Dear friends, as in most areas of life, to grow spiritually requires discipline. Health, stamina and strength don’t just magically appear. We have to work at them. I tend to be a type of person who, while enjoying variety in the day to day schedule, I function well when “essentials” are scheduled in. Physical exercise is one of those, and so is “spiritual exercise” which Paul says is profitable for all things (1 Tim.4:8). So each morning I spend time with the Lord in the following ways:

1. Read the Word. I go through the Bible in a year so that I develop an understanding of the flow of Scripture, become more familiar with all parts (including those that are less popular), and maintain accountability for a steady diet of the Word. I’m just now finishing the “MacArthur Daily Bible” which has daily readings in OT, NT, Psalms and Proverbs along with notes he has written on different passages. Starting January 1, I’ll begin a 52-week Bible reading plan that goes through OT once and NT twice, giving sections of Bible to read week by week. There are many options available online, and I encourage you to choose one and stick with it. (Cf. Joshua 1:8, Psalm 119:9-11, 2 Tim. 2:15, et al)
2. Read a devotional book. Each day I read another entry from “The Valley of Vision” which are Puritan prayers – deep, convicting, insightful, encouraging and very God-honoring.
3. Prayer time. Each day I go through a list of people, issues, concerns and praises that I bring before the Lord. It helps me to keep my brain on track by following a list (which I sometimes deviate from), but I know other people have other ways of organizing their thoughts. Once a week I do an extended fast, and Holly and I spend extra time praying through a more complete list. Everyone has their favorite system, but the important thing is that you have a plan and follow it. (Mark 1:35, Eph. 6:18, 1 Thess. 5:17)
4. Finally, I augment my devotions by spending time reading other helpful books. Right now I’m going through “Disciplines of a Godly Man” by R. Kent Hughes. There are many highly applicable chapters in this book that are both convicting and inspiring. Our men’s fellowship at church meets once a month to discuss what we’ve read, and I’m also spending time discussing it with my son Adam as he goes through the book as well. He focuses on disciplines pertaining to relationships, the soul, character, and ministry. I highly recommend it.

I’m sure you have other ways you feed your soul, such as through godly, encouraging relationships, regular church attendance and involvement, small groups, service projects, personal and corporate worship, memorization, etc. All of these are good and important. As we prepare for a new year, may we prioritize those things we know are most important, and by God’s grace may we stick with our commitments and enjoy the benefits of close fellowship with the Almighty.

Pressing on in Him, Eric