Here are some additional thoughts and resources that will help you go even deeper this week:
PROGRESS:
Remember! The goal of our Holy Habits series is that all of us would choose one or two Spiritual Rhythms to take a step of growth in over the summer. Progress is the goal, and all of us can take another step forward together.
“A baseball player who expects to excel in the game without adequate exercise of his body is no more ridiculous than the Christian who hopes to be able to act in a manner of Christ when put to the test without the appropriate exercise in godly living.” –Dallas Willard, The Spirit of the Disciplines
PRACTICE:
Here is a daily Scripture reading plan with some practical suggestions to help you get started in your next step of growth in spiritual rhythms.
Consider this Scripture reading plan and suggestions this week.
- Read Galatians 5:16-6:10. Assignment: Let God assess the health of your daily rhythms.
- Read Psalm 42. Assignment: Ask God to deepen your desire for Him and His ways.
- Read Romans 7:4-8:11. Assignment: Accept the struggle of growth and God’s help.
- Read Psalm 51. Assignment: Ask God to cleanse you from the inside out.
- Read Mark 8:22-38. Assignment: Decide to grow in spiritual rhythms this summer.
Consider these resources for further study.
- Introductory: The Life You’ve Always Wanted by John Ortberg
- Intermediate: Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster
- Advanced: The Spirit of the Disciplines by Dallas Willard
PROCESS:
Here is a Scripture devotional and a key quote or two to help you consider Spiritual Rhythms this week individually and with others.
Read Galatians 5:16-6:10.
- What does “walking by the Spirit” in order to bear the “fruit of the Spirit” look like in practice?
- What do we turn away from and seek to stop doing?
- Who and what do we turn to instead?
- How is our heart revealed in our everyday habits?
- How can you allow God to transform your heart as you seek to develop healthier habits and
- spiritual rhythms? How might you express this desire to God in prayer?
Consider these ideas on Holy Habits:
“…human striving is insufficient and righteousness is a gift from God… by themselves the spiritual rhythms can do nothing; they can only get us to the place where something can be done.” –Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline