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TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:7-8

Read: 1 Timothy 4:7-8
Listen: 1 Timothy 4

TODAY’S MESSAGE

Throughout 2023, we focused on spiritual practices to deepen our relationship with God and mold and train us into Jesus’s character. This week, we will review each practice and encourage you to keep growing in them in the next year.

Many people set a BIBLE READING goal at the beginning of the year. Some read through the Bible cover to cover. Others read through the Bible chronologically. Some read through the New Testament. Others may focus on one or two books and read them repeatedly. The key is to develop the habit of reading God’s Word throughout our lives to allow God’s Spirit to speak to us. In many ways, reading God’s word and listening to the Spirit is like training for anything—to help us get better at living godly lives.

The SABBATH commandment reminds us God is a God of rest (Exodus 20:8-11). God tells us he even rested after all the work of creation, not because he needed to, but as a gift and model for people. We often can feel enslaved to our work today. Work texts, emails or calls come in at all times of the day. Amid this frenzied world, God calls us to rest. Practicing the Sabbath will take just that—practice. The key is finding a different rhythm that restores and refreshes what the week and the world take from us.

FASTING, or abstaining from something, can be done for spiritual reasons. It is not about the duration of the fast, nor is it a mathematical equation to manipulate God into acting (Matthew 6:16-18). It’s also not a cleanse or a diet. Instead, fasting is a way to focus one’s heart and mind on God and learn to depend on him for provision and help rather than our own devices.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Ask God to help you continue growing in spiritual disciplines throughout the next year. Reflect on how you have become more like Christ through these practices. Thank him for the growth he has already brought into your life.

2023 SPIRITUAL PRACTICES

Join us all of 2023 developing a different spiritual practice each month. SPIRITUAL PRACTICES are intentional regular activities to deepen our relationship with God and mold us to be more like Jesus.

December is CELEBRATION. Keep track of our spiritual practices at beyondtheweekend.org/spiritualpractices.

Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.