NOW I KNOW HOW YOU FEEL

The other night we were having dinner with some of our dearest friends.  A couple of guys started talking about one of the TV shows that they regularly watch.  I had not seen the show and I said, “I have no idea what y’all are talking about.”  They apologized, and I said, “that’s alright, now I know how y’all must feel when I talk about the Bible!”  We got a big kick out of my attempt at humor because everyone knew I was joking.  I could only make that statement to these guys because we normally joke with one another, because I know there is nothing wrong with the TV show they were discussing (I’m not one of those preachers who think it is wrong to watch TV), and because these friends of mine are great students of Scripture.  Many times our conversations revolve around the church or Scripture and it is always a great joy to for me to be a part of these discussions.

However, this particular dinner conversation caused me to begin to wonder about all of our habits.  Some research has shown that it takes 21 days to develop a habit. That means to get on a good workout program you need to do it for 21 days. To change your diet, you need to work on it for at least 21 days. With that thought in mind, how are you doing with the development of your spiritual habits?  I remember from my earliest days hearing my Dad say that every Christian should spend some time each day allowing God to talk to him (the study of Scripture), spend some time every day talking to God (prayer), and spend some time every day talking to someone about God (evangelize).  Are you reading and studying your Bible each day? I would encourage you to read the following Scriptures (Romans 12:1-2; 1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18; Hebrews 5:11-6:1) to encourage you to get started. To help you develop a prayer life make a list of people who need prayers.  Many churches have a prayer list in their congregational newsletters our updates.  To develop the habit of evangelism make a list of people you can invite to church or that you can speak with about a Bible study.  All of us have habits in our life. Some are not bad habits, but they can be replaced with better habits.  

    Dear God help us use our time wisely to glorify You with our lives in everything we do.  Help us spend time each day listening to You through the study of Your Word, speaking to You through prayer, and telling someone about the difference You have made in our life.