Dedication

It is said that we should have joy in our circumstances, no matter what they are. That we should persevere, because this leads to God. I could list multiple scriptures that talk about Standing Firm, Running the Race, staying the course, persevering, etc. etc. And I fully believe them. They are very important. But how hard is it sometimes? How do we take these ideas and really stick to them, not let them become rhetoric we simply spout out loud. Practice makes perfect. No man is an island. I mean, there really are so many things out there that have to do with our personal discipline in sticking to a way of life. And it is very noble. But also, we know we sin, and can become discouraged when we are trapped in a sin that just somehow isn't miraculously taken away when we pray. But again, God does tell us that he is in control of this, and is using this sin to mold up, sculpt us to be the person He wants us to be. In comes back to our dedication to Him. So what types of things do we need to trigger this discipline.

I propose that each person can do this in different ways. I mean, look at all the self-help books out there. The diets that exist. But there is one thing that is non-negotiable, and that is that God, through Christ Jesus, must be involved. Because we can't save ourselves from ourselves. For me, it means things like setting reminders around--maybe a note or scripture verse I read that goes on an index card in my pocket, so each time I reach for my cell phone, I feel the card, and reflect on the verse. Or also, just the patterns of life, to wake up early enough to read the Bible in the morning, or over lunch, or to have dedicated prayer time with no music, no tv, etc. Get into some sort of rhythm that brings God back into focus.

Now I am by no means perfect at this, and know there are areas of my life that have to have improvement. For instance, I know my prayer life isn't what it needs to be. I'm on the way, but not there. Also, the thought life...

I'm interested in people's ideas of what they do to dedicate their daily walk with God. What they do to keep Him in their lives. I want to compile a list of ideas, of all the ways that people walk with God. So, if you would post them here, it would be awesome! Thanks.