spiritual disciplines.

One of my favorite youth kids called me today. She shared with me about how she's been doing spiritually and things that she's learned recently. Then she asked me how I was doing.

I fumbled around talking to find something to say. I've been okay. I've been a mess. I've been really happy. A mix of things this summer. I told her it was okay, and that God was teaching me to trust/rely on him and to be thankful. I also told her that I've realized that I need to work harder on spiritual disciplines. Pastr Jason had said on Sunday, that the most effective teachers were the ones that lived by example--why should they listen to you if you don't live the way you tell others to live. I felt convicted but then forgot about it. But as I was talking on the phone, it was brought back to the forefront of my mind. I have really wanted to tell my small group girls--you must be spiritually disciplined, you must make it a priority, you must read and spend time in Gd's word--but how can I tell them, when I'm so bad at it myself. I told her. I know I can do it. I know I can. I really need to make it a priority. I've been so selfish. I put spiritual disciplines in the back burner. But I know I can do it. I've done it before.

I was in maybe junior high when Pstor Dan preached about daily devotions. You can't expect to grow in Him and know Him if you don't spend time with Him. That year, everyday, I passionately sought Gd's word each morning, sometimes twice a day, to pray and read Hs word. He spoke to me. It was clear to me. Sometimes I wish I could rewind and go back. Since now is now, I hope to pursue what I had before, and more. Gd, draw me closer to you.