Be Christ-like

Special Note: This is the last post in a series about a basic spiritual fitness routine. The routine includes daily Prayer, Bible Study, Obedience, Confession, Fellowship, Good Works. I'll be taking the summer off as I develop my topics for the fall. This fall my ministry, Spiritual Fitness Ministries, will also launch a new podcast program called "Training for Godliness". I'll also be developing an advanced spiritual fitness program/routine. 

Serve Others

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew His people in advance, and He chose them to become like his Son, so that His Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, He called them to come to Him. And having called them, He gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, He gave them His glory. Romans 8:28-30 (NLT) 

If we are going to build some spiritual endurance, we need to obey the scriptures and be Christ-like. If we are going to become “like His Son”, we are going to learn to serve others. In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he said “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10, NLT). 

Philippians 2:5 “You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” So shouldn’t we have a willingness to serve, out of love and not out of guilt? We have a choice about our attitude. Don't you want to look for opportunities to serve? Jesus was humble. He gave up much to obey God.

Peter wrote that our faith will bring about actions. We are to learn to know God better, develop perseverance, do God’s will and love others. We don’t put these actions on a checklist and check them off as we do them. It will be continual. It’s not going to be easy. Work hard at it, and pray for God’s help in this journey. It’s part of our Christian life.

So don't lose a minute in building on what you've been given, complementing your basic faith with good character, spiritual understanding, alert discipline, passionate patience, reverent wonder, warm friendliness, and generous love, each dimension fitting into and developing the others. With these qualities active and growing in your lives, no grass will grow under your feet, no day will pass without its reward as you mature in your experience of our Master Jesus. 2 Peter 1:5-8 (The Message)

As we apply what we have learned about the Good News of Jesus Christ, we will understand how wonderful our Heavenly Father truly is. Our knowledge will deepen with time and the Holy Spirit will help us become more and more like Him.

So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.
2 Corinthians 3:18 


Remember "His faithful love endures forever."


My next post will be August 29. Until then.....

Chaplain Gray

A Place for Fellowship

Special note: Since April 3, I've been working through a series of posts about a basic spiritual fitness routine. It started with prayer, Bible study and a willingness to obey the Word. I continued with forgiveness and new mercies each day. Today, I am looking at Christian fellowship. Next week, this series will conclude with doing good -being Christ-like. After the May 15 post, I will take a break from writing for the summer as I begin to develop some topics for the fall. 

I am working on this topic of Spiritual Fitness in several ways. In the fall I hope to launch a podcast program - "Training for Godliness". We already have several episodes completed with some great guests. I'll also further develop this spiritual fitness 'workout' with an advanced routine. 

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you.

Let's Be Together 

We live in a fast-paced world. Our calendars can be filled with work, appointments, kids activities, social events and a host of other things. We tend to go-go-go! However, the Bible clearly teaches us that we are to make a time and a place for fellowship with our Christian brethren. In order to squeeze this into your calendar, you have to place a high enough priority on it. Let’s see what the Bible teaches.

In Hebrews, we find this: “Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ.” Hebrews 3:12-14 (NLT). This frequent fellowship is crucial in remaining faithful!

Paul encouraged the Thessalonians to support each other in fellowship. “So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT).

Corporate worship is also part of this fellowship. “Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” Colossians 3:16-17 (NLT). Someone recently asked me "Did she have to attend church?" She said she had several church services she liked to watch on TV or listen to on the radio and she got a lot out of those services. What she doesn't get from those services is the fellowship with other Christians. She doesn't stand with brothers and sisters in Christ and praise and worship the Lord. Her opportunity to ask other believers to pray with her is lost. She might 'get' something from those TV and radio services, but it's not always about receiving. It should also be about giving; giving God the Glory by praising and worshipping. 

We want to prevent having an unbelieving heart so we should remain in fellowship with believers, talking about faith and encouraging each other. Having this fellowship frequently with other believers will strengthen our faith in Christ!

“We need the understanding that comes from the preaching and teaching of God’s Word, as well as the love and friendship that grows from fellowship with other believers.” (Billy Graham Evangelistic Association).

So, decide now to make time for fellowship with other believers and go to it!!

Remember, "His faithful love endures forever."

Until next time...

Chaplain Gray