Get spiritually fit for the New Year

This year I am excited about being more intentional about my time with God. I am use to talking to God as I go a lot, but I really want to plan this time better. I think a systematic approach to studying our bible and prayer opens up our heart to more spontaneous encounters with God. It does the groundwork that makes our heart soft toward God. As we draw near to God, he in turn draws near to us and reveals his secrets to us.

When people here planning or a schedule they tense up. We think, “How can I possibly fit another thing in my schedule?” Let me tell you a story… For the past few years I’ve been having weakness and pain in my right arm. I didn’t injure it or anything it just stop functioning properly. I went to the doctor several times trying to figure out the cause, but the answer came down to just management and not a full solution. Before I knew it, I could not type or use my arm properly, so I had to go to a specialist. The specialist found that I had a low vitamin B12 level that was contributing to my symptoms. I had to start right away getting injections daily, then weekly and finally monthly. After the first few weeks, I have seen improvement and hope that things will continue to get better for me.

I said all that to say, sometimes the things we have been dealing with for years can be solved by a continuous routine dose of vitamins, medicines or exercises. The Word of God is our medicine that keeps us healthy and fit for the Lord’s use in the Kingdom. We don’t practice the word and talk with God because we feel like it, we do this because it is essential to our health.

To be healthy and whole all comes down to a daily decision. 1 Chronicles 22:19 says “Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God…” When you become single in your heart and no longer are indifferent to the things of God, things will turn around for you.

It won’t matter if your best friend isn’t at church, you have to be there. It won’t matter if your favorite preacher doesn’t recognize you, you still need the word. No matter what the circumstance may be, you are determined to seek after the Lord with your whole heart, mind, soul and strength.

I encourage you to stay spiritually fit in this season so you will be ready to do all God has called you to do. A vessel that is of a pure heart is devoted to her master and she is his most precious possession.

A large house contains not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay. Some indeed are for honorable use, but others are for common use. So if anyone cleanses himself of what is unfit, he will be a vessel for honor: sanctified, useful to the Master, and prepared for every good work. Flee from youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, together with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

2 Timothy 2:20-22 BSB

Next time we will discuss some spiritual exercises that can help us stay motivated and healthy in God.