January 22, 2018
Steven F. Hotze, M.D.
Publisher
CRTX News
Isn’t it time that you “Do a 180” and take charge of your spiritual health?
Your total health is like a tripod, resting upon three legs; physical, mental and spiritual health. If any one leg is shorter than the others, then that will adversely affect your total health. That is why it is so critically important that you shore up your spiritual life, starting today.
You may have had setbacks in your personal relationships, finances, or had your home damaged by floodwaters, failed at a business, lost a loved one or done something that you regret. Whatever that may be, it may have caused you to feel discouraged. It may be that you have just been undisciplined in developing a healthy spiritual life. This has happened to me. This feeling of discouragement is normal. It is probably adversely affecting your productivity at work, or the relationships that you have with family members, friends and associates.
If you have offended anyone by your actions, then it is important for you to ask forgiveness of that person, even if you feel that he or she offended you too. You can only be responsible for your actions. It is equally important for you to forgive anyone who has offended you. “Be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ has also forgiven you.”
(Ephesians 4:32)
You can be made whole again. Only God can do that through our Savior, Lord and King, Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “I came that you might have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10) This is a tremendous promise that you should claim for your life. Jesus was not talking about material things, rather He was promising a full, enriched, satisfying and meaningful life which comes from putting your faith in Him as your Savior and Lord.
I would like to encourage you to read the Four Spiritual Laws. This will explain to you how you can have a personal relationship with God in Jesus Christ, http://www.4laws.com/laws/englishkgp/default.htm.
It is important for you to have a daily quiet time of prayer and Bible reading. Dr. Ed Young at Second Baptist in Houston shared this outline of prayer with me and I have found it very helpful. It is the acrostic, S-E-L-F.
Submit to God
Because God created you and me, and all that exists, He is the Sovereign Ruler of the universe and deserves our complete submission to His authority. We are responsible to Him.
“Know that the Lord Himself is God. It is He who made us and not we ourselves.” (Psalm 100:3)
“For the Lord Most High is to be feared, a great King over all the earth. (Psalm 47:2) For God is King of all the earth; sing praises with a skillful psalm. God reigns over the nations. God sits on His holy throne.”
(Psalm 47:7-8)
“The Lord has established his throne in the heavens; and His sovereignty rules over all.” (Psalm 103:19)
Empty yourself
It is important that we empty ourselves of our wordly desires before God.
“Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.” (1 John 2:15-17)
Love God
It is important that you tell God that you love Him and thank Him for His grace towards you in sending Jesus to redeem you when He substituted Himself for you on Calvary’s cross and paid for the penalty of your sins. You can love God because He listens to your prayers.
“I love the Lord, because He hears my voice and my supplications.
Because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore I shall call upon Him as long as I live.
The cords of death encompassed me and the terrors of Sheol (Hell) came upon me; I found distress and sorrow.
Then I called upon the name of the Lord: “O Lord, I beseech You, save my life!”
Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yes, our God is compassionate.
The Lord preserves the simple; I was brought low, and He saved me.
Return to your rest, O my soul, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.
For You have rescued my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling.” (Psalm 116:1-8)
I am sure that you can identify with the writer of this Psalm. I sure can.
Fill me with Your Holy Spirit
It is the Holy Spirit that leads you into truth, enabling you to think correctly. The Holy Spirit will guide you as you read and study God’s Word.
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.” (John 14:26)
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from Thy presence and do not take Thy Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of Thy salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit.
Then I will teach transgressors Thy ways, and sinners will be converted to Thee.” (Psalm 51:10-13)
This is a terrific outline for morning and evening prayers. Of course, you should also pray specifically for family members, friends and others by name. I hope that you find this helpful.
Allow me to encourage you to discipline yourself to do a daily Bible reading. You can download the You Version Bible App on your iPhone. You Version Bible App contains multiple options for you to develop a daily Bible reading and devotional plan. Just investigate the home page options. It also has an option that allows you to listen to the Bible being read as well. “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” (Romans 10:17)
I am not going to tell you that there is no better time to “Do a 180” and take charge of your spiritual health than today. You will have to determine that for yourself.
With God’s help, make it a terrific 2018!