The Path to Spiritual Growth
Introduction to the Spiritual Disciplines
This devotional is written by Charlotte Anderson.
Reflection
The book of Exodus talks about how Moses would speak face to face with God as you would with a friend. I have always loved how after being with God on Mount Sinai Moses had to cover his face with a veil because he was radiating God's glory! It’s incredible how putting ourselves in Christ's presence transforms us.
When I was a student I heard a story of a girl who was sat on the tube, literally shining, from the way she radiated God's presence. I remember praying many times to radiate God's presence that way. 2 Corinthians 3:18 talks about how this is available to all of us. As we spend time in God's presence we will be transformed to be more like Jesus; we will reflect him like a mirror.*
'So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.'
How do we spiritually grow to be more like Jesus?
How do we experience more fullness in our lives as Christians?
Over the following days, we will be exploring the spiritual disciplines. These are practices such as prayer, worship and serving which Christians have always used to grow their personal relationship with God. Think of the disciplines like training yourself in a spiritual gym. They are all important and work together so I encourage you to try them all out over the following days. Stick it out. Be kind to yourself but be intentional too. The growth comes slowly but it's so worthwhile. Galatians 5:22 tells us what we can expect to see in our lives as a result and who doesn't want more peace, joy, hope or love?
Pray: Jesus, I want to be more like you. Thank you that I can reflect your glory. Would you transform me by your Spirit to be more like you and help me form spiritual disciplines in my life.
*Disclaimer: physically shining not required.
When I was a student I heard a story of a girl who was sat on the tube, literally shining, from the way she radiated God's presence. I remember praying many times to radiate God's presence that way. 2 Corinthians 3:18 talks about how this is available to all of us. As we spend time in God's presence we will be transformed to be more like Jesus; we will reflect him like a mirror.*
'So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.'
How do we spiritually grow to be more like Jesus?
How do we experience more fullness in our lives as Christians?
Over the following days, we will be exploring the spiritual disciplines. These are practices such as prayer, worship and serving which Christians have always used to grow their personal relationship with God. Think of the disciplines like training yourself in a spiritual gym. They are all important and work together so I encourage you to try them all out over the following days. Stick it out. Be kind to yourself but be intentional too. The growth comes slowly but it's so worthwhile. Galatians 5:22 tells us what we can expect to see in our lives as a result and who doesn't want more peace, joy, hope or love?
Pray: Jesus, I want to be more like you. Thank you that I can reflect your glory. Would you transform me by your Spirit to be more like you and help me form spiritual disciplines in my life.
*Disclaimer: physically shining not required.
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June
2019
January
John the Baptist prepares the wayJesus announces the good newsJesus heals manyJesus forgives and healsJesus heals on the SabbathParable of the sowerLamp on a standJesus restores a demon possessed manJesus raises a dead girl and heals a sick womanA prophet without honourJohn the Baptist beheadedJesus feeds the five thousandJesus walks on waterThat which defiles
February
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March
June
July
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August
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