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<\/p>\n I love that. Because to be honest, television zaps time at the end of my day with meaningless, mindless nonsense. I justify my actions by telling myself that I\u2019m tired or I just need to relax and unwind. But in reality, there are other ways to do that.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sometimes I find myself sitting in front of the television in the morning. This is worse for me. If I start early in the day, it seems like I just can\u2019t pull myself away from the thing. I am most aggravated at myself on these days.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I believe God\u2019s answer to this dilemma is to spend time with Him. Why not read or listen to God\u2019s Word? A little prayer time might be a good option. Or even quietly meditating on verses of Scripture that you have memorized would be better.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Maybe you\u2019re not in the habit of reading the Bible or spending time in prayer with God. Or maybe you are. Either way, these spiritual disciplines (as we call them) are beneficial in several ways. Take a look.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Spiritual disciplines are beneficial for these reasons:<\/p>\n You see, when we make a decision to spend time with God (through Bible reading, Bible study, prayer, quiet time, etc.), we are more likely to add what we learn into our lives. We will be better people because we have chosen to be transformed by godly characteristics.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I also love that the Holy Spirit will use what we learn through spiritual disciplines. Jesus told His disciples that this would happen in John 14:26 (NIV). \u201cBut the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.\u201d <\/em>When my memory is at its worst, I know that God\u2019s Spirit will help me to remember what I\u2019ve read, studied, and learned. This truly is a gift!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n And then what about those who look to you for spiritual guidance? Are you making disciples (Matthew 28:19-20)? If so, spiritual disciplines will help you help them. You may not be a \u201cknow-it-all,\u201d but you will be in the know when you regularly spend time with God.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n One of my favorite books is \u201cFollow Me,\u201d by Randy Sprinkle. Take a look at this quote from his book.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cVictory begins at the start of the day with a closed door, an open Bible, and a disciplined, responsive heart ready to turn loose anything that hinders our walk and work with God for the sake of His kingdom that day.\u201d[i]<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Oh how I love beginning each day with this thought in mind. When I am in tune with and focused on God from the start of the day, I am more apt to be kingdom-minded throughout the day. Isn\u2019t that what it\u2019s all about?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you are interested in starting on this spiritual disciplines journey, start by finding a Bible reading plan that works for you. It may be on your computer, or on your phone, or you may actually use a real Bible, but try something that you know you will stick with.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Then set a specific time to be with God. When I started writing my blog, I wrote at different times during the day. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn\u2019t. Years later, I\u2019ve found that writing between 5 and 7 am are the best times for me to write. It will be that way with you as well. You may find that early morning is the best time to be with God, but you may find that it has to be in the evening. Just find it and stick with it. Make it an important decision and keep going.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Most importantly, have fun with God. He wants a relationship with you, so make it that. Change it up when it feels like you\u2019re in a rut. Add new ways to be with God to make it interesting. Enjoy His goodness. Find pleasure in His presence. Rejoice over His love and grace. Pretty soon, it won\u2019t feel like a discipline. It will feel like heaven.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Grace and peace be yours in abundance,<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Donna<\/p>\n![\"DSC02392m\"](\"https:\/\/fullmeasureofjoy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/08\/DSC02392m.jpg\")
<\/a>If you\u2019re like me, you sometimes feel like you don\u2019t have enough time in a day. I sat in a co-worker\u2019s office yesterday and read some phrases on his wall. One of them said, \u201cIf you don\u2019t think you have enough time in a day, stop watching television.\u201d<\/p>\n\n