SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES BOOKLET FROM DR. DEB: 

• September 7th, Dr. Deb preached on “Tending the Inner Fire.” See an excerpt from the sermon below.
• “Spiritual Disciplines for Spiritual Growth” pdf booklet – you will find multiple practical ways to practice spirtual disciplines.
• EXCERPT – How do we “Tend the Inner Fire.” & have an ongoing relationship with God?
• HEALTHY & ONGOING RELATIONSHIPS need two things:
  • 1st – TIME TOGETHER (like in any relationship). And just like we talked in August about the PRACTICAL WAYS that Jesus can be present in our everyday lives, here are practical ways that we can intentionally and deliberately develop our relationship with God & Jesus.
    • Think with me for a minute: How do we spend time with family & friends? Answers: meals, talking, playing cards or an outdoor activity, going on walks, watching a movie or show, traveling, etc.
    • It looks similar and is just as necessary with GOD & JESUS. And so it looks like this:
      • Instead of talking to God, we PRAY.
      • Instead of going to a move, we go to WORSHIP.
      • Instead of having a meal together, we FAST (go without eating) during a mealtime to spend that time with God. In this we realize that God is our nourishment rather than food or material things.
      • Instead of playing cards or an outdoor activity, we extend HOSPITALITY.
      • We read SCRIPTURE or a devotional/spiritual book, in addition to other things you like to read.
  • 2nd – ONGOING MAINTENANCE (just like for your home or for a relationship)
    • Maintenance – DAILY, WEEKLY, SEASONALLY, OR LIFE EVENTS (car accident, kids go to college, grandkids arrive, new job, new friends, move to a new town, retirement, health situations, etc.)