HOW TO START YOUR DAY
IN A SPIRITUAL WAY!
Ask the Lord to guide you through the day and to keep you busy in a spiritual way. Set aside at least 15 minutes to do a Bible reading each morning. Take time for God and He will bless everything you put your hand to do. You are really honoring Him when you put Him first each day. Wouldn’t you agree? You must resist Satan when he tries to convince you that you do not have time to study your Bible for God each day (James 4:7). When you resist Satan, you will crucify the flesh with its evil passions and desires (Gal. 5:16, 24; Rom. 8:13).
Live to please only Him in your work and in your leisure. When you go to work, look for those who need to be cheered up and do what you can to help. Maybe you can bring some fresh rolls to work to share with others. Buy someone coffee if you have a chance. Compliment people when they make an effort to look nice for others, or just lend an ear to someone who has troubles. One of the main reasons people attempt suicide is that they feel nobody cares. The true disciple of Jesus Christ, living in a spiritual way, brightens the day of those around him who are in despair.
A true disciple of Jesus Christ will study God’s word each day in order to allow the Lord to speak to him. This is how you show yourself approved by God (2 Tim. 2:15). This is how you please Him and obey Him. You prove that you love God by putting Him first in your life (John 15:8).
You know the right thing to do (James 4:17). Now you must force yourself into God’s kingdom by disciplining yourself accordingly (Luke 16:16). This is how to start your day in a spiritual way.
Part of the Will of God for you is for you to study the Bible (2 Tim. 2:15). Many who study the Bible, study for information rather than correction. Disciples of Jesus Christ are admonished not to be foolish, but understand the Will of God (Ephesians 5:17).
God’s word says that all Scripture is profitable for teaching, reproof, correction and training in how to practice righteousness, so that the man of God may know how to do good to please God (1 John 2:29; Matt. 5:16; 2 Tim. 3:16-17). How many people have studied the life of Christ for many years, but have never started to live like He does?
We are to imitate Jesus Christ and the Father by daily practicing the sayings of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1; Ephesians 5:1; 3 John 11). Jesus’ words will judge all humanity at the end of the age (John 12:47-48). Just being a Bible scholar does not justify a person, but being a doer of the word does (2 Tim. 3:7; Rom. 2:13; James 1:22; Luke 6:46). Jesus Christ made Himself perfectly clear about practicing righteousness. We are to perform the Father’s Will in our daily lives, as it is done in heaven (1 John 2:17; John 7:17; Matt. 6:10). Jesus says to do as He says, keep His word, walk in His commandments and act upon His sayings (Luke 8:21; 11:28; 6:47-48; 2 John 6; Matt. 7:24).
The central teaching of the Bible is to engage in a life of good deeds, endure and not become weary in well-doing, and overcome our evil natures by doing good deeds (Titus 3:8; 2 Thessalonians 3:13; Hebrews 10:36; Gal. 6:9; Rom. 2:7; 12:21; 6:18-19). If this is the kind of peculiar people Christ is making for Himself - and He is - we should then be studying the Bible to train ourselves in righteousness (Titus 2:14). As we keep the sayings of Jesus Christ and study to show ourselves approved to God, we will always be ready with the right answer, and ready to lead many to righteousness (Matt. 5:19; 1 Peter 3:15; Dan. 12:3).
A morning prayer is a wonderful way to focus your time and attention on seeking God's plan for the day ahead. Whether you need encouragement, peace, strength, or rest, God can meet you in a very real and present way when you come before Him with a humble heart. Seek God's presence each morning before your energy and attention is pulled by all the tasks you have ahead.
"Lord, may nothing separate me from You today. Teach me how to choose only your way today so each step will lead me closer to You. Help me walk by the Word and not my feelings. Help me to keep my heart pure and undivided. Protect me from my own careless thoughts, words, and actions. And keep me from being distracted by MY wants, MY desires, MY thoughts on how things should be. Help me to embrace what comes my way as an opportunity... rather than a personal inconvenience.
And finally, help me to rest in the truth of Psalm 86:13, 'Great is your love toward me.' You already see the ways I will fall short and mess up. But right now, I consciously tuck your whisper of absolute love for me into the deepest part of my heart. I recognize your love for me is not based on my performance. You love me warts and all. That's amazing. But what's most amazing is that the Savior of the world would desire a few minutes with me this morning. Lord, help me to forever remember what a gift it is to sit with You like this. Amen."
BENEFITS OF READING GOD'S WORD
1. God's Word leads us to Salvation.
We are all saved by believing the truth of Scripture whether we read it ourselves or are taught it by someone else. "For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable,through the living and enduring word of God." (1Peter 1:23).
2. The Scriptures guide our Steps.
If we read and listen to the Lord's instructions, He will show us where to go, what to day and how to make decisions. His Word will also reveal when we are heading the wrong direction and warns us of the consequences of the path we are on. (Psalms 119:105). says "The word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path,"
3. It lifts our Burden.
Because the Lord is interested in every aspect of our lives, we can run to His Word in our pain, grief, loneliness, or sickness and receive help in our time of trouble. "My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word." (Psalm 119:28).
4. God's Word directs us to Wisdom.
"The unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” (Psalm 119:130). Scripture is our greatest protection. It’s like a shield before us, guarding our way and warning of danger. But if we neglect reading and obeying the Word, we won’t be able to distinguish right from wrong.
5. The Scriptures give Peace.
Perhaps the most desired possession in the world is peace, but it can only be found in the Lord. “Great Peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble." (Psalm 119:165). Peace means to be bound to something, and when that something is the Word of God, we are bound to Him and experience the peace Jesus promised to His disciples (John 14:27).
6. The Word of God brings Joy.
If we love the Word, we’ll find great joy and comfort in reading it. When facing tough situations and discouragement, our first response will be to open the Scriptures. Even if we don’t know where to read, the Lord will guide us to a passage which can restore our hope and joy. "Your statues are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart." (Psalm 119:111).