Morning Manna Chat and More

Christian Health and Testimony

Christian Living

Take Five

 

What kind of appetite do you have? Has your appetite resulted in unwanted bulges from overeating? Do you have that same kind of appetite for God's Word, for a relationship with Him, and for time to talk with Him?

 

Wouldn't it be great to feast on the Word to the point of spiritual bulges? How many people do you know in that condition? Would one describe you as spiritually heavy or would you be considered as spiritually underweight?

 

Sometimes we eat foods that fail to keep us well nourished. Poor choices may deprive you of health and stamina. Are you careful not to slip into spiritual routines that may leave you spiritually malnourished?

 

What does it mean to be spiritually nourished? Your prayer life and Bible study, not just reading, may be good indictors of your spiritual health and vigor. Just as gradual changes may be necessary to alter your eating pattern and become healthier, subtle changes in your spiritual routine may reap healthy rewards.

 

If your spiritual diet lacks regular prayer time and Bible study, I challenge you to set aside just five minutes each day to begin baby steps toward more abundant fellowship with God. Hide somewhere, if necessary, and spend five minutes reading a few verses and talking with God.

 

Not sure how to start? For Bible study, one chapter a day from the book of Proverbs makes a good starting point. If a chapter is too much, Proverbs is easily digested in smaller bites.

 

Many protocols exist for praying. If current prayers are "quickie" or "gimmie" prayers, then consider these beginning steps.

 

• Start your conversation with God by telling Him your many blessings. Yes, He already knows, but do you? Blessings may include family, health, a free nation or simple things like a bird on your window sill or beautiful flowers in the park. Even if circumstances seem unbearable at the moment, you have been blessed with life itself.

• Follow by thanking God for those blessings and all He does for you. This may be a continuation of the first step. As you remember blessings, thank God.

• Ask Him to guide you through the day. It is by His grace that you get through each and every day.

• Ask Him to keep you from temptations. You will never accomplish this alone. Satan is far more powerful than you can even think about so call on God for help.

 

Just five minutes--set a timer if you have to. Don't become discouraged if you miss a day. God isn't going anywhere. He's waiting to hear from you and speak through His Word.

 

You may find those five minutes the most rewarding and beneficial part of your day.