If you want to take it up a notch in your walk with Christ in 2013 plan on doing a few things. Jesus tells us in Matthew 6 some of the key things that we must do to not only stay in tune with God but to prosper in our relationship with him. If we do two out of three, its still not as effective. We must ask the Holy Spirit to fill us with His strength so we can accomplish these spiritual disciplines.
First, we must be a 'giver'. We must be sacrificial in our giving of our time, our resources and anything else God asks us to give. Simply put, God blesses a giver. He 'gave' his life for us, the ultimate gift. We can never repay him but we can 'give' in such a manner of thanksgiving that pleases him.
Second, we must always be in a 'state of prayer'. Its very important to have a time set aside for your time with God in prayer. But just as important, we need to 'pray without ceasing'. We need to always be talking and listening with God all day long. He really longs to fellowship with his children. Not only does this please our Father, but it gives us the power in our lives that God wants us to have.
Last, we must learn to 'fast'. We have to be willing to give up and sacrifice food for God. Jesus was the role model in the Bible as he went on a 40 day fast. A sun up to sun down fast, a 3 day fast, 7 day fast or even a 21 day fast. Begin with fasting a meal and graduate from that. This time should be spent praying or reading God's Word. It has to be important to us and it will be important to God.
Getting these three spiritual disciplines down for 2013 will kick off your new year like you have never imagined!! God Bless!!
First, we must be a 'giver'. We must be sacrificial in our giving of our time, our resources and anything else God asks us to give. Simply put, God blesses a giver. He 'gave' his life for us, the ultimate gift. We can never repay him but we can 'give' in such a manner of thanksgiving that pleases him.
Second, we must always be in a 'state of prayer'. Its very important to have a time set aside for your time with God in prayer. But just as important, we need to 'pray without ceasing'. We need to always be talking and listening with God all day long. He really longs to fellowship with his children. Not only does this please our Father, but it gives us the power in our lives that God wants us to have.
Last, we must learn to 'fast'. We have to be willing to give up and sacrifice food for God. Jesus was the role model in the Bible as he went on a 40 day fast. A sun up to sun down fast, a 3 day fast, 7 day fast or even a 21 day fast. Begin with fasting a meal and graduate from that. This time should be spent praying or reading God's Word. It has to be important to us and it will be important to God.
Getting these three spiritual disciplines down for 2013 will kick off your new year like you have never imagined!! God Bless!!
