Learn to discern. Acting on what we discern is called prudence. Listen to the Spirit!
3 The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.
As I said yesterday, this list of spiritual disciplines is not a comprehensive list, but it does comprise a majority of them. It is taken from the website, Twelve Spiritual Disciplines.
- Bible Study- 2 Timothy 2:15, 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
- Prayer- Matthew 6:5-15
- Fasting- Matthew 6:16-18
- Confession- Proverbs 28:13, 1 John 1:9, James 5:16
- Worship- 1 Chronicles 16:29, Ephesians 5:18-20 and Matthew 4:10
- Fellowship- Acts 2:42, Hebrews 10:24-25
- Rest- Matthew 11:28, Mark 6:31
- Celebration- Philippians 4:4, Ecclesiastes 5:18-19, 1 Corinthians 10:31
- Service- Colossians 3:23-24, Matthew 23:11, Mark 10:45, John 13:15
- Generosity- Acts 20:35, 2 Corinthians 9:7, 1 Timothy 6:17-18
- Chastity- 1 Corinthians 7:1-5, Acts 15:20, Matthew 5:27-28
- Disciple making- Matthew 28:19, Matthew 4:19, Acts 5:42
Rest is something that our society takes to two extremes. Either we run ragged working and playing , or we don’t work at all. Even retirement can be like the second one. God never intended for us to be idle. He always has something for us to do for Him. In the meantime, we need rest at least one day a week. It’s a time of restoration, meditation, worship and family. Be intentional about all of these aspects.
Celebration is a necessity. We mark our lives by them. Birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries, graduations, and even deaths are a big deal. God says to celebrate. He even says to rejoice always in our salvation in Him. Let’s have a party!
Generosity is something that is grown. It comes through little acts with occasions of big acts. In fact, the big acts come out of many little acts. It all starts with a generous heart. Are we willing to give of our time, talents, money and resources when God asks? We are supposed to be good stewards by being discerning in any situation, but we lean toward error and allow God to deal with the recipient trusting that He will replace what is given out of the riches of His glory and our inheritance.
Chastity- Society, of course, is going to lead us in the wrong direction about pretty much everything, but particularly in the department of sex. It’s the best place to derail people because it requires investment, and with investment comes misplaced loyalty. Let’s be loyal to our LORD by being chaste: no sex before marriage and then one man with one woman for life. It’s the best and safest way.
Disciple-making is what happens when we dive in daily with the LORD and then get excited about what He’s doing in our lives. Whether it’s sharing things that we learn, gently correcting and guiding through Scripture passages, or even doling out spiritual nuggets at the store, we all can be disciple makers. Whoever God gives us to disciple, let’s be intentional about it. Discipleship is a slow process. It’s more caught than taught. Let’s be good disciples so that we can make good disciples.
ABBA, each of these points are good for us. Help us to ponder them and allow You to lead us in them. DAILY. Forsaking all else, we trust You, LORD. Amen.
In the Master's Hands 