Taking Care of Your Spirit
What is your best style of learning? Would you say you learn best when you can:
Your answer above may tell you something about your personal style or preference. Here’s another opportunity for discovery. How would you complete this sentence: I like:
- see it. I’m a visual person.
- read about it. I want to absorb information about the topic.
- hear about it. Listening works best for me.
- discuss it. I like to bounce ideas off other people.
Your answer above may tell you something about your personal style or preference. Here’s another opportunity for discovery. How would you complete this sentence: I like:
- crowds. Take me to a concert, air festival, open-market, Christmas shopping!
- small groups. Let’s get together for a meal, Bible study, or go see a movie.
- to be by myself. Why are you still looking at me?
God encourages us to grow in our knowledge and application of His word: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16).” Notice God doesn’t give us specific instructions on how to do that. He gives us some latitude and allows for some variety since there are different ways to learn for different people (one way does not best fit for all people).
As you plan to grow in your understanding of God, consider these approaches:
Prayer
Can be formal or conversational. The focus is on God. Pick an approach that works best for you and use that. You can read a prayer out of a book. While that might seem a little stuffy, sometimes it is wonderful to use a prayer someone else has worked hard to craft to enhance your message to God. However, you can always express prayers in your own words, or simply carry on a conversation with God. He wants to hear your prayers!
Reading
Reading should not take the place of Bible study or prayer, but it can enhance your learning about God. There are so many good options! If you need assistance, ask a trusted friend that may be able to recommend something that has been meaningful for them. Here are some possibilities:
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
In the Name of Jesus by Henri J.M. Nouwen
The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Jesus Calling by Sarah Young
Silence
Did you ever consider that silence can be a part of your Spiritual growth? Be forewarned, it can be difficult to practice! What other places in your life do you experience total silence? What does your mind do during silence? In what direction might you steer it rather than letting your mind wander? Consider focusing on a topic: the goodness of God, Jesus’ life during His earthly ministry, Bible examples of God caring for people, etc.
As you plan to grow in your understanding of God, consider these approaches:
Prayer
Can be formal or conversational. The focus is on God. Pick an approach that works best for you and use that. You can read a prayer out of a book. While that might seem a little stuffy, sometimes it is wonderful to use a prayer someone else has worked hard to craft to enhance your message to God. However, you can always express prayers in your own words, or simply carry on a conversation with God. He wants to hear your prayers!
Reading
Reading should not take the place of Bible study or prayer, but it can enhance your learning about God. There are so many good options! If you need assistance, ask a trusted friend that may be able to recommend something that has been meaningful for them. Here are some possibilities:
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
In the Name of Jesus by Henri J.M. Nouwen
The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Jesus Calling by Sarah Young
Silence
Did you ever consider that silence can be a part of your Spiritual growth? Be forewarned, it can be difficult to practice! What other places in your life do you experience total silence? What does your mind do during silence? In what direction might you steer it rather than letting your mind wander? Consider focusing on a topic: the goodness of God, Jesus’ life during His earthly ministry, Bible examples of God caring for people, etc.
Journaling
Think of journaling like writing in a diary, taking notes in a class, writing a letter to a friend, or perhaps writing yourself a reminder. Keeping a spiritual journal can be similar. As you start, develop a place and way to record thoughts, observations, questions, and prayer requests. It may be your phone, computer, a spiral notebook or some other tool. It must be something that works for you on a regular basis, feels fun and productive for you, and something that you can look back over from time-to-time to see how you are growing spiritually.
Think of journaling like writing in a diary, taking notes in a class, writing a letter to a friend, or perhaps writing yourself a reminder. Keeping a spiritual journal can be similar. As you start, develop a place and way to record thoughts, observations, questions, and prayer requests. It may be your phone, computer, a spiral notebook or some other tool. It must be something that works for you on a regular basis, feels fun and productive for you, and something that you can look back over from time-to-time to see how you are growing spiritually.
Singing
Many songs and hymns are actually based on Bible passages. When you sing the song, you’re singing scripture! Many others do not directly quote the Bible but explore Christian themes and concepts. Music is a great way to remember biblical truths. Ways to include music in your devotional time include:
Many songs and hymns are actually based on Bible passages. When you sing the song, you’re singing scripture! Many others do not directly quote the Bible but explore Christian themes and concepts. Music is a great way to remember biblical truths. Ways to include music in your devotional time include:
- Sing! Use a hymnal, songbook or online tools!
- Read the words to the songs. Know and understand what you are hearing and singing.
- Listen to recordings of songs.
- Take the time to really understand the words and meaning of songs you sing in church.
Service
This one might seem out of place, but it’s not. To avoid making everything “head knowledge” apply it by putting it into practice. Here are phrases from the Bible. Think of a way to turn it into service:
“Honor your father and mother” (Ephesians 6:2,3)
“Care for widows and orphans” (James 1:27)
Respond to people who are “hungry, need clothing, in prison, etc.” (Matthew 25:37-40)
Each of these benefit others and result in a blessing to the one serving.
4832 Ponderings:
This one might seem out of place, but it’s not. To avoid making everything “head knowledge” apply it by putting it into practice. Here are phrases from the Bible. Think of a way to turn it into service:
“Honor your father and mother” (Ephesians 6:2,3)
“Care for widows and orphans” (James 1:27)
Respond to people who are “hungry, need clothing, in prison, etc.” (Matthew 25:37-40)
Each of these benefit others and result in a blessing to the one serving.
4832 Ponderings:
- What are things in your life that are pushing you further away from Christ?
- What are things in your life that are drawing you closer to Christ? Develop a lifestyle plan for your life. Be specific: define what you are going to do and when.
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