In the month of January 2016 I had the distinct privilege and opportunity to present to the audience of the “UP IT HOUR”, a weekly teleconference presented by Covenant Partners Ministries (CPM) under the direction and leadership of Apostle Gregory K. Ransaw1, to talk about Spiritual Disciplines. I am a firm believer that in order to do what God has called us to do, I must, we must discipline ourselves in the things of GOD to position ourselves to receive the blessings of GOD!

Now this pursuit of spiritual disciplines is not to just receive, but the main purpose is stated in I Timothy 4:7-8 - 7 But have nothing to do with irreverent folklore and silly myths. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness [keeping yourself spiritually fit]. 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness (spiritual training) is of value in everything and in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and for the life to come. (Amplified Bible). It is important that we pursue God for the distinct purpose of becoming more intimate with HIM! To know the LORD and in the power of HIS might! To develop that relationship with the LORD. The Lord a while back gave me a message entitled “Relationship, Relationship, It’s All About Relationship.” Main point of the message is to let people know it’s all about having the right relationship with the Lord and then all other relationships will fall in line. Having that vertical relationship right, leads to having the horizontal relationship right – with your spouse, children, boss, teacher, congregation, etc. It’s all about relationships, your relationship with the LORD! I again submit to you, in order for that to happen you must discipline yourself in the things of GOD!
Donald S. Whitney helps us with his book “Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life.” In his book, Professor Whitney outlines 10 spiritual disciplines [Bible Intake, Prayer, Worship, Evangelism, Serving, Stewardship, Fasting, Silence and Solitude, Journaling, and Learning] to enhance our relationship with the Lord, most importantly for the purpose of Godliness! I encourage you to get a copy of this book! I believe it will propel you into a deeper relationship with the LORD!
In my opinion of all the disciplines, Bible Intake has to be number one in every believer! If you don’t have the Word of God as your foundation, then you are truly missing out in having a relationship with the LORD! The Word of God is the written form of letting us see who we are serving! Professor Whitney writes, “No Spiritual Discipline is more important that the intake of God’s Word. Nothing can substitute for it. There simply is no healthy Christian life apart from a diet of the milk and meat of Scripture….In the Bible God tells us about Himself, and especially about Jesus Christ, the incarnation of God. … Christ died as a sinless, willing Substitute … to be right with God. In the Bible we learn the ways and will of the Lord. We find in Scripture how to live in a way that is pleasing to God as well as best and most fulfilling for ourselves. None of this eternally essential information can be found anywhere else except the Bible. Therefore, if we would know God and be Godly, we must know the Word of God – intimately.” [Page 28, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life].
Several areas Professor Whitney points out in growing us in this Spiritual Discipline of Bible intake. He writes about hearing, reading, and studying the Word of God. It is my prayer and challenge to you that you would be one that would regularly position yourself to hear the word of God! Prayer meeting, Sunday School, Bible Study, Worship Service, but most importantly each and every day in your own personal time. Romans 10:17 tells us “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the Word of Christ.” Every time we position ourselves to hear, read, and or study the Word of God, we draw ourselves closer to HIM to know who HE is and to hear from HIM receiving our assignment for the day!
The Word of God is so important that we need to take time to memorize and meditate on the Word of God. Professor Whitney point out several things of what memorization and meditation does for us. He says memorization supplies spiritual power, strengthens your faith, and stimulates meditation. Meditating sharpens our minds to remember what the Word of God has said and is saying! The definition of Meditation is: continued or extended thought. Reflection; contemplation. The root word meditate means: to engage in thought or contemplation. When I hear the word continued that means something has already started. "To engage" means that you need something prior or a subject something that is already there! The something that is already there to engage in is the WORD OF GOD! Psalms 1:1-3 shows us that there are benefits of meditating on the WORD of GOD:
Psalms 1:1-3 - Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. 3 He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.
So my friends, I invite you to look into the Spiritual Disciplines and draw to the LORD! He is waiting with open arms to receive you and to give you the “keys to the kingdom.”