Spiritual Disciplines
Spiritual disciplines are important for promoting spiritual and emotional growth, Christ-like character, and a Biblical Christian worldview in the life of a believer. Endeavor over time to develop the following disciplines in your life. Ask the Lord to help you, and yield to the Holy Spirit who will give you the grace to grow every day in your walk with Him. Want to see where you stand? Click the button below.
Pray
Take time to talk with, listen to and worship God daily.
Ask Him to help you understand the Bible and be open with Him about your questions and concerns.
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
(Romans 12:12)
Fast
Separating from the world’s distractions while denying the physical pleasure of food draws us closer to God, enables us to hear His voice, and communicates our complete dependence upon Him.
"But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you."
(Matthew 6:17-18)
Serve
Look for opportunities to serve God by serving His people.
Volunteer ministry is a great place to start.
​
"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
(Mark 10:45)
Silence & Solitude
Set aside regular times to unplug & quiet the voices, so you can take in the wonder of God, His creation and His presence in your life.
"But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer."
(Luke 5:16)
Read
Establish & maintain a daily Bible reading plan.
If new to the faith, consider starting with the New Testament gospels.
Click here to subscribe to daily emails to read through the Bible in a year.
"Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path."
(Psalm 119:105)
Study
Invest time into studying and understanding the Bible on a deeper level.
Try committing key passages to memory.
Consider starting with these:
Psalm 23, Matthew 5:1-12, Matthew 6:5-15, Romans 3:21-26
"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work."
(2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Shine
Be intentional about putting the Word into practice in your life and sharing the message of the Gospel with others.
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
(Matthew 5:16)
Sabbath
Set aside one 24-hr period per week for worship & rest.
“Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work.”
(Exodus 20:9-10a)
Community
Make room in your life for others by attending church regularly and being intentional about initiating and growing Christian relationships.
Joining a Small Group is a great way to find community.
"Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other."
(Romans 12:4-5)
Steward
Stewardship means thinking of & using your time, talents & possessions in light of the fact that God is the ultimate owner of everything & you’re His manager.
​​Giving to your church is a good starting point.
"When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required."
(Luke 12:48)
Sacrifice
Make it a point to focus your energy, attention & resources on eternal “treasure” over earthly gain.
Caring for the poor is one impactful way to live this out.
​
"Jesus told him, 'If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.'”
(Matthew 19:21)
​
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
(Matthew 6:21)
Simplicity
Make the Kingdom of God your focal point, minimizing everything else in life.
“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”
(Matthew 6:33)