Six Steps to Spiritual Intimacy

The scriptures are filled with calls to discipleship. Jesus called the twelve who accompanied Him “disciples.” The word itself is derived from another word—“discipline.” A disciple is one disciplined in the ways and walk of the Master. We are called to a God-controlled life—but most Christians, sadly, live self-controlled lives. Following are six simple but practical ways to develop a more real and intimate walk with the Lord and become, as Paul was, an example for others to follow.

1) A TIME ALONE EACH DAY WITH GOD

      “Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is

       willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:40-41) 

2) MEMORIZE GOD'S WORD 

      “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11)

        The Word of God is the mind of God. Fill your mind with His min and see the difference. Memorizing just one verse each means 52 verses in one year – forever a part of you.  

3) DETERMINE TO DIE TO SELF SO THAT JESUS CAN BE FORMED IN YOU 

      "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains aling; but if it dies, it produces much grain." (John 12:24)

       Each day will offer many opportunites to say "Yes" to Jesus and "No" to self. Determine to pass the test.

4) REALIZE THAT OUR GREATEST PAINS REVEAL HIS CLEAREST FACE

      "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." (Romans 8:18, see also John 16:33, 2 Cor. 4:7-12)

       Live long enough and your learn the truth that few like to preach that – pain is gain – whether we are repenting from the Lord's rebuke or suffering afflicition with a heart dedicated to loving

       Him alone. 

5) LEARN AND PRACTICE THE HOLY SPIRIT'S PRESENCE HIS – PROMPTINGS, REPROOFS AND LEADINGS

      "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says..." (Revelation 2:7)

       We recognize the important voices of people in our lives by being exposed to them. There is no more important a voice the the Lord's and His voice will always witness to His Word.

       Ask the Father to fill you with the Holy Spirit each day in a new and fresh way.  

6) MODEL JESUS BY RELEASING HIS LOVE TO OTHERS

      "Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God." (2 COr. 5:20)

       Christ's call to be His witness through deed and word is unmistakable. Like any genuine relationship, the more you faill in love with Jesus, the more you will live to introduce Him to others.

MORE TO COME!
 

"Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ" (I Corinthians 11:1)
The ST. PAUL SCHOOL, with Frank Eiklor, Eileen Young and Cecilia Contreras