January 26, 2016 SHARE: Reading time: two minutes. Spiritual wellbeing is easier than easy. Falling off a log requires climbing the log, but spiritual wellbeing is nothing more than welcoming the Lord Jesus and enjoying the blessing of His transforming work in my life. The pressure to perform is off. The drive to achieve has nothing to do with it. The spiritual life is like taking a vacation. I love it when someone else is doing all the work, and I’m just enjoying. When Jesus shows up, and He always shows up when we turn to His Word, wonderful things happen! Here’s a couple of the ways I’m learning to be more receptive in my spiritual life, my life with Jesus in His Word.My biggest problem is that it is so easy for me to get in His way. I’m naturally like those people in the gospels who always had an argument, who were always ready with a trick question. “Yeah, but…” is no way to welcome the presence of the Lord. That’s why I practice my Bible reading and prayer disciplines first thing in the morning. I try to get to my quiet place downstairs in my office just a little before I wake up. I usually open my eyes a few minutes before the alarm goes off, and if I can roll out and get to my prayer chair as soon as possible, I find myself more receptive to what the Lord has to say. Before I start thinking about the day’s calendar, my aches and pains, the things that stressed me out yesterday and the challenges of today, I open His Word and say, “Speak to me, Jesus.” He’s been with me all night long. He’s eternally ready to speak. The cares of my daily life lead me quickly and quietly away from that morning moment when I’m least distracted and most receptive, so I jump on that time, and He’s there. He’s always there to speak, but I’m most receptive in the morning. When traveling, I set my prayer list and my Bible right on the night stand. At home, my quiet place with my bookmarks in my Bible are always set. “Speak, Lord, before I think of a reason not to hear.” He’s there. He promised. He speaks. By His Spirit, He helps me to listen. I generally begin with my Psalm for the week. I find a phrase or just a word that speaks of His greatness and my smallness. Psalm 26 this week said, “Your love is ever before me.” Wow. That will humble you if you meditate on it for a while. Being very small before Him is a good way to start. Receptivity. Be still. Turn on your expecter. Open His Word. Jesus shows up. And when He shows up, good things happen. Thanks for reading. Do you serve on a professional church worker conference planning committee? Our staff has vast experience leading groups of all sizes from every church work background through innovative wellness programs custom designed to meet your needs. Contact Program Director Darrell Zimmerman today to begin exploring the possibilities or visit our website to see some of our ideas for your conference!