Physical, Emotional, Spiritual.......

I was asked to teach a Sunday school class a while back.  The subject was "Spiritual Growth".  I put a lot of thought and research into it; and, as always, I as the teacher learned more than anyone else, which was fine with me!

There are several aspects to an individual's life on this earth.  There is the physical, the emotional and the spiritual.  We really need to take care of each of these in order to function at a high level and to be healthy and happy.

Many of us take care of our physical needs by eating right, exercising, and being vigilant in other physical areas of our lives.

Our emotional lives are sometimes more problematic---involving interracting with others---and involves frustrations.  Sometimes we end up trying to deal with these problems with drugs, alcohol, psychiatrists and the like.

Then, there is the spiritual health of the individual.  This is by far the most overlooked area for most people.  And yet, it is the most important.  It is the one thing of this life that we CAN take with us!

Thus, it is important that we nurture and grow our spiritual life.  It has been said that "We are spiritual beings trapped in a physical body".

I designed a chart to illustrate our growth.  Filling out this chart allows us to track our individual progress through our lives. 

Below is my chart.  How is YOUR spiritual health and growth?

Click to Enlarge.  My Age at Bottom.  Growth Level on Left.  As You Can See, My Spiritual Growth was Greater at Age 5 and Age 10 Than It Was Up Until Age 50.  My parents Took Me to Church When I Was a Young Boy; But Then, I Rebelled and Rejected God For Many Years.  My Reawakening Began at Age 50, and My Life Has Completely Turned Around, And My Growth Continues Upward.  Note the Blip at Age 30, When I Briefly Flirted With Renewing My Faith.  Thank You, Jesus, For Allowing Me To Live Long Enough to Experience a Real Growth In My Faith

Streams in the Desert...

The inspirational book, "Streams in the Desert", was given to me a few years ago as a gift. Since then, I have developed a routine in my early mornings to help prepare me for each day's spiritual journey. I read the corresponding day's entry in the book, along with the referenced biblical passage.

This twenty minute exercise each day, along with my morning prayer, sets the tone for the next 24 hours.

These readings help me focus on what is really important in my life. They help calm any anxieties I may have. They remind me of the many ways that God is working in my behalf, and that simply focusing on Him and allowing Him to guide me is the true way to fulfillment and happiness.

This wonderful book was first released in 1925. Compiled by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, who was a Christian missionary in Japan and China, "Streams in the Desert" now has more than two million copies in print.

If you feel the need for daily spiritual assurance and refreshment, pick up a copy of this book! I know you'll find renewed peace and inspiration on a daily basis as I have.

Partial reading for Sept 25 (Ref Psalm 42:9):

Knowest thou not that day follows night, that flood comes after ebb, that spring and summer succeed winter? Hope thou then! Hope thou ever! For God fails thee not. (Charles Spurgeon)