THE PILLARS
Be a Student of the Word
Scripture:
Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15
God has called us to be students of his Word. Get your own bible. I can’t emphasize this enough, in order to grow spiritually, it is vital to consistently study the word of God. Just as your physical body needs food daily for nourishment and to stay healthy, your spirit man needs spiritual food (God’s Word) as well. As you begin to study the Word of God, you will begin to build a closer relationship with him, understand who he is, and be empowered to walk in his ways. He will renew your mind and empower you in every area of life. Know the Word for yourself, as there are many strange doctrines being taught today. God warned that this would happen. Before you start reading, ask the Holy Spirit to give you an understanding of what you are about to read.
Look for a church where the true Word of God is being preached. It’s all about Jesus not about personalities or people. Everything is rooted or based on scripture.
Prayer and Fasting
Scripture:
So I directed my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth and ashes. Daniel 9:3
The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. James 5:16
Prayer and Fasting should be an integral part of a believer’s life. The benefits can’t be counted. There is absolute power in prayer. It can changes situations and circumstances. This is your communication with God directly and a way to bring your petitions to him. Putting your faith in him that he will move on your circumstance. Prayer can strengthen you and bring peace during difficult times. Engaging in it can stop the enemy right in his tracks.
Fasting is an act of denying the flesh of its desires. It will strengthen and empower your spirit man. This usually entails not eating meals for a set period of time. There is a spiritual cleansing that takes place during a fast or an act of warfare to break free from certain habits or oppression. While fasting your focus is totally on the Lord as you seek him in prayer. Many people experience breakthroughs during difficult situations as they engage.
Praise and Worship
Scripture:
Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!) I will praise and give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart in the council of the upright and in the congregation. Psalm 111:1
God is a Spirit (a spiritual Being) and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth (reality). John 4:24
We are called to Praise and Worship the Lord. It’s a place of humility and total surrender, acknowledging we are in need of God. This will show adoration, and thanks for all the things he does for us on a daily basis. It’s recognizing without him we are nothing. It’s showing honor and gratitude for what you have and the fact we have the breath of life. It’s a denying of self and total focus on Him. It comes from the heart. God inhabits the praise of his people. There is power released in praise and worship. Our worship is walking in obedience to what he has commanded. To God be all the Glory!!!!
Secret Place - Just You and God
Scripture:
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand]. I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust! Psalm 91:1
Make an appointment and schedule a time to meet with God daily. This time should be a time that you and God meet alone. Find a quiet place, either inside or outdoors to wait on him.
Turn off the cell phone, no kids or spouse. This is your dedicated alone time with God. This alone time should be centered around you hearing from God. No prayer requests or other items. It’s just sitting in the presence of God and waiting on him.
What I find that helps clear my mind from the busyness of the day is to put on worship music. Let it play quietly in the background. Give thanks quietly for all God has done for you that day. God inhabits the praises of his people.
Focus on him. God loves when his children dedicate time just for him. You will develop a deeper relationship. You may think nothing is happening, but anytime you come and sit in his presence, something is happening. Even if he is just working on the inside, so continue to meet with God regularly.
Ask God to speak to you and don’t be surprised if he answers. Praise God!!
Fellowship
Scripture:
And they steadfastly persevered, devoting themselves constantly to the instruction and fellowship of the apostles, to the breaking of bread [including the Lord’s Supper] and prayers. Acts 2:42
Developing friendships with other brothers and sisters in the body of Christ is essential. They can be an accountability partner, during difficult times, and give God-fearing advice. These friends can also encourage you in your walk with God and be a support system for you. Meet for Bible studies, and have fun in a way that honors God. Your secular friends will have less in common with you while you’re in hot pursuit of the Lord. Your lifestyles will be different. There is a saying “bad company affects good character”. Be aware of those you have close to you. Ask God to connect you with God-fearing friends.