By Dr. Kenneth Kuykendall: For some believers the only time they encounter the Lord is through an organized, corporate worship experience. Their spiritual development is confined to a few services a week (if that), and they give no thought or commitment to their faith in Christ unless something goes terribly wrong.
So the question is asked: How can we succeed daily in our walk with God? What can we do to demonstrate to the Lord our sincerity in following Him? This is certainly not an exhaustive list, but I have discovered in my own life when these certain items are checked daily, I feel as though I walk more in stride with the Master.
1. Start and End the day with God in Prayer. This must be a priority as we face each day. Have a time and a place, and then make an appointment with God each day. A believer will never be stronger than his prayers. Consider the statement by E.M. Bounds, “The men who have done the most for God in this world have been early on their knees. He who fritters away the early morning, its opportunity and freshness, in other pursuits than seeking God will make poor headway seeking Him the rest of the day. If God is not first in our thoughts and efforts in the morning, He will be in the last place the remainder of the day.”
2. Make Note of What is Important and What is Not. There are some things we shouldn’t worry over; there are some things we shouldn’t waste our time on; there are some things we need to rid from our lives. With the hectic schedules of life, we can lose place for God if not careful. Take inventory of every hour during the week; and summarize what you have really done for the Lord. Dismiss those things that are not beneficial to your walk.
3. Place Spiritual Boundaries in Your Life and Remain Therein. As believers we are saved from the penalty of sin; however we are constantly being saved from the power of sin. We must go above and beyond to safeguard our live with boundaries. Set parameters on what you allow into your mind and heart. Set boundaries on where you allow yourself to go. If there is something that hinders your walk with God place a restriction upon that thing and be resolved to abstain.
4. Read and Meditate upon Scripture. Many contend they are not “readers” and therefore never open the Word of God. If that is the case then I would suggest that you pray and ask God to give you a desire and a craving to read His Book. You will never know the Author until you spend time in what He has written. Begin with a verse each morning; meditate upon that verse, quote that verse, and live that verse. Add more verses as you walk, then a chapter, then chapters. Saturate your heart and soul with the Word of God, and you will discover that it is easier to walk with Him in so doing.
5. Realize You are an Ambassador for Christ. Someone told me years ago, “You are someone’s favorite Christian.” Someone is watching your life and taking inventory on how you live. Remember, we are representatives of the King. Live each day as though you are on assignment from God because indeed- YOU ARE.
Today, at this very hour, the Lord is standing at your door knocking wanting to take a stroll with you. And the trust is most of us could use the exercise.
[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]https://www.independentbaptist.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/kkendall3.jpg[/author_image] [author_info]Dr. Kenneth Kuykendall has served as pastor in the Atlanta-metro area for over 12 years. He is the pastor of Cross Roads Baptist Church in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Along with his pastoral duties he is a songwriter and author of 17 books. In 2007 he founded the Seed and the Sower Baptist Publications which is a ministry that seeks to provide literature for pastors, preachers, teachers, and Christian workers. He serves as the Vice President of Macedonia World Baptist Missions in Hoschton, Georgia and also sits on the Board of Directors at Baptist Institute of America and Seminary as the acting Chairman of Capital Expansion.
Kenneth has studied and earned degrees from Bethany Theological Seminary; Luther Rice University; and Crown College and Seminary.
Ministry contacts
770.652.5909[/author_info] [/author]
Article submitted to IndependentBaptist.com