August - Week 1:
 
The Apostle Paul gave his spiritual son, Timothy, some very good advice.
He states in 1 Timothy 4:12b-13:
 

 

Paul told Timothy to "give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching."
Meditation on the Word of God was essential, as far as Paul was concerned.
He desired to pass on these spiritual truths to young Timothy.
Paul instructed him to pay close attention to his inner life.
 
Guarding your heart through biblical meditation nourishes your inner life and results in godly actions.
Spending time with the Lord in reading His Word is time well spent.
If we don't take the time to know the Lord through His Word, then our lives will not be as vibrant as the Lord desires.
 
Discipline is a word that can be used to describe our health.
Spiritual health takes us into the eternal future, but it is something that we so often put off, to the detriment of our relationship with the Lord and His plans for our healthy living while here.
 
We see many who exercise for good physical health.
We can take a lesson from those who are physically disciplined to go the distance in the Olympic contests of the physical life 
 
APPLICATION:

• In my life, what emphasis do I place on these different disciplines?
  - Bodily discipline
  - Godly discipline
• Have I ever considered that my private, inner life is the source of my public life and ministry?
• What can I do today to nourish my inner life?