Jim Rohn once wrote “Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.” The more I seek to become all that Christ has called me to be, the more I discover that discipline is one of my greatest assets. If you dream of becoming physically fit but never discipline yourself with daily exercise and healthy eating habits your dream will never become a reality. Every successful person in both religious and secular settings have one major thing in common: Discipline. In our culture the moment discipline is mentioned someone is certain to raise the accusation that those promoting self discipline lack a revelation of grace. Sadly, though no generation has ever had the platform for influence that the 21st century church has, no generation of Believers have been less influential. Why? Because God will never build on an inconsistent foundation. I am thoroughly convinced that we are forfeiting the influence given us because we are waiting for God to do what He has called us to do. My Pastor, Keith Nix, has often stated that the word disciple and the word discipline have the same etymology. You can’t have one without the other. If the fruit of discipline isn’t present in your life then your revelation on discipleship is malnourished. The primary discipline missing in the lives of 21st century Believers is the discipline of prayer and the study of scripture. Until the church is faithful in the place of word and prayer, her faithfulness in every other arena will be void of eternal value. A man that does not consistently kneel before God will never be able to adequately stand before people. I believe the first practical step in following Christ every day as a 21st century disciple is developing a consistent life of devotion. I’m far from perfect but I’m striving for faithfulness. Here are 5 keys I have found to be tremendously effective in my daily pursuit:
“If the fruit of discipline isn’t present in your life then your revelation on discipleship is malnourished.” -Caleb Pierce
1. Have a set time every day for prayer and the word.
I know this may seem too rigid for some, but think about it; don’t most people have a set breakfast, lunch and dinner time every day? Why should your spiritual food be any different? You’ve heard the age old quote, “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” In light of devotion, this statement couldn’t be more true. When are you most alert and able to readily tune into what God is saying? If possible, use that time everyday to pull away from whatever else may be going on and focus on what matters most.
2. Have a set place for your daily devotion.
Why is this important? You associate environment with experience. Here’s an example: Last winter we had a conference at our church. I had just finished speaking and slipped into my office in between sessions to rest and relax. Though I was tired I found it incredibly difficult to rest because I was trying to relax in the same setting I am typically working in. I couldn’t make the mental shift. I kept expecting to get an email or hear a knock at the door, and could not get out of work mode. The same is true when you consecrate a special place for daily devotion. Over time you will begin to associate the chosen space with your devotional life and you’ll find it much easier to cut through the fog and focus on the assignment at hand.
3. Have a reading plan.
Growing up I often heard that when we structured things we were limiting the Holy Spirit. However, while I believe most people who said this meant well, my experience has been the exact opposite. God honors order, especially in the place of devotion. Having a “game plan” for reading the bible will help you stay on track and broaden your understanding of scripture, which is vital if you’re going to walk free of deception. A predetermined plan is essential for those times we find ourselves fighting a lack of motivation. It’s never been easier to have strategy for devotional success! The ‘You Version’ Bible App offers a wide variety of awesome reading plans completely free. Check it out, here’s a link: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans
4. Have a prayer outline.
Prayer used to be such a drudgery to me because of two primary reasons. First, it was boring, due to a lack of focus. Secondly, I’d pray for a million different things and nothing ever seemed to change. When I began writing down what I was praying for it helped me focus during those consecrated times. I also started noticing how often God actually did respond to my prayers. I just hadn’t been connecting the dots. Nothing has made my prayer life more productive than this principle. If your prayer is important enough to say, then its important enough to write down. We often miss God’s response to our prayers because we’ve looked away before He responds. Thus, we fail to make the connection between the breakthrough and what we’ve prayed. Don’t lose hope! He hears you. Make sure you’re listening when He speaks. Write it down and wait for His response!
5. Flexibility.
It is important to remember that these principles exist for you, you don’t exist for them. Take these points seriously and really aim to faithfully follow them, but also know the reality is that at some point life will get in the way, and you can’t sweat it. For example, when I travel that kinda changes everything! If I’m in another state, away from home, there is no possible way for me to go to my consecrated place of devotion – and that’s okay. I’ve often went into my devotional time with a plan and sensed the Holy Spirit leading me somewhere totally different. Guess what? I threw out my plan and followed His. We’re not aiming for an unbearable restraint. Bondage is not the goal, consistency is.
“Until the church is faithful in the place of word and prayer, her faithfulness in every other arena will be void of eternal value.” -Caleb Pierce
In closing, let me make it clear that these points are not a list of legalistic rules. They are principles to live by that will set you up for success as a disciple of Christ. Tailor them to your pace and go after God on a daily basis in Word and Prayer! This is, I believe, the most essential way we say Yes to His invitation “Follow Me.”
What methods do you use in daily devotion that could help someone else?
“A man that does not consistently kneel before God will never be able to adequately stand before people.” -Caleb Pierce
Caleb and Ali live in East Tennessee where they serve at The Lift Church. With boldness and conviction, their deepest desire is to see the church revived and the world awakened. Learn more about The Lift by visiting theliftchurch.tv.
