Spiritual Growth: Learning to play
Posted by Trevor Botha on Monday, July 25, 2011
Under: Word
What determines the outcome of anything in our lives! How can we change - really change - the circumstances in our lives. According to the Bible it is simple; whatever we have in our hearts in abundance will be the deciding factor of our lives. In Proverbs 4:23 we read "Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life."
This means that we cannot ever blame anyone else for what happens to us, we should take responsibility ourselves. Jesus explained it well in the parable of the sower in Mark 4. Jesus said it is this easy; if you sow the Word of God in your heart, then you will have a harvest of righteousness. This is so simple that if you can just understand how to plant a little flower and make it grow then you can have overcoming faith! All you need to do is plant the Word of God in your heart and make sure it grows. The result will be that the blessings of God will be the outcome of your life.
So how do you get the Word in your heart?
First of all you need to read it. Reading the Word is important to get a general overview of what it says. I suggest you start with the New Testament. This is much easier to understand than the old testament.
Secondly you need to study the Bible. This means you need to take time to dig a bit deeper into what the portion of scripture says. Make it personal and see what God wants to teach you from it. Here are a few portions of scripture I suggest you start off with.
Ephesians 4-6
Galatians 5
John 14-17
Romans 6, 8, 12
1 Timothy 2
These portions of scripture will help you understand some of the basics of the Christian life.
Thirdly it will be a good idea to keep a regular journal. I once heard someone say that a short pencil is better than a long memory. This is very true. Looking back at my journal over the last year is very revealing to see the journey God has taken me on. It is very encouraging to read the things that God has promised and see them fulfilled in my life.
Memorizing scripture is also important. This helps you to internalize the scripture. To memorize and meditate on scripture will help you make these "seeds of life" come to full harvest in your life.
Finally; praying is vital. Make time regularly to set apart where you can spend time quietly and undisturbed to reflect on these verses and talk to God about them. Praying is much much more than just asking God to do things for you. Praying is when you spend time talking to God about His Word. When you do this you become very sensitive to His voice and the way the Holy Spirit leads you through life.
Take the condition of your heart seriously and be careful what you let into your heart. Whatever rules your heart will rule your life.
This means that we cannot ever blame anyone else for what happens to us, we should take responsibility ourselves. Jesus explained it well in the parable of the sower in Mark 4. Jesus said it is this easy; if you sow the Word of God in your heart, then you will have a harvest of righteousness. This is so simple that if you can just understand how to plant a little flower and make it grow then you can have overcoming faith! All you need to do is plant the Word of God in your heart and make sure it grows. The result will be that the blessings of God will be the outcome of your life.
So how do you get the Word in your heart?
First of all you need to read it. Reading the Word is important to get a general overview of what it says. I suggest you start with the New Testament. This is much easier to understand than the old testament.
Secondly you need to study the Bible. This means you need to take time to dig a bit deeper into what the portion of scripture says. Make it personal and see what God wants to teach you from it. Here are a few portions of scripture I suggest you start off with.
Ephesians 4-6
Galatians 5
John 14-17
Romans 6, 8, 12
1 Timothy 2
These portions of scripture will help you understand some of the basics of the Christian life.
Thirdly it will be a good idea to keep a regular journal. I once heard someone say that a short pencil is better than a long memory. This is very true. Looking back at my journal over the last year is very revealing to see the journey God has taken me on. It is very encouraging to read the things that God has promised and see them fulfilled in my life.
Memorizing scripture is also important. This helps you to internalize the scripture. To memorize and meditate on scripture will help you make these "seeds of life" come to full harvest in your life.
Finally; praying is vital. Make time regularly to set apart where you can spend time quietly and undisturbed to reflect on these verses and talk to God about them. Praying is much much more than just asking God to do things for you. Praying is when you spend time talking to God about His Word. When you do this you become very sensitive to His voice and the way the Holy Spirit leads you through life.
Take the condition of your heart seriously and be careful what you let into your heart. Whatever rules your heart will rule your life.
In : Word
Tags: spiritual growth learning to play.
