Hello,
I thought I would share with you three keys that a friend of mine shared with me that have been tremendously helpful in my relationship with God. I try to spend time doing these things everyday. I envision myself doing these all day, everyday. These are not laws, nor are you automatically a bad Christian if you don't do these. Nor are these the only things that will help you grow, but they have been beneficial for me recently so I thought I would pass them on.
1. Pray in the spirit on all occasions, with all kinds of prayers and requests (Eph. 6:18). Pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17). What's remarkable is how versatile this is. One can pray in the spirit while driving in the car or doing the dishes or watching a movie or listening to a sermon. On all occasions. This is a tremendous way to enlarge your heart; to posture your spirit to receive from God. Paul explains it as a method of self-edification. (1 Cor. 14).
2. Praise and thanksgiving. Praise is an effective tool for causing a shift in the spiritual climate of our hearts. It helps us to see God more clearly in all situations and to trust him even though our circumstances may seem discouraging. I remember when I first began cleaning windows. Many of my co-workers were quite mean to me. I would often go home discouraged and depressed, but I made a conscious effort to praise and thank Him who is worthy. Sometimes when I would pout I would feel the Holy Spirit nudging me to have a grateful heart and to sing my praises to God. Once I gave in it didn't take long for the LORD to fill me with joy and thankfulness. This also is incredibly versatile and does not need to be affected by our mood because God is worthy to be praised no matter how we feel. His greatness and wonder transcends our emotions.
3. Declare truth over yourself. This one is the most new for me. In our journey towards becoming more and more like Jesus Christ the devil will try to plant lies in our minds and in our thinking. Lies such as: 'I cannot do it.' 'I'm not strong enough.' 'I'm not handsome / beautiful.' 'People do not like me.' 'My temptations to this particular sin define who I am.' These are all lies and it is important that we do not believe them or they will affect the way we think about ourselves. If we believe lies like this, it will affect the way we receive God's love for us, which will affect how we love ourselves, which will affect the way we love others. I try to take some time everyday to remind myself, by speaking out loud, that I am handsome, and capable, and God's dear child. That I am not a sinner, I am a saint who needs God's grace. That Jesus has covered me with his blood, and I have a place of inheritance. I am significant to God.
May we all be renewed day by day to pursue the face of Him who is worthy. May steadfast devotion, and faithfulness be our dear companions. May we embrace justice and truth, mercy and compassion. May the presence of our LORD Jesus Christ be as a garland around our hearts. May we be vessels of the presence of the glory of God, bringing transformation to everyone around us. Amen.
