I happen to be one of those people who believe life just happens. Now I’m not so naïve as to not understand there are places within the Bible where God did place some challenges in the path of individuals. But I believe overall life just happens, by that I mean, I don’t believe that when I got up this morning, God planed for me to have a bad day. So I’ll say it again, life happens, and God gives us the tools to deal with those things in our life and we tend to use the term faith, today I’m going to enlarge that thought and ask you to kind of picture it as a big toolbox that God has provided for us. So what we’re going to look at are essentially the primary and essential tools within the Christian faith, and those are practices and resources that will foster spiritual growth. Now here are some and not necessarily in order, but these are the tools you’ll find in that box. Prayer, scripture study, reading, fellowship, worship, fasting, meditation, generosity, and living a life of service. Quite a list, but it’s designed to build a stronger connection with God and and provide the foundation we need to be strong in the faith. These things can differ by person, group, denomination, however you want to put it, but the core functions remain very much similar, they are guidance, strength, community, and spiritual discipline. 

This week, let’s take the time to look a little closer at these particular tools. First, we’ll look at prayer. I have always considered prayer to be simply put a conversation with God, making known our needs and the needs of others. It Is communicating with God for guidance, strength, and connection. The next one is is my favorite. Scripture reading and understanding the Bible, it’s kind of like God’s manual or maybe even a GPS that keeps us on track through our devotionals, deep study and memorization. I’ve also in the past referred to it as Jiminy Cricket sitting on my shoulder. Now the next one I could probably make a complete blog out of this one, but I’d have to use a different term. Our lesson today simply says fellowship and describes that gathering with other believers for mutual encouragement, learning and support is important… That’s a nice way of telling someone… go to church, don’t believe that God intended for man or woman to be alone. Fasting which has been a part of the church for a long time is possibly misunderstood a great deal. Fasting is actually a spiritual discipline that is often combined with prayer to sharpen focus and open heart. Meditation, is best understood as a time when we put all things out of our mind and begin to deeply reflect on God’s word and presence in our lives. Then we come to a Christian practice of great service to both the faith and the church. That of service and generosity, living out our faith, practically by helping others and reflecting on God’s love in action. Food banks,  community shelters, and various service projects that the faithful engage in designed simply to help others in need. There are some other tools and concepts that will aid us greatly. We can look to the Holy Spirit for divine guidance and source of strength and to point us in the correct direction. And of course there’s always  sacraments and rituals practices like Mass, Baptism, or Communion, these do differ as to traditions and denominations. A very simple term sometimes overused is Christian living. Living a moral life and developing virtues, like wisdom, understanding and remaining humble. Most churches and spiritual organizations will always have discipleship resources that you can obtain, many free that will help you find your way to keep the faith.

These tools will work together as a spiritual tool kit, helping believers grow closer to God…The Pew in these past few weeks has come to refer to it as The Good Way.

Life is Good

jk