Spirituality Archives - Page 3 of 7

Spirituality

Talbot Davis January 17, 2011 at 7:15 am 1

As part of "Good Smell Rising" yesterday, I shared this prayer that I found in a collection edited by Chuck Swindoll:

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve;
I was made weak, that I may learn humbly to obey.
I asked God for health, that I may do greater things;
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.
I asked for riches that I may be happy;
I was given poverty that I might be wise.
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men;
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life;
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing I asked for but everything I hoped for.
I am, among all men, most richly blessed.

I like that.

Spirituality

The Gospel In A Sentence

Talbot Davis January 13, 2011 at 6:00 am 3

As I was helping someone with their next steps in faith on Wednesday night, I realized again how the whole of the gospel -- indeed, the whole of the Christian life -- is summarized in Philippians 1:21:

Christ in me is to live, to die is to gain.

That says it all, doesn't it? The first phrase describes how the reality of the living God dwelling inside us makes life more vivid and abundant, and then the second phrase seals the deal: that kind of life never ends.

In fact, death actually makes it better.

All the pages and chapters of my Christian story have only made sense because I have assurance of how the book ends -- to die is to gain.

That's why Philippians 1:21 will be on my marker. Given my genes, I could be in for a long wait, but at least I've got that decision made.

Spirituality

Spur One Another On

Talbot Davis January 6, 2011 at 6:00 am 1

For a variety of reasons, Hebrews 10:24 has been on my mind recently:

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

Well, since the author of Hebrews asks us to "consider" how it is that we can "spur on" others in the Body of Christ to love and good works, let's do just that . . .

When you see someone in a ministry that's making a difference, voice your appreciation.
When you have an idea for spending time in an unselfish way, invite someone else to come along with you.
When you want to numb your mind out on a game show, open up the Sermon On The Mount instead.
If you don't know what the Sermon On The Mount is, read Matthew 5-7.
When you think back on a Sunday School teacher, youth leader, or even pastor who impacted your spiritual life in a positive way, write that person a note. Hand written. It will mean the world to that person.
When someone voices/write appreciation to you, don't minimize it. Accept the encouragement as if it's a word from God.
Open your eyes and ears to see the movement of God in your church, your family, your workplace.

Spirituality

Provision & Obedience

Talbot Davis November 4, 2010 at 6:49 am 1

While trying to help someone navigate some particularly difficult terrain in life this week, the following truth occurred to me:

Provision follows obedience.

The provision of God generally follows obedience to God.

Usually, we want it to happen the other way around. Lord, once I get this money/blessing/relationship/health, then I'll start obeying you completely.

I believe God calls us to a completely different perspective.

When we obey him -- especially in radical, counter-intuitive ways -- then his provision flows into our lives. When preceded by risk-taking faith, God's supply outpaces our demand in ever more surprising ways.

So whether you are at a point of life transition or struggling with your next ministry move, choose a life of boldly difficult obedience.

And watch the provision flow.

Provision follows obedience.

Spirituality

Developing The Core

Talbot Davis October 25, 2010 at 7:25 am 0

I recently added two exercises to what I do at the Y.

The first is called the deadlift, which helps strengthen the lower back:

The second is called the squat, which helps primarily with thighs:

(The fact that I can do either is no small miracle, because when I first started at the Y ten years ago I couldn't do anything that had to do with my back. But by God's grace, my degenerated disc has somehow regenerated and my back is good.)

Anyway, both the deadlift and squat develop what fitness people call your "core": the midsection of your body, ranging from your thighs to your stomach. The core is usually the last area people focus on in their fitness, because results are not as immediate or identifiable as what you do with your arms and chest.

But here's the interesting thing: when the core gets stronger, so does the rest of your body. It's paradoxical but true -- one way to build arm strength is to build core strength.

I realize that what is true of physical fitness is true of things of the spirit.

In my life with God, I all too often neglect the core: bible reading, prayer, worship, fasting.

Yet if I really want to have spiritual strength in all areas of my life -- like stronger preaching, for example -- I must go back to develop the core.

The core will never be glamorous. Just essential.

How will your develop yours today?

Spirituality

Talbot Davis

The Heart of the Matter

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