Now, perhaps more than ever before, we must be reminded that the corporate worship of God is a discipline of the Christian life. That is, such worship is not optional. It is a “must.”
This Word of God is His revelation to us, His covenant friends. As His covenant friends, we desire to hear and remember what He says. Think of it this way: the Bible is Christ’s love letter to His church; we read and soak in this love letter.
Do you value your marriage? Search the scriptures with your spouse. Do you desire a strong relationship? Pray with your spouse. This is one of the disciplines of the Christian life.
God has established His covenant with us. He has taken us to be His friends. He, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, has quickened us together with Christ...So, do we pray?
I suspect that we all know the need for these private devotions, and the need to read the Bible by ourselves. But perhaps we do not always know how to go about this reading of scripture...The following is some practical advice on how to read and study the Bible in our private worship.
...the calling of the Word of God is clear: as a good soldier of Jesus Christ, as one running the race of this life, persevere. Be disciplined, committed, and consistent in the study of the scriptures and in prayer.
As adopted sons and daughters of God, we desire to grow in spiritual discipline. If discipline is commitment, resolve, resolution, or purpose, then spiritual discipline is the commitment and resolve to serve God in His kingdom. The spiritual disciplines of the Christian life are activities that arise out of this commitment and purpose, and thus activities that aim at the glory of God and growth in holiness.
