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<\/a>Regardless of whether I use a recipe or whip something together, there must be ingredients of some sort. Ingredients make up everything we eat.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Sometimes ingredients are better than others. Obviously fresh fruits and vegetables are healthier for us, so when they can be purchased in season, the end product is just more appealing. We live in a time where what we put into our bodies is much more important. Better ingredients make better food (I think I just stole that from a popular pizza joint!).<\/p>\n
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What \u201cingredients\u201d are needed for a better relationship with God or for spiritual growth? Let\u2019s take a look at some of these elements.<\/p>\n
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Bible Study<\/strong><\/p>\n An example of studying God\u2019s Word can be found in the book of Ezra. He was \u201cwell versed in the Law of Moses.\u201d <\/em>He arrived in Jerusalem from Babylon and he had \u201cdevoted himself to the study<\/strong> and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.\u201d<\/em> (Ezra 7:1-10 – NIV)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In 2 Timothy 2:15, Timothy was told to \u201cDo your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly<\/strong> handles the word of truth.\u201d<\/em> We also should study God\u2019s Word so that we know exactly what His Word says. We then, will be able to be like Timothy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Prayer<\/strong><\/p>\n Ephesians 6:18 (NIV) shows us that we are to \u201cpray<\/strong> in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying <\/strong>for all the saints.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Here are a few other verses to take note of that lead us to the same conclusion.\u00a0 \u201cDo not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition<\/strong>, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.\u201d<\/em> (Philippians 4:6 – NIV) \u201cDevote yourselves to prayer<\/strong>, being watchful and thankful.\u201d<\/em> (Colossians 4:2 – NIV) \u201cThe prayer<\/strong> of a righteous man is powerful and effective.\u201d <\/em>(James 5:16b \u2013 NIV)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Scripture Memorization<\/strong><\/p>\n Psalm 119:11 (NIV) reminds me of King David\u2019s words. \u201cI have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.\u201d <\/em>Hiding Scripture in my heart keeps me on the right path. God\u2019s path.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n And we find that the Hebrew nation was given a similar command regarding the memorization of God\u2019s commands. \u201cThese commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.\u201d<\/em> (Deuteronomy 6:6 \u2013 NIV)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You may want to consider some other \u201cingredients\u201d for spiritual growth that we don\u2019t have time to go into with this post, but you could look up the provided Scripture to see what God\u2019s word has to say about them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Worship<\/strong> (Psalm 95:6; Psalm 122:1, John 4:24; Romans 12:1-2)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Meditation<\/strong> (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2; Psalm 19:14; Psalm 119:148)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Fasting<\/strong> (Isaiah 58; Matthew 4:1-11; Matthew 6:16-18; Acts 14:23)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Silence and Solitude<\/strong> (Job 33:32-33; Psalm 4:3-4; Habakkuk 2:20; Luke 6:12)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Rest<\/strong> (Psalm 119:165; Psalm 127:2; Isaiah 30:15; Matthew 11:28)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I love what James says in James 1:22 (NIV), \u201cDo not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.\u201d <\/em>We must put all that we learn through the \u201cingredients\u201d into practice, otherwise we will not grow spiritually. That is not what God wants us to be or how He wants us to live our lives. We are to do what His Word says.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n