Shaping Me – Habits (Part II)
January 29, 2023
Left unattended, your future self may be someone you wouldn’t even recognize.
We are all being shaped every single day in some direction
What would this year be like to be intentionally shaped by our loving Creator?
Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Living Bible Paraphrase: Then you will learn from your own experience how his ways will really satisfy you.
We are shaped by the internal stories we believe
Romans 8:6 For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace,
Spirit of God, what would you have me think?
Interrupt Anxiety with Prayer
We are shaped by the external stories we believe
Matt. 6:24-26, 32-33 No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money. That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?.. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
Jesus: “I will provide, don’t worry about it, be generous”
We are shaped by the stories we believe (internal, external)
Our thoughts, actions, character are all shaped by our HABITS we live out
It was a common saying among the Christians in the primitive Church, “The soul and the body make a person; the Spirit and discipline make a Christian” John Wesley
Habits shape us
What are my DIY disciplines?
Come to Church dressed in anticipation
Worry and worship cannot exist in the same space. One always displaces the other. Choose worship. Louis Giglio
God’s Word the Bible
Attention is the greatest currency today. Used to be Age, Knowledge Likes
We honour God by giving him our attention
Matt. 4:4 But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, But by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
God’s Word feeds my soul
Jeremiah 15:16 When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, Lord God Almighty.
God’s Word gives me joy and delight
Ps. 119:104-105 Your commandments give me understanding; no wonder I hate every false way of life. Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.
God’s Word gives me the right map to life
Ps. 19:7-8 The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living.
Is. 40:28-31 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Hope/Wait or Wait with anticipation on God
Intentional Meaningful Time with God
Link habits with existing habits
Schedule weekly routine
Choose God’s Word Daily