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Listen: Romans 8

Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:5-6

Paul teaches Roman believers that mindset matters. Training the body requires specific exercises, and training the mind and spirit to live by the Holy Spirit requires intentional practices. The early church understood this well and engaged in regular rhythms of prayer, Scripture reading, worship, fasting and fellowship (Acts 2:42-46). Spiritual practices have been a key part of life for the people of God for generations.

The practices found in Scripture are essential for spiritual growth today. Much like going to the gym to train our physical muscles, we need to exercise our spiritual muscles and “train yourself to be godly” (1 Timothy 4:7). This could look different for each of us, but we need to start somewhere. This could be setting aside a daily time for reading and memorizing Scripture. Or maybe this means starting a prayer list to pray over people and their concerns. Or maybe it is the weekly practice of setting aside a day for rest and worship. These practices position us to better hear and respond to the Spirit’s leading. They help us develop patterns that sow to the Spirit and bring life and peace.

TODAY: Choose one spiritual practice and begin it today. Start somewhere, but start today. For help in understanding and growing in spiritual practices, sign up for the Ada Bible Academy course on Spiritual Practices that will start in mid-April. Learn more and register HERE.