Tuesday, March 28th, 2023

When someone says “spiritual disciplines,” what do you think? For some it sounds like rituals, others, perhaps rigid rules. But perhaps if that is the case, there is a misunderstanding of their value. Spiritual disciplines are things we do to create space and rhythms in our busy lives for the Lord, such as prayer, Bible study, silence, solitude, and the like. They are purposeful, intentional, and prioritized because we are called to place our relationship with the Lord as our top priority, for from its overflow we pour out him to others. But sometimes we forget the purpose of setting aside time and space for the Lord to work in our lives. We forget that spiritual disciplines are not about becoming a better Christian, or doing something to boast about later. They are about drawing closer to Christ. Proverbs says, “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” It take purpose and intention in our lives to keep our hearts pursuant of the Lord, because so much of the world will distract us. But as Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” Spiritual disciplines keep us connected to Jesus, abiding in Him, and disconnecting from the world. In this, Jesus says we will bear fruit, pouring out more of him to the world rather than more of ourselves. Today, if you are not pursuing intentional and purposeful time with the Lord each day, do so and taste and see that the Lord is good.

“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” — Proverbs 4:23

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” — John 15:5