Page 82 - BMIN191 Beginnning Internship

82 Beginning Ministerial Internship: Student Manual

The Bible indicates that our greatest acts of worship are our acts of
obedience. Jesus said that we show our love for Him through our obedience to
His commands. Thus, every effort we make to obey God’s directives is an act of
worship to God—one that He prizes above all others. We should perform these
acts joyfully as they are significant in our desire to worship God.
Study
God’s Word is the guide we need for understanding Him and knowing His
plan for our lives. For this reason, a minister grows most and serves best as his or
her study of God’s Word becomes a priority.
What minister could teach and guide the local church without consistent
and thorough study of God’s Word? It is out of this time that God can feed
and ultimately provide what the minister might need to help feed others. To
study God’s Word only for ministry assignments will never provide the close
relationship with God that the minister needs.
5 Identify a systematic Hence, a systematic approach to daily times in God’s Word is useful. Various
approach to Bible study Bible reading plans can be helpful in charting a course and will yield better
that you have used or are results than a haphazard study. In addition to reading, the minister will benefit
currently using.
from intensive study. For example, he or she may want to read a few chapters but
then focus more intently on one or two paragraphs to gain deeper insights.
While the Bible is the key tool in preaching, it must also have a central place in
the spiritual leader’s life. After all, if ministers expect to build the lives of others on
the Word of God, they ought to be developed in their own lives, first.
Reflection
An often-neglected part of devotional life is reflection. In ancient times,
meditation was a key part of knowing God. But in our present times, the practice is
being replaced more by a read-and-do mentality. It cannot be so for the minister.
Reflection is a quiet pursuit, allowing God to guide our thoughts and reinforce the
lessons He has been teaching. Part of God’s intention in establishing the Sabbath was
for reflection on the previous days of labor and on the goodness of God.
Some find that keeping a journal is an effective means of capturing their
thoughts. This can be an ideal way of training oneself to stop and interact with
the Scriptures or other readings, as well as a means of preserving those thoughts
for future encouragement. Journaling can be an effective means of charting one’s
growth in God as it provides clear evidence of God’s faithfulness. However,
whether one opts for journaling or some other form of worshipful thought, one’s
reflection should not be self-centered. It must always focus on God.
Prayer
No devotional time would be complete without prayer. Prayer is the greatest
privilege God has extended to His creation; we miss a great opportunity if we
neglect it.
6 Why is prayer the essential God has commanded us to bring our requests to Him. Though He is fully
ingredient in relationship with aware of our needs and has a better plan than we can conceive, God desires that
God? we communicate our needs to Him to demonstrate reliance upon His power and
assistance daily. He rewards these expressions of faith with His love and peace.
God will bring the answer that most clearly connects with His purposes for us.
For the new believer, prayer may start as a monologue. After the requests
and personal issues are listed for God, a quick “amen” is muttered, and the