Introduction
In this family series on healthy life habits, we take a closer look at how to deepen our faith and connection to God. I want to draw your attention to the importance of understanding God’s grace, especially as we explore the practices that can help us grow in our relationship with Him. These practices are not merely tasks to earn favor from God; instead, they are responses to the gifts we have already received through His goodness. As we delve into this topic, I hope to clarify what these spiritual disciplines are and what they are not in our walk with Jesus.
Main Points
As We Explore The Nature Of
As we explore the nature of God's grace, it’s crucial to remember that it is not something we can earn. Similar to how I received birthday gifts from my grandparents without any prerequisites, God’s love and salvation are freely given to us.
- Ephesians 2:8 states, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." This verse highlights that our connection with.
- The practices we engage in, such as prayer and fasting, stem from our gratitude for this most profound gift.
- The various spiritual practices we discuss, silence and solitude, prayer, fasting, simplicity, community, Sabbath, and Scripture reading, should be viewed as responses to God's grace.
- They are ways to engage more deeply with God, to experience His goodness.
Jesus Modeled These Habits Showing Us
Jesus modeled these habits, showing us that they are core to a thriving relationship with the Father. This framework shifts our focus from striving to earn God's approval to joyfully accepting and sharing in His love.
- It's essential to approach our spiritual practices without placing ourselves in a mindset of performance comparison.
- I encourage you not to beat yourself up if you miss a day of Bible reading or fail to maintain your goals.
- Instead, recognize that God's grace is renewed every morning.
- This attitude helps foster a healthy relationship with God where our worth is not tied to how well we perform in these practices.
Each Day Is An Opportunity To
Each day is an opportunity to start fresh, embracing God’s unending love. As we seek to incorporate these practices into our lives, it’s vital to remember that what works for one person might not work for another. Therefore, I encourage you to experiment with how you embrace these practices. Consider what helps you spiritually in your context and family. There’s no one-size-fits-all; customize how you engage with God in a way that resonates with your life circumstances. One practical application this week is to look at your calendar and purposefully schedule time for these seven practices.
This Exercise Will Help You Identify
This exercise will help you identify how to integrate these healthy habits into your life rhythm. You might not hit every target, and that’s okay, what matters is the intention to seek God and build a deeper relationship with Him. Ultimately, our journey of discipleship centers around growing in our love for God and others. The practices we've discussed are not checklists but means to deepen our understanding and experience of God's love. Whether we are succeeding or struggling, we should aim to foster an environment where love for God and people flourishes.
Conclusion
In summary, the practices we explore in this journey are not conditions for receiving God's love but profound responses to the grace we have already been given. As you engage with these spiritual disciplines, remember God loves you unconditionally. Allow that truth to motivate your actions and shape your relationship with Him and others. May you find joy and fulfillment in this journey of faith as you cultivate those healthy habits that lead to deeper intimacy with Christ.