Take away the hole, and cornhole has no focus.
The hole makes cornhole fun, and great players determine their aim before tossing the bag. Master cornhole players focus on the hole; their entire body is laser-focused on seeing the bag in the hole. The cornhole player also has a strategy to improve his game and grow into a master player.
As Christians, we should be no different. We must have a clear focus and a laser-focused daily plan. Do you have a spiritual growth plan for your life? Are daily disciplines a part of that plan? Like the scripture says, disciplines are not fun. And we rarely enjoy the hard stuff, especially spiritual things. That’s my story. How about yours?
Spiritual disciplines are just that — discipline required. However, discipline is not the best tool for spiritual growth. Really? No. Loving something is more powerful than doing something.
Grow in your love for God
Most runners start running by taking off — running, and most beginners do not love running — they discipline themselves to run. But once they experience the benefits, they fall in love with running. Those who shift from the discipline of exercise to loving exercise are the top benefactors.
It is far easier to love something than to serve something.
It is the same for loving God.
Jesus answered: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. (Matthew 22:37, CEV)
It is normal to pursue what we love, and our heart seeks what we treasure. Do you want to spend time with the people you love? For sure. We love spending time with people who challenge us and make us better; that’s a given.
Giving time to God is a given, and the rewards are priceless.
Solitude.
Peace.
Knowledge.
Wisdom.
Presence.
Yes, we can sense God’s presence. There is nothing that can compare to loving God and keeping his commandments.
God spells love K-E-E-P
If you love me, you will keep my commandments. (John 15:14, ESV)
The willingness to obey God is proof of our love for Him. We learn obedience by heeding His Word and reading the Word is equal to spending time in His presence. Time in God’s Word and His presence enhances our understanding of Him.
For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. (Romans 8:29, NKJV)
The aim of believers must be to conform to the image of Christ. We have missed God’s real intention. Father God desires many sons and daughters on the earth — they are called disciples — disciplined ones. But discipline leads the way to love, and loves leads the way to conform to the image of Christ — to be like Him.
Students are not greater than their teachers. But the student who is fully trained will become like the teacher. (Luke 6:40, NLT)
Can you imagine that “earth as it is in heaven could be about the sons and daughters of God?” Has God flooded the earth with Christians that are on earth as He is in heaven? I know some of you will resist this line of thinking. That’s OK. But think about it. Was God’s aim to make us like Him? I think so.
You gotta love that!
More to come.
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