Tag: spiritual formation

self exam

Ask God To Reveal Your Heart

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Honest self-examination is critical to maturity because it reveals areas of resistance to the restoration of the image of God. If you take the time to go through this post I think you will learn more about the benefits of self-examination. Proverbs 4:23 prescribes self-examination: “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life” (ESV). Our heart is like a reservoir that we need to protect from pollution because our life springs from it. So it is important to ask yourself if you do self-examination with “all vigilance”. Paul told the Ephesian elders: “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood” (Acts 20:28, ESV). Thus, we need to be proficient at discerning our thoughts and attitudes. Self-examination and self-knowledge have Continue Reading →

Weekly words of encouragement

God Lifts You Up – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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The LORD upholds all who falland lifts up all who are bowed down. Psalms 145:14 (NIV) God’s goodwill toward all who are needy or broken is one of his key attributes. When you fall, when you are bent down under a load of problems or pain he is compassionate. He sees you and his heart is tender; he wants to help. God’s attitude did not change with the New Covenant. Mary the mother of Jesus proclaimed: He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but has lifted up the humble. Luke 1:52 (NIV) Jesus said: Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3 (NIV) Sometimes God removes the hardship and sometimes “he will provide a way out so you can endure it” (1 Cor. 10:13). In any case, he will comfort your heart if you look to him. We are a light to Continue Reading →

Classic Practices for Spiritual Growth

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One of my hobbies is reading the history of Christian spirituality back to the 2nd century. This led me to collect a list of the most common practices for spiritual growth. Following is a collection of practices based on scripture that believers have used for centuries to open to God and grow spiritually. These are many of the most common practices used across many cultures and times. If you truly want to grow then begin to incorporate these into your life. (Hint: The second one may be the most helpful!) Meditation on scripture. I.e., ruminate, reflect. For example, Divine Reading (Lectio Divina): Read out loud, meditate, pray, be still and receptive. Have a spiritual director. Celtic proverb: “A [Christian] without a soul-friend is like a body without a head.” Self examination. Examine each dimension of your life for sin, weakness, lack of transformation. Fasting. Develop self-control and mastery over your Continue Reading →