Dear Friends,

Sometimes when we really want to change something we get stuck. We just don’t know what to do.  It is always a huge help when someone comes along and says ”try doing this it really works”.  When you are trying with Gods help to renovate your soul to become more like Jesus you too can get stuck. The Lord sends us some experienced builders with lots of practical help for those who want renovation of the soul. Across the history of Christianity, followers have struggled against the same forces that stop change.
The scripture and many mature disciples from the past don’t give legalistic formulas but loving guidance on change.

This Sunday I will share three methods that when practiced humbly will help you change.  These are not easy things to do in a sustained way. Like any discipline, it does little good unless it becomes a part of your life over time. No one gets better at anything without sustained practice.  We are saved by grace alone but grace does not mean we do not do anything toward change and fruitfulness.  Paul said it like this,

Col 1:29   For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me.
Just knowing you need change is not enough. Even wanting it is not enough. At some point, you must set some limits and strive with daily effort.

1 Ti 4:7-8 Stay clear of silly stories that get dressed up as religion. Exercise daily in God–no spiritual flabbiness, please! (8)  Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever.

GOD IS THE ONLY BEING IN THE WHO HAS NO LIMITS.  TRYING TO LIVE WITHOUT LIMITS IS LIVING TRYING TO BE YOUR OWN GOD.

This Lord’s day, pray, invite someone, and come.

I can’t wait to see you.

Blessings,
Joe

1. What part do you play in becoming more like Jesus?
   

   Php 2:12-13 So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; (13) for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

2. What is the place of intentional discipline in building up your soul?
   

   1 Co 9:25-27 Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. (26) Therefore, I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; (27) but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.

3. What impact does your spiritual discipline have on those who know you?
   

   1Ti 4:15-16 Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all.(16) Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.

4. What do you think are the biggest obstacles to practicing spiritual disciplines daily? How hard would it to put five minutes of silence into your schedule daily to listen?
   

   Psa 62:5 My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him.

5. Describe a time of intentional aloneness {solitude} and how it affected you?
   

   Mat 14:23 After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone. 1 Jn 2:6 the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.

6. What makes guarding a day for God, relationships and rest each week so hard and how can we do it?
   

   Mar 2:27-28 Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. (28) “So, the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”