Hello Everyone! I thought I would give you a recap from yesterday and also refer you to some helpful resources that you may or may not be aware of.
First, a book by Don Whitney, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life. The first chapter of this book is much of what I gave you yesterday, a description, PURPOSE, and call to Spiritual disciplines. I believe Mr. Whitney is a great author, but the main thing is that he uses THE BIBLE. If you are not a big reader, you can go to itunes and download the audio version for $9.99.
Also, here is a link to The Discipleship Journal Bible Reading Plan. We had some of these available in hard copy on Sunday and will have more this week. But if you would like to download and print your own you can do so. If you are going to read the whole Bible in a year as many of us are, please sign up at the
SUNDAY RECAP:
Romans 12:1-2 – Happy ReNew Year!
The renewing of our minds is a constant process of renewal. One of the ways that we can do this is through Spiritual disciplines. While our holiness ultimately depends on God (John 17:17, Heb 2:11), He has given us a measure of participation through avenues such as the spiritual disciplines.
Spiritual disciplines- personal and corporate disciplines that promote spiritual growth.
Examples of spiritual disciplines: bible reading, prayer, scripture memorization, journaling, corporate worship, fasting, giving, fellowship, solitude, etc.
1Timothy 4:7-8
The purpose or goal of spiritual disciplines is GODLINESS. (Synonymous with Christ-like and holiness)
It is of great importance that we get the purpose because if we don’t they can just become a chore that we face and over time resent.
“DISCIPLINE WITHOUT DIRECTION IS DRUDGERY”
Jesus is our ultimate model for spiritual discipline, praying, fasting, quoting scripture when tempted. He was disciplined to pray and seek God, even when he was facing the cross: Matthew 26: 42 Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.”
Jesus, modeled the ultimate discipline of himself for godliness
Spiritual disciplines have been described as HIGHWAY to the oceans of God, or putting yourself in the PATH of God, a CHANNEL through which his grace flows, or a GREENHOUSE, where all of the elements are just right for growth.
Freedom can be found in the spiritual disciplines when we find that we are blessed by what we are bound to. If our goal is to be Christ-like and spiritual disciplines are a means by which we can achieve that, then we love them and embrace them. See Jesus words in Matthew 11:28-29
Have a great week!
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