Walk Daily with God

“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.”

Psalm 119:105

There’s no denying that the Holy Bible is fundamental in our walk with Christ. When you talk about a physical workout you need to include stretching and warming up your muscles. In our spiritual workout, we can’t even begin without getting into His Word. The Bible is how God will speak to us most of the time. We simply must feed on God’s Word daily.

In this hectic fast-paced world we now live in, I’m afraid this simple practice is neglected far too much. Forget the excuses! If its important to us, we’ll find a way to spend time in His Word.

To get it done daily will take real discipline. One hour of Bible study is 4% of our day. So, let’s think about some ways to make that happen!

Pastor Rick Warren offers these tips to an effective Bible Study: 1) ask the right questions, 2) write down your observations, 3) apply God’s Word, 4) study systematically, and 5) read it again and again! Remember, there are a lot of tools and resources available to us as we begin to study. You can do this effectively!

In Psalms 119, the psalmist posed the question “How can a young person stay pure?” He answered his own question in the next few verses:

• Live according to God’s Word
• Treasure God’s Word in our heart
• Rejoice in God’s Word
• Meditate on God’s Word

I’d like to introduce you (perhaps for the first time) to a study method known as Lectio Divina. This is translated “Divine Reading.” Select a passage of scripture to read. Start by reading slowly. Read it several times. Listen with your heart, not just your ears. Then reflect on the words. Give attention to any portion that begins to speak to you. Respond to that portion that seems to be significant. “Press” then to your heart and then pray (speak to God). Lastly, rest and listen. Be in God’s presence. Listen for God to speak to you through that passage.

Obviously, there are many ways to study the Bible. We can study books of the Bible, we can study topics or characters. There are ‘apps’ that can guide us through a study. We can even do a word study. We are not just reading a novel, we are reading the Holy Bible. Let’s meditate on what we’ve read. 

Here are five tips for your daily walk with God:

1. Equip yourself - get ready to dive in! Have a good study Bible, maybe even more than one translation.
2. Be determined - make up your mind that this is a priority and that you will treat it as such.
3. Commit to study! You can read or you can study, meditating on the words with the intention of applying the Word obediently. Have courage!
4. Start and finish with prayer (at the very least)!
5. Be the salt and light in the world - go and share the Good News! We are to make disciples.

So, don’t just sit there. Get up and find your Bible, resources and your note pad. This workout will be great. 

Be sure and listen in to my recent podcast episode "God's Treasure Map" on "Training for Godliness - A Podcast Program of Spiritual Fitness Ministries." You can find the podcast on Apple Podcast, Google Play, and Podbean.

Until next time...

"His faithful love endures forever."

Chaplain Gray

Privilege of Prayer

Have you ever thought about a 'spiritual workout'? We all know about physical workouts, even if we aren't actively engaged in them! But shouldn't we have a plan on how we keep up with a daily spiritual routine? Over the next few posts, I will be presenting a Basic Spiritual Workout. 

Let us Pray
The Reverend Billy Graham stated, “He has given you His Word, and the priceless privilege of prayer and worship.” We should be very grateful because in many parts of the world we’d be forbidden to pray. Yet, we sometimes don’t take it seriously. We regulate prayer to be used “in case of emergency”.

Author Kathryn Shirey reminds us that “Prayer is our conversation with God.” Yes, we are told to pray and Jesus even gave us a model prayer. So, why do we make it so hard to pray? Too busy? Blah, Blah. Prayer should be a daily spiritual workout. It will empower our soul!

Erik Raymond explained about prayer. “The sweetness of communion with God in prayer should never be assumed but actively treasured and protected. We are, after all, speaking with our Father who adopted us, our Savior who bought us, and the Holy Spirit who seals and indwells us.” He goes on to say “Prayer also has a unique power. To neglect our spiritual health is to neglect our spiritual power. It is like slashing our tires on our car or draining our phone batteries before we leave for work. Prayer is essential to Christian living, so we must diligently keep a close watch on ourselves.”

Use Various Methods 
Different prayer methods will help you sustain your prayer life. Changes in a method will invigorate and reenergize your prayers.

There are a few prayer methods I’d like to mention. Dick Eastman developed a structured hour in prayer. It has 12 elements and you devote 5 minutes to each. It starts and ends in praise! Another popular method is using the acronym ACTS. This helps us remember several prayer basics: adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication. You can pray through all those elements when you pray or focus on one at a time. I also like the idea of praying the Psalms. One Psalm a day! What a wonderful way to commune with the Most High! Prayer walking can be a great form of intercessory prayer. You can physically walk, or even virtually take a walk. 

Here are a few strategies to mention that will help you in your prayer workout. Keep a journal of your prayer requests and answers to prayer! When you are alone, praying out loud occasionally will help you stay focused. Also triggers, like an emergency vehicle going by, can alert you to an opportunity for prayer. 

Working out in prayer Recap:
I may be alone or with others. My style and method will vary, sometimes according to if I am alone or not.

I may be very brief or devote a significant amount of time, in structured prayer.

I am subject to the sudden urge to pray. There are triggers that should draw me to prayer and the Holy Spirit may even move me to a time of prayer.

There are numerous postures appropriate for prayer. I may be on my knees or bowing in a pew, but when my “heart” is seeking to commune with my King, I will yield to Him in my own way!

When I keep a list of requests it helps me focus. When I mark them or note they’ve been answered it GLORIFIES HIM.


Lastly...

We know that Jesus had a significant prayer life.

Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray. 
Mark 1:35

I consider prayer part of my daily spiritual workout. Do you?

Be sure and check out my new Podcast - "Training for Godliness". You can find it on Apple Podcast, Google Play or Podbean. This link will take you there! Please download and listen in. There are 4 episodes already and more to come.


Until next time...

"His faithful love endures forever."


Chaplain Gray

Completing the Spiritual Fitness Checkup

This is the second part of a Spiritual Fitness Checkup. Its similar to a medical checkup you would have when you go to a physician. There are some indicators that a doctor looks at and gets some feedback on your physical well-being. We hope you can get some feedback, although you are really doing a self-assessment. We are dealing with spiritual matters. In the first part, we looked at our mouth, our ears or hearing and our reflexes. There is a scoresheet designed for this self-assessment and I encourage you to rate yourself as we continue with several more indicators. Plus, on the scoresheet, you have a place to write some action steps for the next few months to help you move toward goals that would improve your self-rating.

Part 1 - Spiritual Checkup Establishes a Baseline

Spiritual Fitness Scoresheet

Next on our list of indicators is pressure. Just like high blood pressure is the silent killer, worldly pressures can be the silent killers of our spiritual beings. Financial pressures, job security, and even your own peers can bring about this worldly pressure. Paul tells us in Romans 12:2 “Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” God’s Word tells us over and over again that we have no need to worry! God will never leave us. Are you really out of shape here? Or are you pretty fit? Rate yourself on your scoresheet.

Some further reading: Psalm 55:22, Matthew 11:29-30

Proverbs 4:23 (NLT) says “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” We need to be fully aware of our ‘spiritual hearts’. The heart is one of the most important organs of our physical beings. It’s also critical to the spiritual being. Therefore, we must be aware of the dangers of a hardening heart. Pastor Rick Warren says “The most important antidote for spiritual heart disease is giving. When we give, our hearts grow bigger.” Conversely, the hardening of the heart is a gradual process, not something happening overnight. Some characteristics are insensitivity to what the Lord says (unbelief), justification of sinful conduct, an absence of private devotion and little interest in spiritual matters. Don’t ignore your spiritual heart.

Finally, its time to examine our Spiritual Diet. Physical beings require certain vitamins and nutrients. We need to ask ourselves if we are feeding our spirit the nutrition it requires. Sunday morning isn’t enough. 

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.” Proverbs 3:5-8 (NLT)

Daily devotions are perhaps the most important part of your spiritual diet. Make the time for them and draw close to the Lord!

So, how did you do? Be diligent and don’t neglect your spiritual being.

Well, if you used the scoresheet, you must have some thoughts about how you can change your ‘scores’. Over the next months, you can work on some indicators or all of them. 

The purpose of this check-up is to establish a baseline. My invitation to you is to have an intentional effort to improve your level of spiritual fitness. GROW in your walk with Christ. It doesn’t matter if you are new in your walk with Him or if you are still maturing. You want to continue to grow! 

I am currently working on the development of a basic spiritual workout. I hope its something that serves as a daily plan for your spiritual fitness.

I invite you to check out our new podcast. You can find it by clicking this link: https://chaplaingray.podbean.com/

Until next time...

"His faithful love endures forever."

Chaplain Gray 

A Spiritual Check Up Establishes a Baseline -Part 1

I’m sure you’ve had the doctors appointment when a series of ‘tests’ are done so that the doctor can get a full picture of your physical health. The doctor often wants to establish a baseline upon which he or she can compare as you return for an annual check-up. There may come a time when the doctor speaks to you and says there are some concerns based on the ‘test results’. Its the same way with our spiritual health. How do we measure and establish a baseline for comparison in the days, months and years ahead? 

I would suggest that there is a way to get that spiritual check-up. You can even do a self-assessment. So, we are going to consider six areas in our checkup: mouth, ears or hearing, reflex, pressure, our heart, and our diet. Now, for the purpose of today’s blog, we are going to look at a short version.  We’ll do three areas this week and three next week. Here is a link to a ‘scoresheet’ for you to use as you read, reflect and consider each of these areas. SPIRITUAL CHECK UP SCORESHEET

Unfortunately, we are starting out in a very tough area. The amount of teasing, put-downs, and criticism that comes out of our mouths (and yes, writing it in social media COUNTS) is a major problem. The bullying in our society today is an epidemic. James 3:8-9 says  “…but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God.” 

Some further reading: James 1:26, Colossians 4:6, Colossians 3:8, Proverbs 15:1, Proverbs 16:24.

The tongue and mouth and our respect for them are crucial to the life of the Christian.

Let’s move on to our ears or our hearing. You remember the old cliche “Garbage In - Garbage Out”. This is clearly referring to what we are subjected to on a daily basis. What do we hear on a regular basis? Jesus told us on numerous occasions to listen and listen well. And [Jesus] said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” —Mark 4:9

What kind of music do you listen to? Do you allow those around you to use foul language or do you force the issue and tell them that it is unacceptable?

Think about it! We make choices all the time. I’ve decided to listen to very little secular music. I’ve changed my playlist, the stations I listen to and the messages that I expose myself to. Again, we can choose what we are hearing including refusing to listen to people and their filthy mouths. Can you say “Your filthy mouth disgusts me” and walk away? Are you afraid how you would look?

Some further reading: Romans 10:17, James 1:19.

Don’t let others words harden your heart!!

Remember how a doctor checks your reflexes? The little tap on the knee? 

Just what is a reflex? A reflex is an action that is performed as a response to a stimulus and without conscious thought. A hiccup is a reflex. 

Well, our spiritual reflexes are a normal tendency to respond to the aggressiveness of others. I bet you could describe a time when you responded in a way that you are not comfortable with. Romans 12:17 (NLT) says “Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.” 

Your attitude and your heart will determine your reflexes. Verse 21 (Romans) sums it up: “Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.” In other words, ‘take the high road.’

How are we doing so far in our checkup? So far we’ve looked at our mouth, our ears, and our reflexes. Take a minute to look at your scoresheet. Did you rate yourself on each of these areas? And did you set a goal of where you want to be in six months? You’ll have to define what the scores look like. This is a starting point. Now at the bottom of the scoresheet, you have an opportunity to write in an action step you will do during the next few months to help you get where you want to be.

My friend and author Bruce Boyer says, “God has been referred to as ‘the great physician.’ That role applies to both physical and spiritual health. Bring Him into your daily life and let Him help keep you healthy.”

We've made it halfway through our check-up. Next week I'll take us through the last three elements of the spiritual fitness check-up. 

Until next time...

"His faithful love endures forever."


Chaplain Gray

An Introduction to "Spiritual Fitness"

For a long time, I’ve felt like there is a compelling reason why being fit ‘spiritually’ is important to our well-being. Throughout my entire adult life, I’ve seen an equilateral triangle that represents the development of spirit, mind, and body. Too often, the spirit side is ignored or certainly not given an equal place in our priorities.

While we are to treat our bodies as a temple of the Lord, we have to remember that being spiritually fit has ‘eternal’ implications. In 1 Timothy 4:8,  “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” 

So for a number of years I’ve had a devotional that focuses on how we might approach a ‘spiritual check-up.’ This led me to search out the idea of a spiritual fitness workout. Many writers have focused on the spiritual disciplines it takes to lead a life of discipleship, following our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Military branches have paid attention to the spiritual fitness of their forces as they realize the importance of a well-balanced person. Pastors preach messages based on Timothy’s training for godliness. 

Having worked in the YMCA for my career, I saw year after year how members would start new fitness programs and routines using the latest fads, equipment and even special clothing! For many, however, they can’t sustain a routine. Life gets busy and interferes with our best intentions. It’s like that too for many Christ followers as they make a resolution to read the Bible more faithfully in the coming year, go to church more often and serve others!

What if there was a way for us to train for godliness that we could sustain and even ‘advance’ to another level and remain motivated? If we had a way to measure our level of fitness and identify where we need to focus some effort in order to maintain ourselves, perhaps we could continue to strengthen our spiritual well-being.

I believe that if one can get started on a basic spiritual fitness program and establish good habits in doing so, then he/she can sustain their workouts. I further believe that there is a natural step to an advanced training program that will continue to challenge and help one grow more and more in his walk with the Lord. 

This is a work in progress so I will present the Basic Workout program and the Spiritual Check-Up first. Then I’ll present what I believe is an Advanced Workout.


Until next time...

"His faithful love endures forever."


Chaplain Gray

Favorite Posts in 2018

Twenty-Six Posts This Year

It's hard to pick a handful of 'favorite posts' out of the 26 posts this year. But, there were some that I really liked and enjoyed putting together.  So, here's a list of those that make my top five list.

Oh, the Waiting - January 31
Prayer Warriors Make Comments
I asked some dedicated prayer warriors about the waiting. My friend Toby summed this all up pretty well I think. “Staying the course when you think God is not answering our prayers requires a lot of faith. Faith and a Christian walk are a full-time job.”

Pro Athletes Walking the Walk - Feb 7
There are a significant number of pro players who love Christ and work to be good Christ followers. As difficult as that must be, I pray that they will all let God transform them into new persons!

Relax, God is in Control - Feb 21
Trusting Him is easier said than done. I get it. However, hear this - He is in control and rules over all things. God is sovereign. He loves you and nothing will ever separate us from God’s love!

Summer in the Mountains - Aug 29
Because this camp has a strong Christian focus, each week during the Closing Campfire everyone present was given the opportunity to come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior. A lot of lives were changed during the course of the summer.

Service to Others - Oct 24
I am proud to say that I am a 1979 graduate of Presbyterian College. While at PC, I was fortunate to learn a great deal about serving others. The motto of PC is Dum Vivimus Servimus, or While We Live We Serve.

We are to obey His Word and serve Him by serving others as Christ showed us. Anyone can think about, talk about and even have convictions about Jesus Christ.

Now What
I hope you'll take a minute to go back and read any of these that you might not have read. If there are other posts you read during the year that you think was worthy of a top five list, comment below. It's always nice to know which pieces are the favorites of your readers.


Next Post in January
With the holidays upon us, we'll take a break from the routine of writing for the blog. I want to have plenty of time to study His Word, and learn even more about the Christ Child.

"His faithful love endures forever."

Until January 2019...

Chaplain Gray

Greater Than

We is greater than me!

We are taught to seek companionship, not isolation throughout scripture. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NLT says “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”

This is just one example of how cooperation has its advantages. Here’s another example seen in history time and time again. The phalanx formation was a close-rank, dense grouping of warriors armed with long spears and interlocking shields. It was a very effective formation used by armies for thousands of years. They can protect an asset located within, and they can defend themselves by the close-rank to many attacks.

Let’s work together. We were not created to be isolated and we are not here to serve just ourselves. We are to serve others and to serve God. So, if someone is hurting, being taken down by health issues or despair, we as Christians can close rank, be protective, erect a defense! We are all part of the body of Christ. We each have our own special work! 

Remember, Paul instructs us and the Galatians “Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2



"His faithful love endures forever."



Until next time...


Chaplain Gray