Firm Foundations

What happened to living The Way that Jesus lived? What happened to being a follower of Christ and a doer as He did?

The pillars of spiritual life which have fallen by the wayside are as follows:

1. Reading the Word of God (Bible) daily and with fervor (it's your only weapon against the enemy, learn to wield it well - Jesus is the Word and Jesus is the Victor, the armor He's given you is of Himself as well - this is a mystery)

2. Praying without ceasing both with understanding and in the spirit (spiritual language/tongues) - the prayer, in order to be effective must come from a righteous person, and also the prayers are to be prayer based on Scripture, that is, what you ask for you don't receive because it isn't in the Father's will, and you don't receive because you don't ask (father and son - stone, bread) - how much greater does your heavenly Father love you (and all good things come from Him)

3. Continual fellowship with other believers - for prayer, worship, confession, fasting corporately, healing, teaching, helping, etc... (we are the Body, don't work alone because Christ didn't work alone; he brought many in as participants and so participate with one another in seeking the Lord's face, investing your gifts for the blessing of the Body and to be a blessing for all of mankind - we glorify God as being in His likeness, reflecting Him)

4. Discipleship with a Christian mentor - someone of the same sex, preferably 15-20 years older who is really following the Lord with their all (deacon, elder, pastor...) Would God have had Paul write so many letters to the churches if He hadn't meant for the process of discipleship to perpetuate? Or are all to learn solely from the Lord alone? Both are right, but God uses others to teach us and direct and guide us. The Holy Spirit is our Wonderful Counselor, and he might counsel us to be in communion with our Christian brother or sister who He also counsels that the Body might be unified and benefit one another. Paul wrote two letters (that we know of) to Timothy, inspired by the God, for His spiritual growth and encouragement in walking in spirit and in truth. Surely if Timothy needs encouragement and a mentor, then we do as well. This is not to say man teaches us, for God alone can teach us His Word, but it is the Holy Spirit in others by which we are taught.

Become as a child who is like a sponge seeking the truth from our spiritual parents. Ask God to refine what you are taught that you may be fruitful with such seed planted in your heart.



"You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory." - Psalm 73:24

"In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling." - Exodus 15:13

"It is the spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding." - Job 32:8-9

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you." - Psalm 32:8

"The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." - John 14:26

God bless
DMS

P.S. I hope all the reads and no comments means that you find this accurate... :)