Today we will explore the spiritual discipline of self-examination. Self-examination is the study of one’s own behaviors and motivations. Regular and intentional self-examination is an important aspect of the healthy Christian life. The spiritual discipline was modeled by King David (e.g., see Psalm 139: 23-24). The Apostle Paul on several occasions also encouraged Christians to… Read More »
Christian Living (Archive)
The Spiritual Discipline of Surrender
Today we will explore the spiritual discipline of surrender. To surrender is to give up control. When we surrender to God, we abandon ourselves to his loving control over all things. To surrender to God is to recognize that we belong to him. It is to accept the Lordship of Jesus Christ over our lives. … Read More »
Pressing toward the Goal (Philippians 3:13-14)
Paul’s admonition to Christians to press toward the goal (Philippians 3:13-14) is as relevant today as when the apostle first wrote these encouraging words nearly 2000 years ago. Enjoy this sermon from Sunday, June 7, 2020. You can download additional materials by visiting the links below. Video embed code not specified. Blessings, Dr. Wilfred Graves… Read More »
The Spiritual Discipline of Gratitude
Today we explore the spiritual discipline of gratitude. Gratitude is a loving and thankful response toward God for his presence with us and gracious activity within the world. Gratitude is an important worship activity. A life of gratitude will draw us closer to God and is one of the essential marks of Christian maturity. In… Read More »
A Daily Diet of God’s Word
Just as natural food provides nourishment to our physical bodies, so the Word of God provides essential nourishment to our minds and spirits. Therefore, we need to consume a daily diet of the Word of God. Enjoy this short video teaching from Sunday, May 17, 2020. You can download additional materials by visiting the links… Read More »
The Spiritual Disciplines of Solitude and Silence
Yesterday’s post introduced the topic of spiritual disciplines. A spiritual discipline is a physical or mental activity derived from Scripture that a Christian does to aid his or her spiritual growth. Spiritual disciplines are what we do in the natural to positively benefit our spiritual lives. These disciplines have been practiced by the people of… Read More »
An Introduction to Spiritual Disciplines
Lasting success in any enterprise or field of endeavor requires discipline. A scholar must be disciplined in her academic research and writing. An NBA player must be disciplined in perfecting his craft through lots and lots of practice. The late Kobe Bryant was known not only for his singular talent but also for his tireless… Read More »
Consecration (January 2020)
A consecration is a short season in which the people of God dedicate themselves to seeking him in special and focused ways. I would like to invite you to join Bishop Charles Edward Blake and the members of West Angeles Church in a month of consecration. Our January consecration will consist of corporate prayer and fasting… Read More »
The Spiritual Discipline of Secrecy
I would like to challenge today’s readers to do a good deed for someone in secret. You may decide to bless the person with a card, or buy him or her lunch, or do some other act of kindness, but do it anonymously. Do it as unto the Lord. This is one way of practicing… Read More »
Biblical Prosperity, Part 2
CLICK HERE for “Biblical Prosperity, Part 1.” Yesterday we were reminded that God’s resources are more than enough to meet our needs. God’s abundance is freely available to his sons and daughters. His general desire to bless his people is captured by the Hebrew concept of shalom, which means “peace,” but which also includes the… Read More »
