More than just church on Sunday.
My purpose is to exhort and encourage Christians with the truth that living entirely dedicated to Christ—in every aspect of our lives—is actually the better way. Not just for our eternity in Heaven, but for our temporal existence on Earth as well.
Although we are ultimately saved by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the things we do are still important. From how you make your living, all the way down to what you eat for breakfast—every choice matters and has a profound affect on your own life and the lives of those around you.
I
Bible Study
Not just devotionals. A systematic process of growing in knowledge of the Bible, as well as experiencing the “Spiritual Shift” that happens behind the scenes while reading the inspired Word of God. (It’s not just about the head knowledge)
II
Prayer
Prayer as more than just submitting a request for your desires. Prayer as communion, prayer as an unfolding relationship, prayer as “Calm Contemplation.” Prayer as the silent experiencing of the presence of God. (It’s not just about the head knowledge)
III
Fellowship
You are influenced by (and have an influence on) those who you associate with. It will directly affect your life in ways that you may not be perceiving. The Bible is clear on the types of people you should (or should not) associate with.
IV
Food
What you eat is so important! Nowadays processed food is terrible for your body. The power of fasting to cleanse your body, prevent diseases and increase your insight into the truths of God. Fasting, actually should be its own category added to a new row. The body is a natural machine – you wouldn’t put milk in the gas tank of your car. The ability to understand what you’re reading in the Bible is affected by the nourishment and proper physiological functioning of your brain. It even determines your natural inclination toward optimism or pessimism, faith or doubt.
V
Sleep
Your body’s functioning is so important. Sleep is like the repair table and the battery charging station at the same time. It is really important to be protective over your sleep, for so many reasons! God designed the circadian rhythm into our bodies. Night-shifters are doing themselves a lot of harm. The more we operate conducively to following God’s Laws, the better!
VI
Exercise
The breakdown, buildup pattern. Optimal circulation. Fresh air, breathing. Through exertion the body is kept in its best condition.
VII
Past processing
Everything in our life has had an affect on us, whether we admit it to ourselves (or others) or not. When these things happen at a young age (or when we are not walking with Christ) we hold them differently than we would if they happened when we are grown and matured. Sometimes something that caused us a lot of pain can actually be healed and forgiven by recontextualizing it according to what we know now. The Bible tells us to forgive, and when we do, we are set free. It can also help us to understand why we have been acting the way we have, and it can help us understand others who have also had difficulties in their life (who hasn’t?).
VIII
Confession of sin
Freedom once it’s off your chest. We are all sinners, some just choose to hide it rather than live in the freedom of confession. God forgives. Opens the door for deeper fellowship and to help and be helped by others. The devil can’t hold something against you and accuse you of it privately (or blackmail you) once it’s out in the open.
IX
Tying up loose ends
There are so many unresolved situations in each of our lives. Whether it’s an unmet promise or a conflict that was never resolved years ago. The human mind and Spirit is so powerful, it actually keeps track of all of these things. Even the ones you might think are “no big deal” — it’s all relevant! As we tie up loose ends and make amends, we are set free from things that would otherwise be drains and inhibiting forces on the freedom of our Spirit. “Go and make things right with your brother before bringing your sacrifice to the alter.”
X
Studying other books
Iron sharpens iron. Even reading something wrong, and then comparing it against the Bible, is part of a sharpening process. Just be highly discerning – we don’t fear man, we fear God. To understand what other people believe or how other people have interpreted different verses will give us an insight into why they act the way they do, and give us a better understanding of human nature and perception and the information war in general.
XI
Working toward a goal
It’s easy to just “go with the motions” of life. However the greatest skills are cultivated through continual, dedicated practice. When we have something to reach for, we are continually being refined and sharpened as we work to attain that goal. Our lives should be spent in something greater than just our own personal comfort (although our personal comfort is valid as well). Above our basic necessities being met (food, shelter, family, etc.) we should be investing ourselves into a project that will reach and touch others, and live beyond ourselves in this world. The Spiritual Warfare is so real. We can help others fighting the battle for good.
XII
Building a family
Some have the gifting to be single (says Paul). For the rest of us, it is one of the greatest blessings we can possibly experience to be married and to have a family. Marriage is a refining process. You will learn and grow and mature more in maintaining a healthy marriage than you would from 1,000 classrooms. They require us to bend where we would otherwise be stiff. I can’t personally speak on having kids yet, but I’m excited to know firsthand!
(Add another row. Set and Setting. Fasting. Dressing well (it matters!). The music we listen to (which influences us greatly).