TUESDAY August 6, 2024
Three Christian Disciplines
....and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—
Ephesians 6:17-18
When Paul was under house arrest, he prayed for the saints––the Church. In the Old Testament, When the prophet Samuel addressed God’s people, he revealed that it was a sin not to pray: Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way (1 Samuel 12:23).
How we need see that neglect of prayer is sinful! Yet hundreds and thousands of Christians fail to pray each and every day. Prayer is like oxygen––you cannot live without it. When believers pray, there is power given to them for victory in battle. Prayer must be done daily––not weekly or monthly––daily.
Understand, a Christian’s spiritual life depends on three important disciplines: the Word of God, prayer, and fellowship. If you are lacking in any of these three essentials, then you risk becoming a casualty. Consider your life. What is pulling you away from spending time alone with God? Are you at church services on Sunday every week, or are you tempted to lie in bed, go to sports games, or busy doing other things?
Be aware of Satan’s tactics. It is so easy to gradually slide backwards. You miss one service, then another, and then another. Slowly you stop going to church altogether. You busy your life with other things and lack being in the Word, prayer and fellowship with other believers.
Do you find you are pulled away from Christ because you are consumed with earthly things? Do not lose your first love for Jesus Christ. Get back into church. Remain in the Word of God, prayer, and fellowship.
When there is little awareness of real need, there is little real prayer.
~Donald S. Whitney~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
