A Spiritual Checkup (4)

'Jesus knew what they were thinking . . . [in their hearts].' Luke 11:17 GNT

For a spiritual checkup to be effective, you must examine the following three areas:


(1) Forgiveness. 
'Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace...' (Colossians 3:13-15 NLT).

Are you quick to forgive those who have hurt you?
Do you try to resolve conflicts as soon as possible?
Are you harbouring resentment? 

(2) Soul winning.
'Go therefore and make disciples of all nations...teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you...' (Matthew 28:19-20 NKJV).

Do you have a concern for lost souls?
Do you seize every opportunity to share your faith?
Does your life show what your lips say? 

(3) Prayer. 
'Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face evermore' (1 Chronicles 16:11 NKJV)!

Do you have a consistent prayer life?
Do you pray faithfully for the needs of others?
Have you learned to pray in faith, standing on God's Word and believing Him for great things?
Do you see the results of your prayer life?
Has your prayer life led you to a deeper intimacy with the Lord?

If you're serious about in-depth change, growth in your spiritual walk, and developing a Christ-like character, spend time with the Lord today and say, 'Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my [thoughts] ... lead me in the way everlasting' (Psalm 139:23-24 NKJV).

Soul Food: Dan 3-4, Matt 8:1-9, Ps 84, Pr 2:16-19

Written by Bob & Debby Gass
Saturday, 18 January 2014

APPS available here

A Spiritual Checkup (3)

'He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit...' Romans 8:27 NIV

Doing a spiritual checkup means examining things like:



(1) Priorities.
'Seek first the Kingdom of God...and all these things shall be added to you' (Matthew 6:33 NKJV).

Do you submit your schedule to God for His approval?
Does your cheque book show that He is first in your financial decisions? 

(2) Values. 
'You died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God...Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience' (Colossians 3:3;12 NLT).

Do you love what God loves and hate what God hates?
Do you value highly the things that please Him?
Are your desires and goals governed by God's Word? 

(3) Sacrifice.
'I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for Whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ...I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him...' (Philippians 3:8-10 NIV).

Are you fully surrendered to God?
Is there anything you value more than Him? 

If there is, pray: 
'Father, forgive me for taking back control of my life. I come before You surrendering, repenting and asking You to cleanse me. Renew me and fill me with Your Spirit. I renounce my selfish ways and make You Lord of my life. You said that You would rather I was hot or cold, but not lukewarm. Light a fire in me today that will burn so brightly, others will be drawn to You.'

Soul Food: Dan 1-2, Matt 7:24-29, Ps 81, Pr 2:11-15

Written by Bob & Debby Gass
Friday, 17 January 2014

APPS available here

A Spiritual Checkup (1)

'...The Lord searches every heart and understands every motive...' 1 Chronicles 28:9 NIV

The Psalmist prayed, 'Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting' (Psalm 139:23-24 NKJV).

If you're wise:

You'll visit your doctor and get regular physical checkups. 

You'll also go to God for regular spiritual checkups.

In what areas? 

(1) Your salvation.
'If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new' (2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV).

Was there ever a time in your life when you repented of your sin and placed your trust in Jesus to save you?
Have you surrendered to Him and made Him Lord of your life?

(2) Your devotional life. 
'I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day' (Psalm 119:97 NKJV). 'Your Word is very pure; therefore Your servant loves it' (Psalm 119:140 NKJV).

Do you read and meditate on God's Word each day?
Are your personal devotions consistent and meaningful?
Do you try to apply the principles of Scripture to each circumstance you're in? 

(3) Your humility. 
God says: '...I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones' (Isaiah 57:15 NKJV).

Are you quick to recognise and agree with God when you have sinned?
Are you quick to admit to others when you are wrong?
Can you rejoice at others' successes, even when yours goes unnoticed?
Do you esteem others as better than yourself (Romans 12:10)?
Do you live with a sense of dependence upon God?

Soul Food: Lev 26-27, Matt 7:1-12, Ps 74:12-23, Pr 2:7-8

Written by Bob & Debby Gass
Wednesday, 15 January 2014

APPS available here

A Spiritual Checkup (2)

'I, the Lord, search the heart...' Jeremiah 17:10 NIV

when it comes to:

(1) Obedience. 
'Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you' (Hebrews 13:17 NKJV).

Do you consistently obey the things you know God wants you to do?
Do you submit to the guidance of those God has placed over you?
Do you pray for them and thank God for the deposits they make into your life? 

(2) A pure heart.
'If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness' (1 John 1:8-9 NKJV).

Do you confess your sins specifically and by name?
Do you purpose to forsake your sin the moment God reveals it to you?
What about your unsurrendered areas?
Are you willing to give up all sin for God?

(3) A clear conscience. 
'I...strive to have a conscience without offence toward God and men' (Acts 24:16 NKJV).

Do you seek forgiveness from those you've offended?
Is your conscience clear with God and man? 

(4) Confidence before God.
'If our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight' (1 John 3:21-22 NKJV).

Have you moved beyond merely 'right or wrong', and asked yourself, 'How will this affect my confidence before God?'

Soul Food: Phil 1-4, Matt 7:13-23, Ps 79, Pr 2:9-10

Written by Bob & Debby Gass
Thursday, 16 January 2014

APPS available here