Spiritual discipline, like weight training, is hard work. It is work we can't do by ourselves however. Photo source: U.S. Navy (Public Domain)
Spiritual discipline, like weightlifting, is hard work.
It is work we can’t do by ourselves however.
Photo source: U.S. Navy (Public Domain)

A.W. Pink wrote in his classic book, Spiritual Discipline:

Divine assistance is imperative if we are to meet the Divine requirements. We need Divine mercy to pardon and cleanse, power to subdue our raging lusts, quickening to animate our feeble graces, light on our path that we may avoid the snares of Satan, wisdom from above for the solving of our varied problems. Only God Himself can relieve our distresses and supply all our need. His assistance, then, is to be sought: sought prayerfully, believingly, diligently and expectantly; and if it be thus sought, it will not be sought in vain.

It is amazing how often we approach spiritual discipline as though we can accomplish it on our own power.  No we need to approach spiritual growth on bended knee asking for God’s assistance through His Holy Spirit.  Sanctification does not come through our own efforts, but by the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives.

This is Shane Vander Hart with your Caffeinated Thought of the Day.

Remember you can listen to Caffeinated Thoughts Radio on air at 8:00a and 6:00p on Saturdays on The Truth Network 99.3 FM if you live in the Des Moines/Ames Metro area.  You can also listen online live here.  Also we are on iTunes!

You May Also Like

We’re Always the Goat, Never the Scapegoats

David Shedlock: Jesus Christ escaped with sins that were not His own, for He had no sin. But he bore my my sins. He did it voluntarily.

The Prophets of Baal Defeated (1 Kings 18:20-40)

20 So Ahab sent to all the people of Israel and gathered…

Caffeinated Thoughts Radio 12-24-16 (Merry Christmas)

Shane Vander Hart and Kelvey Vander Hart discuss the real meaning of Christmas and what Kelvey has been doing with the Dressember Foundation this month.

The Heart of Man Is Restless

Shane Vander Hart: God made us to long for His rest. So often we try to find rest in other things, but often avoid the very One who can give us rest.