Monday - "Longevity"

I get asked all the time...how can I grow spiritually? What do I have to do to feel closer to God? What is it going to take? As is the case with so much in life...it takes a commitment to those disciplines that we know we are supposed to have...but may struggle with from time to time. It is my prayer that today's devotional will help you see things with Caleb's perspective...

Pastor Brian

Spiritual Longevity
by Greg Laurie

“Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the Lord spoke in that day. . . . ”
Joshua 14:12

What is the secret to spiritual longevity? Caleb, one of the unsung heroes of the Bible, stands as a shining example of someone who never lost his edge spiritually. He was faithful to the very end.

When he was 85 years old, Caleb said, “I am as strong this day as on the day that Moses sent me; just as my strength was then, so now is my strength for war, both for going out and for coming in. Now therefore, give me this mountain . . . ” (Joshua 14:11–12).

But there is another statement of Caleb’s that we should take note of: “I wholly followed the Lord my God” (verse 8).

What does that tells us? To be winners in this spiritual race, we, like Caleb, must follow the Lord our God completely—not half-heartedly, but fully. It means giving 100 percent of ourselves to God.

When Caleb said, “Give me this mountain,” it is worth noting that Hebron was one of the most treacherous, mountainous areas of the Promised Land. In fact, there were some formidable adversaries there. No one wanted to take them on—except for 85-year-old Caleb.

Caleb trusted in God’s promises. He had waited 45 years. So he said, “Give me this mountain. In fact, I have already picked out the area. I want Hebron.” People must have thought Caleb was out of his mind.

But I love Caleb’s boldness. He took the mountain. He overcame his adversaries. And he was victorious. While others looked back, Caleb looked forward.

That is an essential key to spiritual longevity. You are always moving forward. You are always seeking to grow spiritually—and never looking back.

Copied from: http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/pastors/harvest-daily/ (May 29, 2009)

JOURNAL IT: In your journal today, list 2 things that are holding you back from growing spiritually...and make that your goal this week. Work on overcoming those things...pray, fast, journal, meditate, and always move forward... Watch how fast you'll grow and connect in a stronger way with our loving Savior!