Spiritual Disciplines
Click on one of the disciplines located on the pie chart above to learn more about each discipline.
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Intentional Prayer Time
Scripture Reference:
Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
We all desire relationship with others, and God is no different. He desires to be in relationship with us daily. Intentional prayer time is important in growing our relationship with God. Jesus modeled prayer many times throughout the Bible. His ministry began with prayer, he prayed before important decisions, and in the midst of his ministry for perseverance. He prayed on the cross, and he still prays for us today. God desires to have relationship with us, just as He did with His son, Jesus. He longs for us to lay our burdens at His feet; to come to Him with all requests and prayers of thanksgiving, and then open our hearts, minds and hands to receive His many blessings. Let’s be honest, the fast pace of life can easily distract us, leaving the day void of conversations with God. We may also struggle with what to say, or think God already knows what we’re going to say, so why do we really need to go through the motions? Being intentional about prayer simply means to pray on purpose or as intended. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 instructs us to be purposeful – to pray always. Prayer connects us to God. It should not be thought of as a duty, but as a privileged conversation with our Father who loves us.
Call to Action:
- Set a time for daily prayer
- Make prayer part of your lifestyle
- Begin prayer with praise
- Ask for forgiveness
- Pray from your heart with confidence and trust that God will take care of it.
Book Suggestion:
How to Pray: Reflections and Essays by C.S. Lewis
Podcast Suggestion:
Your Daily Prayer by LifeAudio
Intentional Bible Time
Reading/Listening to the Bible and Meditating on the Word.
Scripture Reference:
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
Put on your new nature and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.
But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night.
Scripture is a powerful invitation from God to know him more. It is through scripture that we learn his heart and his passionate love for us individually. It’s a wonderful way to grow closer to him and be renewed daily. God’s word tells us who we are in his eyes. The word also helps us distinguish truth from lies, because we live in a fallen world, we need the Bible as a firm foundation to stand on. Day by day, little by little, reading and meditating on his words will change you. Yes, it can be intimidating to consider reading the Bible from Genesis to Revelations, but you don’t necessarily have to read it like a book, from beginning to end. You can simply start by reading the Gospels (Mathew, Mark, Luke, and John) learning about the life of Jesus first. Opening God’s word will comfort, encourage, and direct you. He will show you the way.
Call to Action:
Open God’s love letter to you.
Book Suggestion:
The Holy Spirit by Billy Graham
Podcast Suggestion:
On The Way by Mike Wilson
Servanthood
Scripture Reference:
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
The discipline of service can be a direct assault on our pride. Service requires humility. We humble ourselves before God, and take on the posture of a servant, putting God and others ahead of ourselves. There is no greater example of a servant than Jesus. He taught that the greatest people are those who serve (Matthew 23:11), that the last will be first (Mark 9:35), and that even he “came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). A significant part of God’s purpose for your life is that you be a witness to God’s love through all you do and say. You are to be a witness to God’s saving power. You are not required by God to die on the cross, like Jesus, but you are called by God to live and die in such a way that others are made increasingly aware of God’s plan of forgiveness for them. When you serve others with joy, peace and righteousness radiating from you, you are a witness to God’s love and desire to forgive. A witness to Christ’s death and resurrection. And a witness to the Holy Spirit’s empowering and guiding presence.
Call to Action:
It is out of Thanksgiving for what God has done that you serve others. If you have been forgiven by God and are a recipient of God’s love, then you are equipped for service. He will provide what you lack in ability.
Book Suggestion:
Developing A Servants Heart – Charles F. Stanley
Podcast Suggestion:
Enjoying the Journey series: Learning to be a Servant – Scott Pauley
Serving Ideas:
Serve Faithfully with Prayer
New Life:
- Prayer partners
- Prayer Chain
- Pray for pastors and staff families
- Life Group prayer
- NL missional prayer
Home/Family/Friends:
- Bedtime and supper
- Pray in the good, the bad, the ugly moments.
- Text/Messenger/email a prayer.
- Phone a friend.
Serve Faithfully with Hospitality
New Life:
- Host team
- Meals ministry.
- Host your Life Group
- Bake cookies for NL Youth.
- Invite people to “Come and see.”
Home/Family/Friends:
- Do coffee, breakfast, lunch, supper, dessert.
- Game nights
- Campfires
- Weekend Visitors
The Gift of Speaking
New Life:
- Life Group Leaders
- Teaching children(NL Kids)
- New Friends Desk
- Greeting people at doors
- Sharing communion with others
Home/Family/Friends:
- Reading the Bible to others
- Praying
- Talking kindly
- Encouraging each other
The Gift of Helping Others
New Life:
- Opening doors for others
- Clearing snow off of the sidewalks
- Making coffee
- Handing out donuts to kids
- Checking kids in to NL Kids
- Running tech for worship
- Building coffins
Home/Family/Friends:
- Trash, dishes, laundry, opening food, etc.
- Caring for cars, lawn, snow shoveling, etc.
- Proofreading, researching, organizing.
Tithing & Giving
Scripture Reference:
“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!”
No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.
And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need, and plenty left over to share with others.
Providing tithes is an extremely actionable and verifiable way to demonstrate one’s faith. The Bible provides many instructions on how to give, save, and spend our wealth with over 2,000 verses on the subject. Jesus provided a lot of instructions on money with approximately forty percent of the parables he taught having to do with money. The Bible places considerable emphasis on how we should use money for ourselves, our families, and others. However, following all the instructions provided can be difficult even when we know and trust the guidance. Sometimes it doesn’t feel like we can make ends meet and if we can just get to the next stage in life, it all we be better. Or we struggle with having enough true faith that if we follow the guidance, there still will be provision. Knowing that God tells us to tithe and give for our sakes and not His, is a true revelation that provides comfort, peace, and overall spiritual growth to have tangible trust in Him on a daily basis. Giving our safety and security to Him instead of our savings account is difficult for all of us and a true sign of spiritual maturity. When we trust in Him to provide, there is an immense joy and peace that cannot be removed regardless of the balance in our check book.
Call to Action:
Create a monthly budget before the month begins that lists all the expected income. Set aside tithes and gifts first before allocating the rest of the income to savings and expenses.
Book Suggestion:
- Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
- I Was Broke Now I’m Not by Joseph Sangl
Podcast Suggestion:
- Dave Ramsey Show
- Holy Man Podcast – Episode 17
Water Baptism
Scripture Reference:
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you, not the removal of dirt from the body, but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God.
Baptism isn’t what saves you, as Ephesians 2:8 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves”; rather baptism is an opportunity to go public with your faith and is a powerful way to declare your hope in Jesus. Getting baptized is telling the world about the change that is happening inside of you because you have been saved through the grace of God and choose to follow Jesus. Baptism symbolizes Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. Going under the water symbolizes Jesus’ death, and you are reminded of His death on the cross and payment of your sins. When you come out of the water, you are reminded that three days later, Jesus rose from the dead and ascended to heaven! Jesus wants us to follow His example of being baptized so we can spread His message of love and sacrifice. It reminds us that the sins of our pasts are washed away and behold, we are made new!
Call to Action:
Baptism is a way for you to publicly show an inward change and live for Christ’s glory. Consider asking Pastor Paul when the next Baptism class is to learn more.
Book Suggestion:
Why Should I Be Baptized? By Bobby Jamieson
Podcast Suggestion:
The 5-Minute Discipleship Podcast by Loren Hicks: The Importance of Water Baptism
Keeping the Sabbath Holy
Scripture Reference:
For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore, the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it Holy.
You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God brought you out from there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore, the Lord your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day.
Taking a day of rest honors God and helps focus the mind on the future rest given to us through the resurrection of Jesus. Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. The Old Testament speaks of physical rest leading to future rest, but Christ has brought fulfillment of rest through salvation. Psalm 23 says, “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures.” The pleasures of the world and sins of the flesh easily draw our attention away. Being distracted, losing our focus, and turning away from God means our rest will be uneasy. When we focus on the world of man instead of the realm of God, we may attempt to find peace in things that will leave us empty and longing for more. We can only find that peace in Christ. Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” True rest lies in remembering the Sabbath and giving glory to God through it. God has given us this day to be a delight, and a blessing. Receive it with a grateful heart.
Call to Action:
Do you have a primary focus on work or things of the world? Perhaps take some time to slow down and refocus on what is truly important, reprioritize what matters most, eternity with the heavenly Father.
Book Suggestion:
How to Keep the Sabbath Holy by Doug Batchelor
YouTube Video:
Joining a Life Group
Scripture Reference:
For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.
As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.
Actively participating in a Life Group can enrich your relationship with Christ. Joining a Life Group can provide you with a deeper, more meaningful spiritual journey as well. Having a sense of community and being in close-knit fellowship can foster genuine connections and provide a supportive environment where your spiritual growth can flourish. In a small group, individuals may feel more comfortable to engage in open and honest discussions. This allows participants to explore the teachings of their faith to a deeper level, seek guidance from fellow Christians, and pray collectively together. Additionally, more personalized attention creates opportunities for individual growth and a greater sense of accountability. Life Groups not only enhance your understanding of your faith, but also provide a network of caring individuals who can walk alongside you in your spiritual journey to either challenge you, provide encouragement, or offer support. Fellowship gives us the opportunity to practice loving people, helping us to model the life of Jesus.
Call to Action:
Start a conversation with someone you know who is currently in a Life Group. Suggested discussion questions can include:
- What benefits do you receive from being in a Life Group?
- Is being in a Life Group worth your time?
- Have you seen a difference in your relationship with Christ as a result of being in a Life Group?
- What are some barriers you overcame in order to join a Life Group?
- Is there a Life Group that you would suggest for me?
Book Suggestion:
Find Your People: Building Deep Community in a Lonely World by Jennie Allen
Podcast Suggestion:
The Importance of Fellowship from Crosswalk – Colorado Springs
Season 2 Episode 82
It addresses the importance of fellowship and overcoming obstacles that prevent you from joining small groups.
Becoming a Mentor
Scripture Reference:
Won't he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders.
Embarking on the journey of becoming a Christian mentor can be both exhilarating and challenging. It’s natural to feel a mix of emotions, including excitement and apprehension. The fear of inadequacy or not having all the answers may cross your mind but remember that being a mentor is not about being perfect; it’s about being present and willing to share your faith journey. Your unique experiences, struggles, and victories can serve as a guiding light for others. Embrace the fear of the unknown, for it is in those uncertain moments that God’s grace often shines the brightest. Trust in His wisdom and lean on the support of your Christian community. Being a mentor is not about having all the answers, but rather pointing others to the ultimate source of hope and strength—Jesus Christ. Step into this role with a humble heart, recognizing that God equips those He calls. As you invest time in prayer, study the Word, and cultivate a genuine love for those you mentor, you will find the courage to overcome any fears that may arise. Your commitment to walking alongside others on their faith journey is a powerful testament to the transformative love of Christ.
Call to Action:
Step into the transformative venture of mentorship today—your guidance could be the beacon of hope someone desperately needs. Embrace the opportunity to make a lasting impact on lives by sharing your faith and walking alongside others in their spiritual journey.
Book Suggestion:
Mentor Like Jesus by: Regi Campbell
Podcast Suggestion:
Wild at Heart Podcast: Becoming Good Soil
Intentional Worship & Praise Time
Scripture Reference:
But the time is coming, indeed it’s here now, when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.
Shout with joy to the lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name.
Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them. For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.
Every aspect of our lives is an opportunity to be in thanksgiving with God the Father. As Christians, we are not perfect, but we serve a God who is, so we give God glory through our worship and praise. Whether we are at work, at home, taking a walk, or laying underneath the vastness of a starlit night, God is worthy. We show and give honor to him with grateful hearts, not being able to comprehend all that he has done for us or has provided us. It can be hard for some to say a simple, thank you, because it does not always come naturally, but that is what worship and praising God is. The ultimate expression of gratitude for receiving something that we did not earn, and we do not deserve. The abundance of God has been poured out upon us. His blessings overflow. A true form of worship and praise to God is obedience in our everyday lives, shining His light wherever we are, alone or with a full congregation. We remember that we owe it all to Him, recognizing a level of respect beyond all others. So, don’t be afraid to give glory to your Creator and the ultimate Provider.
Call to Action:
Try to incorporate worship and praise into your life, telling God, thank you. You can do so by praying, singing, kneeling, bowing, shouting joyfully, raising of hands, sharing a talent, even a time of silence in honor of Him in simple acknowledgement of His glory presented by you as a display for His splendor privately or publicly.
Book Suggestion:
My Heart’s Desire: Living Every Moment in the Wonder of Worship by David Jeremiah
YouTube Suggestion:
To Seek Counsel
Scripture Reference:
Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.
The way of the fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise and prudent man is he who listens to counsel.
Overcoming a past hurt or wound can be a difficult journey, but one that does need to be ventured. You may be assuming or fearing the judgement of friends or family members; this is understandable, but moving past the stronghold that is held against you is even more important. The people in your life that truly care for you will support you fully in this decision because love cast away all fears. If you choose to take that leap of faith to reach out to someone for help in overcoming that difficulty, you will alleviate the heavy load of stress upon your shoulders. God doesn’t want you to be suffering inside. He wants you to be able to surrender those things to Him. In Matthew 11:28 Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and burden is light.” Having that rest for your soul is attainable. God has gifted many people with the ability to counsel others for this very purpose. For you, here today, right now; to be your assistance in those trials of tribulation, those past regrets, the worries that are weighing you down. God offers life in abundance, and it is for you to receive the peace that surpasses all understanding. Please, do not fear reaching out to another, you will soon learn, it may be the best choice you’ll ever make.
Call to Action:
Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.
Book Suggestion:
- You Are Not Alone by Max Lucado
- Get Your Life Back by John Eldredge
Podcast Suggestion:
The Encouraging Word Podcast