I prepared this short devotional outline for my worship team at Standing Stones Community Church in Phoenix, AZ. The following is a summary of some key points in chapter 10, “Leading Artists” of Rory Noland’s Heart of the Artist. Click the following links to read my devotional outlines for the book’s introduction, chapter one, chapter two, chapter three, chapter four part 1, chapter four part 2, chapter five, chapter six, chapter seven, chapter eight, and chapter nine.
What are the spiritual disciplines? They are not magic or some mysterious way to get God to bless you. They are simply tools that many throughout history have found essential for cultivating their relationships with God. It will take courage and yes, discipline, but as artists, we are certainly accustomed to discipline.
Why should we be so disciplined? Consider this: “Your ministry is the product of your relationship with Christ” (p. 314). Bearing fruit is the result of abiding in God (John 15:4-5), so if we want to be effective ministers for Christ, full of the fruit of the Spirit, we need to be abiding in him. Jesus calls us friends (John 15:14-15), but how can our friendship flourish unless we spend time with him? Also, have you ever considered that God may use you or your art as his mouthpiece, declaring Scripture? We are much like the prophet Jeremiah, in whom God placed his words (Jeremiah 1:9). Let’s not take this calling lightly!
Here are just a few of the disciplines:
- Daily Quiet Time: This is a time to study the Bible, pray, memorize Scripture, and worship God. Here are some tips for those just starting out: 1. Choose a consistent time. 2. Choose a spot that is quiet. 3. Choose someplace in the Bible to start reading, perhaps the Gospel of John. See this time as an unbreakable appointment, not to prevent God’s anger on you but rather because you value your relationship with God that much.
- Prayer: You don’t need to read a book on prayer to learn how to pray. Just start talking with God. You may consider reading a passage and then turning it into a prayer. You could take a walk outside and praise God for his creation. You could make a list of needs in your family and community that need your prayers. Don’t worry if you’re not eloquent. Just pray!
- Memorize Scripture: I’ve been amazed at how much deeper my understanding of a text goes after memorizing it. Meditating on Scripture becomes easy simply because the memorized text naturally comes back to my mind throughout the day. Memorized Scripture has been very helpful to me during trials, so I’ve learned to memorize when I am not in a trial to prepare for the battles ahead. Don’t know where to start? Try the Topical Memory System by the Navigators. Or choose a verse from your daily quiet time.
As you participate in these disciplines, watch out for legalism. Unfortunately, there are many people who know the Scriptures inside out and backward yet do not apply what they learn. In John 5:39-47, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees, the religious leaders of his day, of that very thing. If these disciplines do not lead you to love more, to put off sin, and grow in character, then you may be guilty of just building knowledge, being legalistic about the act but not allowing the heart to engage.
Also, keep in mind that there is a difference between guilt and conviction. If you have your quiet time out of guilt, then you’ll only continue for a short while. However, a convicted heart is excellent motivation for the long term.
Let us pour ourselves into this deep loving relationship, the same way that a beloved longs to be in her lover’s arms. Let us pour ourselves into deeper knowledge of God, even as we acknowledge our finite understanding. If we are busy, then, like Martin Luther, let us say that we are too busy not to pray.
You must be logged in to post a comment.