Thought for the Weekend: Working Toward a Disciplined Life

Weekend 4, Saturday – Sunday, January 30-31 (Days 27-28)

As of this weekend, you have completed 4 weeks of participating in this devotional, and practicing spiritual disciplines. We have really just scratched the surface of the impact that spiritual disciplines can have on our walk with God.

Over the next few days, our devotions will be focused on reminding us of the intent of practicing spiritual disciplines: Growing Nearer to God. By the end of this week, you will be challenged to write down how you intend to practice spiritual disciplines in the coming year. After Day 31, I will post descriptions of a few disciplines that I have practiced. My intent is not to convey the idea that I have mastered spiritual disciplines, but to share some possible suggestions for you to consider as you strive to grow in your walk with God.

For the next week, please think about your walk with God, and try to evaluate where you can work on growing in Christ. Do you desire to mature in your prayer life, or in the ability to listen for God’s leading? Do you wish to grow in your knowledge of scripture? Would you like to be more gracious in your attitude and willingness to serve others? Furthermore, pray that God will reveal the gifts that He has given you. He may want you to work at refining those gifts.

In the upcoming days, think creatively about the habits you can develop that will help you mature in your walk with God. You might not practice one single discipline for the entire year. Perhaps you will want to grow in your Biblical knowledge for a few months, so you will set aside daily time to read through the books of 1 and 2 Kings. This summer, you may want to grow through service, so you will volunteer to mow the lawn for an elderly neighbor for the entire summer. There are nearly unlimited possibilities for the ways you can develop habits to help you grow in your awareness of God’s presence.