The Starving Baker-This is a common hazard for those who seek to live lives of influence. It’s the Baker who spends so much time baking bread for others he forgets to eat and starves himself. We must pause to feed ourselves for personal growth.

Ecclesiastes 10:10 (ESV) If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, he must use more strength, but wisdom helps one to succeed.

Mark 1:21-39(ESV) Jesus takes time to connect with His Father.

Psalm 46:10 (ESV) Be still, and know that I am God.

Is stopping or being still difficult for you to do? What must you do to convince yourself it is wise to slow down and prepare?

Jesus allow himself get there, but how do you know when you are beginning to “starve” yourself? Are there signs for you?

Do you get Grumpy? Short tempered? Giving of yourself feels more like a chore than a calling? Tempted to take shortcuts? Falling into bad habits? Relationships getting frayed? Pulling away from God rather than pressing in?

Do you have a plan for personal growth? Do you have a target? If you aim at nothing, you will hit nothing. And if you do hit something it will have been a complete accident.

We require food every day as a picture of what we need to be doing with our character as well. We need a daily plan or menu to develop our character on a regular basis.

How well do you practice the following disciplines?

Devotions (reading the Bible just to connect with God relationally)
Prayer (talking and listening to him and getting to know Him better through conversation)
Simplicity (simplifying your life by clearing out the mental and physical clutter)
Study and Meditation (deeper study of the Bible, focusing on certain words or thoughts)
Worship (taking time to honor God; to tell Him all He’s worth; to thank Him; to enjoy His presence)
Fasting (going without food or some pleasure in order to focus on God and your spiritual growth)

Pick one that is the weakest, or the one God seems to be highlighting and focus on it.
Read books about the spiritual disciplines by Richard Foster, Dallas Willarda or Ruth Haley Barton