Day 19 - Friday, October 30th
LIFE Journal
This Week's Memory Verse
Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:18
Devotional
We have looked at several different ways you can grow deeper in your relationship with God through simple practices. Think back to the disciplines we’ve discussed: prayer, fasting, solitude, simplicity, service, studying, and meditation. Which of these do you currently do? Which of these would you like to incorporate into your life?
Just like the athlete who desires to reach the next level in their sport, spiritual disciplines require us to put in the time and effort in order to grow our muscles. We can’t expect that these things will magically become a part of our day if we don’t make the time to do them.
Think about which of these you’d like to make a more regular part of your everyday. Write down some ways you can make that happen, pray for God to help you do so, and then do it. Start with small changes: wake up 15 minutes earlier to study God’s word, sign up to serve at one of our environments, or start taping cards of scripture around your house. Don’t make it complicated and remember you’re not doing this because it will make God love you more. You’re doing it because you know these are the vehicles in which God will grow your love and affection for Him while teaching you how to live more like Christ.
Think On This Verse:
How can a young person live a clean life? By carefully reading the map of your Word. I’m single-minded in pursuit of you; don’t let me miss the road signs you’ve posted. I’ve banked your promises in the vault of my heart so I won’t sin myself bankrupt. Be blessed, God; train me in your ways of wise living. I’ll transfer to my lips all the counsel that comes from your mouth; I delight far more in what you tell me about living than in gathering a pile of riches. I ponder every morsel of wisdom from you, I attentively watch how you’ve done it. I relish everything you’ve told me of life, I won’t forget a word of it. Psalms 119:9-16 The Message
Ask and Answer:
What spiritual habits does God want to cultivate in me more? Which ones does He want to add to my life? What will that require me to change? Who can help keep me accountable in these things? Who can I ask to teach me more about following Jesus?
Just like the athlete who desires to reach the next level in their sport, spiritual disciplines require us to put in the time and effort in order to grow our muscles. We can’t expect that these things will magically become a part of our day if we don’t make the time to do them.
Think about which of these you’d like to make a more regular part of your everyday. Write down some ways you can make that happen, pray for God to help you do so, and then do it. Start with small changes: wake up 15 minutes earlier to study God’s word, sign up to serve at one of our environments, or start taping cards of scripture around your house. Don’t make it complicated and remember you’re not doing this because it will make God love you more. You’re doing it because you know these are the vehicles in which God will grow your love and affection for Him while teaching you how to live more like Christ.
Think On This Verse:
How can a young person live a clean life? By carefully reading the map of your Word. I’m single-minded in pursuit of you; don’t let me miss the road signs you’ve posted. I’ve banked your promises in the vault of my heart so I won’t sin myself bankrupt. Be blessed, God; train me in your ways of wise living. I’ll transfer to my lips all the counsel that comes from your mouth; I delight far more in what you tell me about living than in gathering a pile of riches. I ponder every morsel of wisdom from you, I attentively watch how you’ve done it. I relish everything you’ve told me of life, I won’t forget a word of it. Psalms 119:9-16 The Message
Ask and Answer:
What spiritual habits does God want to cultivate in me more? Which ones does He want to add to my life? What will that require me to change? Who can help keep me accountable in these things? Who can I ask to teach me more about following Jesus?
Prayer
Lord, we’ve looked at so many things you use to grow our spiritual muscles. Show me which ones you want me to focus on and grow in. Help me to use these things not as another checklist but as a way to learn more about you. Amen.