TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
… train yourself to be godly. 1 Timothy 4:7b
Read: 1 Timothy 4:7-8
Listen: 1 Timothy 4
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Each new year we often evaluate what we want our life to look like in the upcoming year. That’s what resolutions are all about. If we want to be in better shape, we commit to going to the gym. If we want to speak a foreign language, we commit to daily practice. If we want to be better spouses, parents or friends, we commit to reading books, listening to podcasts or going to counseling. These are habits or practices to help us do something we can’t do without guided effort. We do these things not just for the activity itself but because of how the activity changes us.
The same is true for our spiritual lives. Spiritual disciplines are activities Christians have been doing for centuries. Christians practice these activities in concert with the Holy Spirit to train ourselves to be godly. These habits deepen our relationship with God and mold us into the character of Jesus. This year, Beyond the Weekend will highlight one spiritual practice each month. Then, throughout the month, we’ll give tips for developing that discipline.
This month’s discipline is Bible reading. 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 over and over. The key is to develop the regular habit of reading God’s word 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.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Ask God to give you a heart for the different spiritual practices you’ll encounter this year. Pray for a humble and patient spirit as you develop new habits. Choose a Bible reading plan for 2023 and jump in. There are Bible reading plans for all interests at bible.com or on the Youversion app.
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.
January is BIBLE READING. Keep track of our spiritual practices at beyondtheweekend.org/spiritualpractices.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
