strict devotion to a law, otherwise known as legalism. Rather, it is special training for believers to assist them in being, as the scripture indicates, “ready in season and out.”

It takes work, not be closer or earn favor with God, but to live freely, bearing the fruit of the Spirit. James confirms, “But someone will say, ‘you have faith; I have deeds. ‘ Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.” (James 2:18)

Spiritual discipline directs us to do activities that are conducive to developing personal godliness and Holiness. It assists us in modeling Jesus’ behavior – humbly serving others, which was an innate part of His nature, not just a duty. A few examples of spiritual discipline are prayer, meditation, devotional time, etc. Lately, I’ve been enjoying alone time, thanking Him and praising Him for who he is and what he has done.

The Essential Question: Why is Spiritual Discipline so important?

When I played football, the actual games were the times to demonstrate what was taught and learned in practice. From the playbooks, to exercises, to training, all these activities helped me to be more effective and prepared for the actual game. Life is obviously not a just game; it is spiritual warfare and the disciplines prepare us for the inevitable fight that we must endure. Paul warns, “For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.” (Galatians5:17)

One thing of which we can be certain, life will always have complications. We will always be presented with different obstacles and issues, but spiritual discipline will help us navigate through those various seasons. In addition, the disciplines help us make better choices in this world of confusion. They provide us tools and wisdom to be proactive in our decision-making.

The ultimate reason why we should exercise spiritual discipline, because it is consistently taught as a Biblical principle in that God loves, ‘obedience over sacrifice.’ “Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness.”(1 Timothy 4:7) Juan Mendez is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and serves full-time at America’s Keswick. You can write to him @ jmendez@americaskeswick.org

Daily Bible Reading: Proverbs 10-12

Think About This: To be prayerless is to be without God, without Christ, without grace, without hope, and without heaven. J. C. Ryle

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: The Lord will deliver me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. 2 Timothy 4:18