Spiritual Discipline-Part 3 Spending Time In The Word

Before I was afflicted I went astray, But now I keep Your word. Psalms 119:67 (NKJV)

We are looking at a 6-part devotional series titled, "Spiritual discipline."  We've learned that we will have a propensity to repeat our mistakes within our Christian walk until we implement "Spiritual disciplines" into our life - disciplines that will help us to stay focused on God and His Word.  In addition to these disciplines, we must purpose in our heart to be filled daily with the Spirit of God (See Eph 5:18).  Once we have learned these principles, we can implement them to ensure an effective Christian life that brings honor to God and edifies those around us. 

Every one of us has probably experienced certain areas in our life where we have failed to do what we knew to be right.  The reason for making these choices inevitably came down to a lack of "Self-discipline."  This series has been written to help us in developing Christ-like characteristics that are brought about by practicing, "Spiritual discipline."

In Part 2, we took a look at our first "Spiritual discipline," which was "Prayer."  In Part 3 of this series we will begin to look at our second "Spiritual discipline," which is:

• Spending time in the Word of God

If you've read my writings for any period of time, you will see a common thread on certain Biblical principles - reading the Word of God is one of them.  It is absolutely essential that we read our bibles continuously, as it is how we know the will of God for our lives.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.Romans 12:2 (NKJV)

God has chosen His Word as the way with which He speaks to us and to give us guidance. Here are a few other facts that we should know about the Bible.

• The word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Heb. 4:12)
• God magnifies His Word above His own name (Ps. 138:2)
• We are not to live on bread alone -but on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. (Matt. 4:4)
• We are commanded to "Rightly Divide" the Word of truth.
• The Word of God is our only offensive weapon (Eph. 6:17)

Q:    How are we to properly read and understand God's Word?

A:    We are to pray for His guiding us in understanding before we start readingasking The Holy Spirit to reveal to us anything that He would want to show us.  

One of the essential fundamentals of reading God's Word is its application to our lives.  If we don't think that something applies to us, then we tend to loose interest.  God's Word applies to every one of our lives.  So, it is important for us to always consider how the passages of scripture we are reading should affect our life?  

There are many programs available that will help us in our study habits and that will keep us accountable with regards to reading regularly.  I would like to share some questions with you that I believe will help in these areas of reading and studying.   

After you have read a passage of Scripture, propose these basic questions within your mind and see how the passages become alive with significance, application and meaning. 

Q:    Does this passage of Scripture reveal sin in my life and an area where I need to confess and repent?
Q:    Does this passage of Scripture reveal something about my relationship with God?
Q:    Does this passage of Scripture reveal something about my relationship with other people in my life?
Q:    Does this passage of Scripture reveal a need for me to seek the forgiveness of another person?
Q:    After reading the passage am I willing to abide in the truths that have been revealed by it - or am I going to continue to follow my feelings?

Okay, I would like to give one more applicable tool that will help us in our study, and that is to make ourselves a physical goal to change any habit or pattern that has been identified as not being in the will of God.

Another goal to set is the reading of our Bible daily.  When we set this goal, we should take time to think through a practical schedule that is likely to promote success.  We can read in the morning before our day starts, or in the evening with a friend or spouse.  Set a goal of reading your bible 7-times a week for a period of one-hour.  This is a measurable goal instead of just saying, "I need to read my bible more, so I am going to do that."

Hey Christian, I want to encourage you to discipline yourself in this area of reading God's Word.  The impact on your life will be profound, and the wisdom will have you living a life that is truly blessed.

STUDY QUESTION: What can we learn with regard to reading God's Word from the verses contained within this devotional?

PERSONAL INVENTORY: Are you giving a portion of your day to prayerfully reading and studying the Word of God?

APPLICATION: Give the Lord the first - fruits of your day, and He will reward you in an amazing way.