Most of us want to have a vibrant Christian life.

• We want to know God’s Presence
• We want to walk wisely
• We want to love like Jesus loved
• We want to have our prayers answered
• We want the joy and peace that are promised
• etc.

Yet often, we feel like we don’t have enough time or energy to devote to our spiritual growth. And we end up feeling spiritually dry and weak.

I get that.

I too have struggled to find habits that would keep me in a close and vibrant relationship with God.

But a few years ago I stumbled on something that changed the way I live… completely.

These 2 habits gave me greater clarity as a leader, more peace of heart and mind, and less stress overall.

These 2 habits are things almost anyone can do, and I encourage you to start today!

So grab your coffee and let’s dive in!

Habit 1. Walk with God… Literally.

Yes, I mean getting on your feet and taking literal steps.

I know, I know… why?

• Why not just fellowship with God at my desk?
• Why get up and go on a walk?

Well friends, I want to share with you one reason from my experience. (there are more reasons and benefits… but this is the biggest one for me)

My Personal Reason

When I was a youth Pastor, I was asked to devote at least 2 hours a day to prayer and Bible Study when I came on staff.

This proved to be one of the most transformational times in my life!

I remember going up to the second story of the church, and locking myself in the “youth room.” It was there that I would do my best to have 2 hours dedicated to God.

• Sometimes I would lay prostrate on the floor asking the Lord to search me…
• Sometimes I would kneel…
• Sometimes I would sit and read…
• But one day I did something different.

I remember as I was studying and praying, the verse regarding Enoch came to mind.

Genesis 5:24

And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.

It hit me pretty hard.

Why?

Well, this may seem silly... but I remember being in second Grade and my teacher told us that story. She told us that God and Enoch went on walks and one day God looked over at Enoch and said, “My home is closer than yours, how about you just come over.” And God took Enoch to heaven.

Now, that is not in the Bible… still it doesn’t take much of a sanctified imagination to see how possible it is :)

And as I thought on that, I realized… I want that kind of relationship with God!

A relationship where God and I can walk together… the kind where God could count me as a friend.

So I began walking with God…

I would walk with God and talk to Him like a friend. We would talk about the teens in my youth group, about my needs, about what God wanted from me. The goal was to spend time fellowshipping with Him.

• There are times to kneel…
• There are times to lie prostrate…
• But there are also times to walk.

I encourage you to try it.

Go on a walk with God.

And just fellowship with Him.

It will do your soul Good.

Habit 2. Find a Mountain.

As a new Pastor, I found office work to be difficult.

I would spend all day in a small room, with occasional breaks to visit some who were sick or injured.

Don’t get me wrong…I had a lot of work to be done… but I knew if I didn’t change something I would go bananas!

So one day I jumped in my car with my Bible and began to drive off into the mountains. It was fall in Southern Oregon, so the leaves were a mixture of fiery reds and oranges. The scent of blackberry bushes wafted on the wind.

I remember getting up to a spot where I could park my car and look out over the valley below.

It was magnificent.

It was quiet… with only the sounds of birds and a few animals from a nearby property.

The earth seemed to roll out in all directions, and for some reason I found it easier to think and talk with God.

It wasn’t until a few weeks ago (when I read in “The Art of Impossible,”) that I realized how science is showing that viewing wide vantage points visually... help you step back mentally and see the big picture in other areas of your life.

So, seeing a big picture… helps you see the big picture.

Friend, find a place where you can go and see the expanse of God’s world.

You may not be able to find a mountain… but find your spot.

This spot will be invaluable to you.

Jesus had a spot.

Often He would go to a mountain to pray…

But He also had a place for Him and His disciples..

The Garden of Gethsemane.

In John 18, Judas knew where to find him because…

John 18:2

And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.

Friend, walk with God… find a place that is open and wide for you to take a step back from the problems and issues of life, and let God show you the big picture.

I promise you… A price tag cannot be placed on these two spiritual practices.

I pray you have a blessed day my friend!