Knowing Where You Are

First, know that we are always here to help. Mark’s cell number is found at the top of every page.

We think that as you ask the Lord to lead you, these ideas/comments will improve your Spiritual Life.

So, here’s the quesion. IS YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE. . .

BASIC

Well, how often do you read scripture and pray?

A person’s Spiritual Life is a “Basic Spiritual Life” when he reads a chapter or two of scripture each day, and prays for a few moments afterwards.

Some of you are thinking, “By that definition, I’m NOT EVEN BASIC.”

To move BEYOND “Basic” necessitates meditation on what you’ve read.

INTERMEDIATE

The next stage of your spiritual walk is accomplished when you begin to meditate on your daily Bible reading. Maybe you write a note of something that touched you when you read. This allows you, in your mind, to look at it, chew on it, and reflect on it, throughout the day.

At first you may think that is a pretty simple step from basic, and it is. But the meditation/reflection process throughout the day will, once you start, make a HUGE difference in your life.

To move BEYOND “Intermediate” requires purposeful studying to know Scripture’s view of the subjects you’re engaging.

ADVANCED

An “Advanced Spiritual Life” makes decisions through the grid of Scripture. You are a person who deliberately, premeditatedly, intentionally, searches scripture for GOD’S PERSPECTIVE on the issue/s of the day.

Moving Forward

We would like to shed a little light on what to do in each of these areas.

BASIC

If you’re not reading Scripture we suggest you begin in the book of John. One chapter a day will give you a beautiful view of the love Jesus has for mankind. And remember, it’s okay to reread it.

Once you start doing this regularly, kick up your reading efforts by reading a chapter of the book of Proverbs each day.

But I warn you: When you’ve missed a couple days in a row, the devil will tell your inner ear to, “Give-up because there are too many chapters to read to catch-up.

DON’T WORRY ABOUT THAT ONE: There are 31 chapters in Proverbs, so, whatever the day of the month is, THAT’S THE CHAPTER in Proverbs you are to read.

After you read, please, Please, PLEASE, take the time to pray for a few moments.

INTERMEDIATE

One who has an “Intermediate Spiritual Life” takes the time to meditate on what he has read. This is what that means . . . Look for a nugget in one of the verses you just read. Often it’ll only be a phrase in a verse. Sometimes you’ll be moved by a number of verses. Whatever moves you, from your current reading, WRITE IT DOWN, (or cut and paste it into your phone, so you can look at it and think about it, periodically, throughout the day.

You will be ready for the next stage when you incorporate your meditation into your prayers.

You see, before this, your praying consisted of what was on your heart, in your mind, etc. Now, you will find that Gods Word, is what prompts your prayers. And guess what, you’ll sense your prayers are much more fulfilling.

ADVANCED

In this stage, your Bible reading becomes a Bible Study. It’ll happen like this, there will be a subject you want to investigate, scripturally and you will look into your concordance (your subject-notes in the back of your Bible) and then look up the passages to get God’s perspective on the suject in your heart and mind.

Once you know God’s perspective, you will want to pray, specifically addressing the subject, and what God has to say about it. Whether your “subject” is related to a bill you are voting on, your family, or something in your personal life that noone knows about, you will find this interaction with the Lord both satisfying and challenging. It will be satisfying because there is something about knowing the Lord’s mind on a subject which brings clarity. But, it will be challenging when your desire is in stark contrast to the Word of God.