Six Christian Disciplines
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Reading the Bible
Prayer Can Help Ministries
While reading the bible makes perfect sense to someone seeking to understand God, for some reason it is very difficult to do
consistently. Any one can pick up the bible read a verse here, a verse there, maybe even read a few of the more “interesting”
books, but to read all of the bible, and to do so to gain a deeper understanding of the method and message, is not something that
everyone can do with ease. The bible teaches that the things of God are spiritual and must be received by your spirit and not your
mind.
1 Corinthians 2:10-15 (AMP) 10 Yet to us God has unveiled and revealed them by and through His Spirit, for the [Holy] Spirit
searches diligently, exploring and examining everything, even sounding the profound and bottomless things of God [the divine
counsels and things hidden and beyond man’s scrutiny]. 11 For what person perceives (knows and understands) what passes
through a man’s thoughts except the man’s own spirit within him? Just so no one discerns (comes to know and comprehend) the
thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have not received the spirit [that belongs to] the world, but the [Holy] Spirit
Who is from God, [given to us] that we might realize and comprehend and appreciate the gifts [of divine favor and blessing so
freely and lavishly] bestowed on us by God. 13 And we are setting these truths forth in words not taught by human wisdom but
taught by the [Holy] Spirit, combining and interpreting spiritual truths with spiritual language [to those who possess the Holy
Spirit]. 14 But the natural, nonspiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and
revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them [of
progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them] because they are spiritually discerned
and estimated and appreciated. 15 But the spiritual man tries all things [he examines, investigates, inquires into, questions,
and discerns all things], yet is himself to be put on trial and judged by no one [he can read the meaning of everything, but no
one can properly discern or appraise or get an insight into him].
Coming to terms with this concept first can be very helpful. The bible also says that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the
Word of God. Romans 10:17 (AMP) 17 So faith comes by hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the preaching [of
the message that came from the lips] of Christ (the Messiah Himself).
So it is through the Word of God in print, we can begin to hear God, and as we begin to hear God we receive an increase in our
faith.
All of the spiritual disciplines can and should be practiced individually, but ultimately practicing them together will make you the
most effective in all you say and do, praying and reading are two great examples. Praying before you read, and after are great
ways to make your spirit ready to receive, and also entreat God to help you to hear from him. In the first letter to Timothy we see
Paul combining the disciplines of fellowship and reading of the word.
1 Timothy 4:13 (AMP) 13 Till I come, devote yourself to [public and private] reading, to exhortation (preaching and personal
appeals), and to teaching and instilling doctrine.
While many parts of the bible may seem unnecessary, or repetitive, they are there for a reason. Trying to understand why God
would include some information but not others, is not the best approach instead, thank God that there is so much more that He
could have included but didn't, because He will reveal the rest to us through the spirit as we are ready,
John 16:12-13 (NLT)12 “There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can’t bear it now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes,
he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.
There are also many lives in the old testament that can minister to us and our lives now, many of the situations we face and what
we fall victim to are also lived out in the lives of the men and women who lived all those years ago; sin, pain, death, deceit, hate,
betrayal, and fear. We can learn from their mistakes, and also how they got through.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (AMP) 16 Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for
reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living,
in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action), 17 So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted
and thoroughly equipped for every good work.
If we treat the bible like an operations manual, we can and will understand no matter what the problem we can have a guide and an
answer. In the bible is the mind of God, His emotions, thoughts, feelings, God's heart for this world and His heart for the sinner. God
loved the world so much that He not only sent His son to die to redeem us and forgive us, but God also gave us insight into what is
going on, He gave us a way to get in touch with what He wants and expects from us.
2 Timothy 3:15 (AMP) 15 And how from your childhood you have had a knowledge of and been acquainted with the sacred
Writings, which are able to instruct you and give you the understanding for salvation which comes through faith in Christ Jesus
[through the leaning of the entire human personality on God in Christ Jesus in absolute trust and confidence in His power,
wisdom, and goodness].
Setting aside time to study the bible is likened to study for a job, and sometimes it does feel like that. The hope and prayer is that
we grow to enjoy it, but however it is, do it. We must commit ourselves to the greater good, to believe that the Bible is the way to
protect your self from the attacks of the enemy. The bible is likened in the book of Ephesians to a Sword, The Word of God.
Ephesians 6:17-18 (AMP) 17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God.
18 Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep
alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God’s consecrated people).
This means that as we train and learn how to read and understand our bible, we are more able to defend our family, to fight for
what the enemy has stolen, to take back what belongs to us, because what is given to us, is ours by right of ownership, we only owe
to God. We also see the combination of the disciplines of prayer and reading of the word. My Pastor likes to say, “If you wrote a
book, don't you want your loved ones to read it? Don't you want to hear what people think and answer their questions?” God is the
same, He wants you to read and pray about what questions you have, to take your questions to your spiritual leaders, to see the
truth of the word and thank Him for it.
Getting into a consistent and word based bible study is another wonderful way to intertwine two of the disciplines, Fellowship and
Reading. In a group setting it is not only beneficial for you, but for others. God can and will give those a word to answer questions
that He already knew would come up. In the bible God says,
Proverbs 27:17 (AMP) 17 Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend [to show rage or worthy
purpose].
So we in a group bible study, can sharpen each other up, sharpen our Swords to fight and defend, to prepare for the spiritual
warfare we are already in, don't let the enemy twist it, we are already stuck in the fight. So taking time to get to know how to use
your weapon is just common sense, once you realize there is no way out but to fight.
Ephesians 6:12 (AMP) 12 For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against
the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the
spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.
We need to learn to take this war more serious, we should never leave home without our bible. Soldiers are not found on the
battlefield without their weapon, we do not want the enemy to come upon us unarmed and unprepared. Remember this, knowing
what a sword is and knowing how to use it are two different things. Being able to point to a sword on the wall, and being able to
wield one effectively take two different types of individuals. We must come to understand the true power within the word of God,
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (AMP) 3 For though we walk (live) in the flesh, we are not carrying on our warfare according to the flesh
and using mere human weapons. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are
mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds, 5 [Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and
reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and
purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One),
Prepare for war. One must come to the conclusion the bible is absolute truth or absolute rubbish, if you cannot believe one word
you cannot believe any of it. Praying and reading, reading in a group setting, and reading smaller portions more often are key to not
only consuming the scripture but truly digesting it. We can put food in our stomachs all we want, but if we do not allow our bodies to
digest it, what good does it do us? In one setting take one chapter and break it down to its deepest meanings, using a bible that
you can easily understand will help. The NLT (New Living Translation) is great for ease of read, and the AMP (Amplified) is great
for depth of meaning, there are other wonderful translations out there but these two are great for beginners. The complex and
archaic language of the King James (not to mention, mistranslation's) can confuse and loose many readers, but is a staple of many
older Churches. There are also many commentaries you can pick up which will have discussions on deeper meanings and things
that were occurring at the time period of the writing. Good study bibles help immensely by combing study notes, key teachings,
concordances, maps, dictionaries, and reading plans. My personal study bible is the Life in the Spirit Study Bible (NIV).
The conviction we get from reading the bible cannot be ignored! When we read that God is Holy and we must be Holy, how do we
deal with that? When we read God has already delivered us from death to life, how do we deal with that? When we read God has
given everything for life and godliness, how do we deal with that? In the book of James we read the following,
James 1:22-25 (AMP) 22 But be doers of the Word [obey the message], and not merely listeners to it, betraying yourselves
[into deception by reasoning contrary to the Truth]. 23 For if anyone only listens to the Word without obeying it and being a doer
of it, he is like a man who looks carefully at his [own] natural face in a mirror; 24 For he thoughtfully observes himself, and then
goes off and promptly forgets what he was like. 25 But he who looks carefully into the faultless law, the [law] of liberty, and is
faithful to it and perseveres in looking into it, being not a heedless listener who forgets but an active doer [who obeys], he shall
be blessed in his doing (his life of obedience).
So through the brother of Jesus, James, we see the Word of God is a mirror. This mirror shows us where we are, and were we
are not, the bible acts as the road map to get from one to the other. Again when we read, be does of the Word, and not merely
listeners, how do we deal with that. We can have a bandage in our hand all we want, until we apply it to the wound it is practically
useless to us. Practical application of the Word is key to becoming the men and women of God that He designed us to be,
Romans 8:18-19 (AMP) 18 [But what of that?] For I consider that the sufferings of this present time (this present life) are not
worth being compared with the glory that is about to be revealed to us and in us and for us and conferred on us! 19 For [even the
whole] creation (all nature) waits expectantly and longs earnestly for God’s sons to be made known [waits for the revealing, the
disclosing of their sonship].
We see also in the above scripture, not only does God want and expect us to change, but the whole world is waiting for the real
Children of God to come forward and step up, to take their rightful roles in changing the world through the power of the Holy Spirit,
and doing the Word of God.
consistently. Any one can pick up the bible read a verse here, a verse there, maybe even read a few of the more “interesting”
books, but to read all of the bible, and to do so to gain a deeper understanding of the method and message, is not something that
everyone can do with ease. The bible teaches that the things of God are spiritual and must be received by your spirit and not your
mind.
1 Corinthians 2:10-15 (AMP) 10 Yet to us God has unveiled and revealed them by and through His Spirit, for the [Holy] Spirit
searches diligently, exploring and examining everything, even sounding the profound and bottomless things of God [the divine
counsels and things hidden and beyond man’s scrutiny]. 11 For what person perceives (knows and understands) what passes
through a man’s thoughts except the man’s own spirit within him? Just so no one discerns (comes to know and comprehend) the
thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have not received the spirit [that belongs to] the world, but the [Holy] Spirit
Who is from God, [given to us] that we might realize and comprehend and appreciate the gifts [of divine favor and blessing so
freely and lavishly] bestowed on us by God. 13 And we are setting these truths forth in words not taught by human wisdom but
taught by the [Holy] Spirit, combining and interpreting spiritual truths with spiritual language [to those who possess the Holy
Spirit]. 14 But the natural, nonspiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and
revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them [of
progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them] because they are spiritually discerned
and estimated and appreciated. 15 But the spiritual man tries all things [he examines, investigates, inquires into, questions,
and discerns all things], yet is himself to be put on trial and judged by no one [he can read the meaning of everything, but no
one can properly discern or appraise or get an insight into him].
Coming to terms with this concept first can be very helpful. The bible also says that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the
Word of God. Romans 10:17 (AMP) 17 So faith comes by hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the preaching [of
the message that came from the lips] of Christ (the Messiah Himself).
So it is through the Word of God in print, we can begin to hear God, and as we begin to hear God we receive an increase in our
faith.
All of the spiritual disciplines can and should be practiced individually, but ultimately practicing them together will make you the
most effective in all you say and do, praying and reading are two great examples. Praying before you read, and after are great
ways to make your spirit ready to receive, and also entreat God to help you to hear from him. In the first letter to Timothy we see
Paul combining the disciplines of fellowship and reading of the word.
1 Timothy 4:13 (AMP) 13 Till I come, devote yourself to [public and private] reading, to exhortation (preaching and personal
appeals), and to teaching and instilling doctrine.
While many parts of the bible may seem unnecessary, or repetitive, they are there for a reason. Trying to understand why God
would include some information but not others, is not the best approach instead, thank God that there is so much more that He
could have included but didn't, because He will reveal the rest to us through the spirit as we are ready,
John 16:12-13 (NLT)12 “There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can’t bear it now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes,
he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.
There are also many lives in the old testament that can minister to us and our lives now, many of the situations we face and what
we fall victim to are also lived out in the lives of the men and women who lived all those years ago; sin, pain, death, deceit, hate,
betrayal, and fear. We can learn from their mistakes, and also how they got through.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (AMP) 16 Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for
reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living,
in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action), 17 So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted
and thoroughly equipped for every good work.
If we treat the bible like an operations manual, we can and will understand no matter what the problem we can have a guide and an
answer. In the bible is the mind of God, His emotions, thoughts, feelings, God's heart for this world and His heart for the sinner. God
loved the world so much that He not only sent His son to die to redeem us and forgive us, but God also gave us insight into what is
going on, He gave us a way to get in touch with what He wants and expects from us.
2 Timothy 3:15 (AMP) 15 And how from your childhood you have had a knowledge of and been acquainted with the sacred
Writings, which are able to instruct you and give you the understanding for salvation which comes through faith in Christ Jesus
[through the leaning of the entire human personality on God in Christ Jesus in absolute trust and confidence in His power,
wisdom, and goodness].
Setting aside time to study the bible is likened to study for a job, and sometimes it does feel like that. The hope and prayer is that
we grow to enjoy it, but however it is, do it. We must commit ourselves to the greater good, to believe that the Bible is the way to
protect your self from the attacks of the enemy. The bible is likened in the book of Ephesians to a Sword, The Word of God.
Ephesians 6:17-18 (AMP) 17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God.
18 Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep
alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God’s consecrated people).
This means that as we train and learn how to read and understand our bible, we are more able to defend our family, to fight for
what the enemy has stolen, to take back what belongs to us, because what is given to us, is ours by right of ownership, we only owe
to God. We also see the combination of the disciplines of prayer and reading of the word. My Pastor likes to say, “If you wrote a
book, don't you want your loved ones to read it? Don't you want to hear what people think and answer their questions?” God is the
same, He wants you to read and pray about what questions you have, to take your questions to your spiritual leaders, to see the
truth of the word and thank Him for it.
Getting into a consistent and word based bible study is another wonderful way to intertwine two of the disciplines, Fellowship and
Reading. In a group setting it is not only beneficial for you, but for others. God can and will give those a word to answer questions
that He already knew would come up. In the bible God says,
Proverbs 27:17 (AMP) 17 Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend [to show rage or worthy
purpose].
So we in a group bible study, can sharpen each other up, sharpen our Swords to fight and defend, to prepare for the spiritual
warfare we are already in, don't let the enemy twist it, we are already stuck in the fight. So taking time to get to know how to use
your weapon is just common sense, once you realize there is no way out but to fight.
Ephesians 6:12 (AMP) 12 For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against
the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the
spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.
We need to learn to take this war more serious, we should never leave home without our bible. Soldiers are not found on the
battlefield without their weapon, we do not want the enemy to come upon us unarmed and unprepared. Remember this, knowing
what a sword is and knowing how to use it are two different things. Being able to point to a sword on the wall, and being able to
wield one effectively take two different types of individuals. We must come to understand the true power within the word of God,
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (AMP) 3 For though we walk (live) in the flesh, we are not carrying on our warfare according to the flesh
and using mere human weapons. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are
mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds, 5 [Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and
reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and
purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One),
Prepare for war. One must come to the conclusion the bible is absolute truth or absolute rubbish, if you cannot believe one word
you cannot believe any of it. Praying and reading, reading in a group setting, and reading smaller portions more often are key to not
only consuming the scripture but truly digesting it. We can put food in our stomachs all we want, but if we do not allow our bodies to
digest it, what good does it do us? In one setting take one chapter and break it down to its deepest meanings, using a bible that
you can easily understand will help. The NLT (New Living Translation) is great for ease of read, and the AMP (Amplified) is great
for depth of meaning, there are other wonderful translations out there but these two are great for beginners. The complex and
archaic language of the King James (not to mention, mistranslation's) can confuse and loose many readers, but is a staple of many
older Churches. There are also many commentaries you can pick up which will have discussions on deeper meanings and things
that were occurring at the time period of the writing. Good study bibles help immensely by combing study notes, key teachings,
concordances, maps, dictionaries, and reading plans. My personal study bible is the Life in the Spirit Study Bible (NIV).
The conviction we get from reading the bible cannot be ignored! When we read that God is Holy and we must be Holy, how do we
deal with that? When we read God has already delivered us from death to life, how do we deal with that? When we read God has
given everything for life and godliness, how do we deal with that? In the book of James we read the following,
James 1:22-25 (AMP) 22 But be doers of the Word [obey the message], and not merely listeners to it, betraying yourselves
[into deception by reasoning contrary to the Truth]. 23 For if anyone only listens to the Word without obeying it and being a doer
of it, he is like a man who looks carefully at his [own] natural face in a mirror; 24 For he thoughtfully observes himself, and then
goes off and promptly forgets what he was like. 25 But he who looks carefully into the faultless law, the [law] of liberty, and is
faithful to it and perseveres in looking into it, being not a heedless listener who forgets but an active doer [who obeys], he shall
be blessed in his doing (his life of obedience).
So through the brother of Jesus, James, we see the Word of God is a mirror. This mirror shows us where we are, and were we
are not, the bible acts as the road map to get from one to the other. Again when we read, be does of the Word, and not merely
listeners, how do we deal with that. We can have a bandage in our hand all we want, until we apply it to the wound it is practically
useless to us. Practical application of the Word is key to becoming the men and women of God that He designed us to be,
Romans 8:18-19 (AMP) 18 [But what of that?] For I consider that the sufferings of this present time (this present life) are not
worth being compared with the glory that is about to be revealed to us and in us and for us and conferred on us! 19 For [even the
whole] creation (all nature) waits expectantly and longs earnestly for God’s sons to be made known [waits for the revealing, the
disclosing of their sonship].
We see also in the above scripture, not only does God want and expect us to change, but the whole world is waiting for the real
Children of God to come forward and step up, to take their rightful roles in changing the world through the power of the Holy Spirit,
and doing the Word of God.
Six Christian Disciplines Continued here
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