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Pastor John Randolph is starting a new series titled Spiritual Disciplines. Today we were in Matthew chapter 9 and learning about fasting and journaling. Is fasting and journaling required according to scripture? Listen and believe.
The Greatest Love: Abide in Jesus or Abide in the World | John 15:1-17Stu opens with a video that made him cry: a children's hospital next to a football stadium where the entire crowd waves to the sick kids in the windows. One child has a sign: "Go Hawks." They made him feel like he belonged, like he was part of the team, even though he's fighting cancer.But as beautiful as that act of kindness is, Jesus offers something even greater.On the night before His death, Jesus uses the image of a vine to reveal the greatest love the world has ever known: the love with which the Father loves the Son. And shockingly, Jesus says He can share that relationship with us."I am the vine; you are the branches," Jesus declares. "Remain in me, as I also remain in you." This isn't just encouragement to get you through the day. It's the most powerful thing you have in your life—to belong to God through Jesus is to know what love is and how to love.The choice every Christian faces: Will you abide in Jesus and become like Jesus, or will you abide in the world and become worldly?From the temptation of concerts and digital screens to the subtle ways we fall in love with things that take our affections from Christ, Stu confronts our divided hearts. He shares his own story of walking into a pub to see his favourite guitarist, only to find a room full of motorcycle gangs, and realising he didn't belong there. Sometimes the Holy Spirit makes you uncomfortable for a reason.Jesus says something shocking in verse 5: "Apart from me you can do nothing." Abiding means ongoing dependent union with Jesus, letting His words live in us. It's practical: through God's Word, prayer, obedience, and gathering with God's people, you abide in Christ.Stu unpacks three powerful truths: the source of the greatest love (the Father's love flowing through Jesus to us), the measure of the greatest love (Jesus laying down His life for His friends), and the overflow of the greatest love (His command to love one another as He loved us).Because if you abide in the world, you'll become like the world. But if you abide in Jesus, you'll become like Jesus. And that changes everything—your friendships, your family, your church, your community.Series: Revealing Jesus (John 13-17) Speaker: Stu Crawshaw Scripture: John 15:1-17
In this message, Justin explores the spiritual discipline of service and what it means to follow Jesus as a servant. Looking at the life and teaching of Christ, we are reminded that service is not an optional activity in the Christian life—it is at the very heart of discipleship. When we practice serving others, God uses those moments not only to meet real needs but also to shape our hearts to look more like Jesus.
I know biblical fasts can be hard. In our own human the desire for food, as well as battling the temptations of the enemy to give in and quit... can feel too easy to listen to. But as a result if we give in to that, we can miss all of what God wants to show us or do in us or through us or for that person or aspect we're fasting, praying and seeking God about. So I wanted to make sure you had someone in your corner to encourage you to not give in until your fast is up (as long as you're doing this in a healthy way). To remind you that God is not done and break through is coming.Listen in as I give you a Psalm, encouragement & prayer. God is with you friend:) Worship to listen to while on your fast Live Sessions
What you do with money will shape who you become. Once or twice a year we teach on one of the Spiritual Disciplines, these are things we can do to allow God to do things that we can't. On Sunday 1st March Tim gave part one on the Spiritual Discipline of giving and spoke about the formational power of money in our lives. What we do with our time and money shows what's important to us and what matters to us. The biggest lie we believe is that our money and possessions belong to us as their owners. Jesus didn't say 'where your heart is there your money will be'. Your heart will end up in the right place if you follow Jesus' advice. If you see money clearly the rest of your body will be full of light. Come back next week for part two! For more information about who we are, what we believe and how you can get involved, please visit our website
Spiritual Discipline Sunday: Evangelism | Pastor Jeffrey Smith by City of Life Church
Send a textHow often do you say, “I'm trying…” — and then follow it with something you've been stuck in for months… maybe years?In this fiery and convicting episode, Chelsey exposes the subtle lie behind “I'm trying” language and why it may actually be keeping you stuck in weakness instead of walking in the power of the Holy Spirit.You'll hear:Why “I'm trying” is flesh language, not faith languageHow this phrase quietly partners with passivity and excusesThe difference between walking for victory and walking from victoryWhy discipline is not punishment — it's a giftHow spiritual and physical discipline create space for the Spirit to moveWhat it means to shift from “I'm trying” to “I AM” in ChristGod never says, “I'm trying.” He says, “I AM.”If you're ready to stop squandering grace and start walking in authority, obedience, and Spirit-led discipline — this episode will wake you up in the best way. Support the showChelsey Holm | the Wife Coach "I help Christian wives surrender fully, live Spirit-led, and be set apart according to God's design in marriage, motherhood, and life."Ready for a next step? If this episode stirred something deeper and you're ready to move from insight into surrender, I created a short guided experience called From Awareness to Surrender. This mini course includes three short teachings, a guided exercise, and a prayer recorded over you to help you stop cycling and start responding differently—rooted in surrender, not striving.
Christian spiritual discipline is the God-centered training that helps believers grow in holiness, deepen intimacy with God, and strengthen their spiritual life through consistent practices empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Dr. Best introduces this week's spiritual discipline, confession of sin. "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:8-9
Are you constantly tired… overwhelmed… running on empty? In Part 4 of our Spiritual Disciplines series, we explore the life-giving discipline of Sabbath — not as a religious rule, but as a gift from God. From Genesis to Exodus to Jesus' teaching in Matthew 12, Scripture shows us that Sabbath is woven into the rhythm of creation itself. God didn't rest because He was tired — He rested to establish a pattern for us. If you've ever: Felt burned out Struggled to slow down Wondered why vacations don't actually refresh you Believed rest feels “unproductive” This message is for you. Sabbath isn't about legalism. It's about delight. It's about restoration. It's about friendship with God. The Sabbath will come for you — either as a gift… or as a consequence. Let's learn how to choose it as a blessing.
In this continuation of the "Exodus" series, the sermon shifts focus to the "wilderness season." While the Book of Exodus spends 15 chapters on the exciting plagues and deliverance, it dedicates 100 chapters to the slow, difficult wandering in the wilderness. This reflects our spiritual reality: most of the Christian life is lived in the "in-between" time—after our deliverance but before the Promised Land. Deuteronomy 8 answers the crucial question: Why does God lead us into the wilderness?Scripture ReferencesDeuteronomy 8:2-5: God's purpose for the wilderness: to humble, test, and teach that man does not live on bread alone.2 Corinthians 12:7-9: Paul's "thorn in the flesh," given to keep him from becoming conceited.James 4:6: "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble."Philippians 2:3-4: "In humility value others above yourselves."Romans 12:15-16: Rejoice with those who rejoice; do not be proud.Matthew 4:1-4: Jesus in the wilderness, quoting Deuteronomy 8 to defeat the enemy.John 6:35: Jesus declares, "I am the bread of life."Key PointsObjective 1: Teaching Us Humility (Deuteronomy 8:2) God uses the wilderness to humble us. We often want humility in others, but resist the process in ourselves. God values humility so highly that He allowed Paul to endure a "messenger of Satan" to produce it (2 Cor. 12).What Humility is NOT: It is not timidity, a laid-back personality, or self-deprecation.What Humility IS: It is agreeing with God's truth about yourself—you are a sinner, but you are also deeply loved and valued. It is the willingness to serve others, knowing your own limits, and celebrating the successes of others without envy. As C.S. Lewis said, humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less.Objective 2: Teaching Us to Live on the Word (Deuteronomy 8:3) The lesson of the manna wasn't just about physical provision; it was a test of reliance. God brought Israel into a place of need to teach them to depend on His Word. Today, our daily habits reveal our true reliance. If the first thing we do in the morning is check our phones, our underlying belief is that we need the world's input more than God's. The wilderness exposes what we truly lean on.Jesus is the True Manna Jesus modeled this dependence perfectly. When He was hungry in the wilderness (Matthew 4), He relied on the written Word of God rather than His feelings or divine power. Ultimately, Jesus is the "Bread of Life" (John 6). The manna sustained the Israelites perfectly—their feet didn't even swell from malnutrition (Deut 8:4). This points to Jesus: He is the complete and perfect sustenance for our souls.ConclusionThe wilderness is not a mistake; it is God's training ground. He brings us into places of lack not to punish us, but to strip away our pride and our false dependencies. As we enter this season of a digital fast, it is an opportunity to silence the noise, humble ourselves, and rediscover that Jesus—the Word made flesh—is the only Bread that truly satisfies.Calls to ActionCheck Your Morning Habit: Tomorrow morning, before checking your phone, spend the first few minutes in the Word of God or in prayer.Evaluate Your Humility: Are you able to celebrate a friend's success without feeling envious? Ask God to reveal any hidden pride.Prepare for the Digital Fast: Begin thinking about how you will replace screen time with intentional time in Scripture and prayer. Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.
As we journey through the season of Lent this week we look at the Spiritual Discipline of Studying the Scriptures
Our Rule of Life - Why Do We Resist Spiritual Disciplines? Message by Dale Meredith at The Red Door Community Church.
From the old testament throughout the new, we see Gods people fasting from food and seeking God through prayer as a normal part of their walk. But oddly enough today, we don't hear much about biblical fasting as a spiritual discipline for those who follow Christ as much as we hear about people being in the word, gathering in community, loving on the lost or sharing their faith in Christ. Why is that? In this episode we unpack what the bible really has to say about fasting, who we see fasting in scripture and the power that we see follow. So get ready to hear what Jesus said about fasting and be ready for some opposition from the enemy -because we just might be calling a fast!WorshipOur GodThis Is Our GodConnectWebsiteSocial
Holy Shed Presents | Think For Yourself! (and other spiritual disciplines) Welcome back to the littlest parish in the whole of Christendom. Join me for more chat and insights about my way of reading and interpreting parts of the bible and the world we live in. Follow Holy Shed on Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/theholyshed/ Support Holy Shed on Ko-fi; https://ko-fi.com/holyshed follow Dave on https://facebook.com/dave.tomlinson.925/ follow Dave on https://instagram.com/bad_christian/Go
Has your heart grown hard? Drawing from Hosea 10:12, Jay challenges Christian men to break up spiritual complacency and prepare for growth. True leadership begins with a cultivated heart ready for God's Word.
Listen to this week's sermon, Parables In Practice preached by Pastor Jason Dunn from Luke 5:27-29
Rev. Donna Godwin introduces some of the upcoming prayer practices we can take up for Lent.
Dr. Stevenson introduces this week's spiritual discipline, studying. What is your attitude when reading God's word? How should you approach your time that you spend in the Bible?
What does the Bible really say about fasting? Is fasting required for Christians? And can fasting truly bring spiritual breakthrough? In this powerful message from our Spiritual Disciplines series, we explore the biblical foundation of fasting and why Jesus assumed His followers would practice it (Matthew 6, Matthew 9). You'll discover: • Why fasting is more than skipping meals • How fasting deepens intimacy with God • Biblical examples of fasting for breakthrough, healing, repentance, and direction • How fasting increases spiritual power and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit • Practical steps to begin fasting safely and biblically • A personal testimony of transformation through extended fasting Fasting is not about manipulating God — it's about humbling ourselves, surrendering comfort, and pursuing deeper spiritual growth. When we hunger for God more than food, He meets us in powerful ways. If you've been praying for breakthrough, freedom from strongholds, healing, clarity, or renewed passion
Following the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea, the Israelites find themselves in the wilderness—a place of disorientation, testing, and revelation. This sermon explores the "Wilderness" as an evergreen metaphor for the Christian life. It is the mandatory field trip between deliverance and the Promised Land, where our fickle hearts are exposed, and our faith is refined. As we enter the season of Lent and prepare for a congregational digital fast, we examine how the desert serves as a paradox: a place of intense danger and lack, but also the "God country" where miracles and spiritual power are found.Scripture ReferencesExodus 15:22–27: The waters of Mara and the transformation of bitterness.Exodus 16: The grumbling of the community and the provision of manna.Exodus 17:1–7: The striking of the rock at Horeb.1 Corinthians 10:4: Paul's identification of the Rock as Christ.Key PointsThe Paradox of the Desert: The wilderness is both a place of exposure and a place of divine intimacy. It is where visibility is low, familiar markers are gone, and we are forced to put one foot in front of the other.The Necessity of Testing: You cannot trust what has not been tested. The wilderness reveals the true contents of the heart. It is a place of "wrestling" with God, learning to navigate relationship without causing harm.The Teacher is Quiet: In the wilderness, the silence of God during the "test" is a primary challenge. However, promotion and spiritual clarity often lie on the other side of this silence.Fickleness and Unholy Nostalgia: We are prone to wander. Within days of a miracle, we resort to grumbling and "unholy nostalgia"—selectively remembering the "meat pots" of our past captivity while forgetting the chains.The Cross in the Wilderness: * The Tree at Mara: Just as the log made bitter water sweet, the Cross of Christ makes the bitter experiences of life drinkable.The Struck Rock: In a divine reversal, God stands upon the rock to receive the blow of judgment deserved by the grumbling Israelites. Christ is the spiritual Rock who was struck so that we might receive the water of everlasting life.ConclusionThere is no making it through the wilderness by trying harder or merely following rules. We must cling to the Cross. In the desert, pain is not the greatest danger; rather, the danger lies in where we turn for relief. If we turn to Christ, the one who was struck for us, we find that even the most desolate place is filled with His presence.Calls to ActionParticipate in the Digital Fast: Join the church-wide digital fast starting March 1st. Use the provided guide to redirect your focus from screens to God's voice.Identify Your Wilderness: Acknowledge where you are experiencing disorientation or testing. Stop "trying harder" and start clinging to the Cross.Resist Grumbling: Be mindful of the urge to complain or romanticize past sins. Practice gratitude for God's present provision, even when it is "manna" rather than "meat pots." Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.
EPISODE OVERVIEW In this first installment of our Lenten series on The Seven Deadly Sins, Deacon Chris explores the spiritual roots of gluttony and greed. Through the lens of Genesis and the Temptation of Jesus in the desert, we discover that the real battle is not about food or money — it is about trust. Temptation begins when we believe God is small. From there, we grasp for substitutes. This episode challenges us to examine: How we use comfort to numb deeper hunger How we cling to control instead of trusting the Father How Lent can enlarge our desire for God KEY TAKEAWAYS Hunger is not sinful — it can be holy. Gluttony is the refusal to be empty. Greed is the fear of dependence. The devil tempts us to live as orphans. Jesus overcomes temptation by remaining the Son. Freedom begins with a pause and a simple prayer. PRACTICAL CHALLENGE Before reaching for your default comfort, pray: “Jesus, what am I really hungry for?” Wait five minutes. Reclaim your freedom. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES Genesis 3:1–7 Romans 5:12–19 Matthew 4:1–11
“Spiritual Disciplines Generosity”. The post Spiritual Disciplines Generosity appeared first on Bethel Assembly of God - Carrington, ND.
Marking the start of the season.
Pastor John continued his sermon series from 2 Kings in chapter 7. This sermon draws a powerful connection between the spiritual discipline of corporate witness and the story of four lepers in 2 Kings 7. It illustrates how divine provision and unexpected joy compel believers to share good news that cannot be contained. Hear and believe!
Ever consider that something good could become dangerous? That spiritual practice, routine or discipline might actually be working against you? Join Kyle as he explores the warnings in Scripture that most never hear, much less heed.
In this episode we discuss how biblical fasting is vastly different from any other fast out there. Unpacking all the misconceptions, temptations and even distractions that can come along with it. Including, how to keep your fast from becoming an unintentional hunger strike, how to keep God at the center of it & what the original purpose of a fast was intended for, so that yours can bear the fruit that is possible. So if you have wondered what the bible says about fasting, or the in's and out's of how to grow in fasting on your walk with God, then I would encourage you to give this episode as well as the part 2 (out next) a listen. It just might light a fire within you to grow in this spiritual discipline. And who knows, the results just might be eternal. WebsiteInstagram
Lent isn't just “trying harder.” It's a Church-wide reset—entered intentionally, with a plan, and with God's help. As this episode releases on Shrove Tuesday, Joe Rockey and Father Boniface Hicks explain why today (and Ash Wednesday) matters, how confession and a concrete Lenten plan set you up for real change, and why the goal isn't perfection—it's growth in virtue and deeper communion with God.Through the lens of relationships—self, others, and God—they contrast two approaches: “Fat Tuesday” as last-chance indulgence versus Shrove Tuesday as spiritual preparation. They also explore how shared momentum (everyone doing Lent together) makes lasting habit-change more achievable, and why a meaningful, realistic step sustained for 40 days can reshape your life long after Easter.Key IdeasShrove Tuesday is historically tied to shriving: preparing for Lent through confession and renewed intention.Lent works best with a plan: pick a meaningful step that's realistic enough to sustain for 40 days.Virtue grows like training: discipline isn't the goal—holiness is, and virtue is the habit of choosing the good.Avoid “outside pressure” spirituality; listen for what God is already stirring inside you (desire, conviction, readiness).Lent isn't a solo project: we lean on God's help and the reinforcement of the whole Church moving together.Links & References (official/source only)None referenced with clear official/source URLs in this episode.CTA: If this helped, please leave a review or share this episode with a friend.Questions or thoughts? Email FatherAndJoe@gmail.com .Tags (comma-separated)Father and Joe, Joe Rockey, Father Boniface Hicks, Shrove Tuesday, Ash Wednesday, Lent, confession, penance, fasting, abstinence, virtue, holiness, sanctity, spiritual discipline, habits, self-control, temptation, renewal, Easter preparation, liturgical season, Rule of St Benedict, Christian perfection, realistic goals, spiritual growth, prayer plan, spiritual reading, daily Mass, phone usage, algorithms, community support, accountability, fatherhood, being present, playing with children, patience, training, athletes and virtue, interior freedom, gratitude
Jodi Faithfull, a Prince Edward Islander, is an associate professor in the Department of Applied Science who oversees Maranatha's kinesiology program, exercise science practicums and internships, and serves as the head baseball coach. As an NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and an MASM Performance Enhancement Specialist, he works with athletes from Maranatha's ten intercollegiate programs. He has served in physical education as an instructor and coach since 2003. Jodi and his wife, Jody, have four children.
Why Spiritual Discipline MattersScripture: 1 Corinthians 9:27—“But I discipline my body and keep it under control,…”Accept Jesus Today: https://youtube.com/shorts/bIwAUlz7Kg4?si=BNOhv44iLWIR4eVJIf you would like to accept Jesus into your heart today, pray this simple prayer:****God, I have sinned against You. I believe that Jesus is Your Son, who died and rose for my sake. I ask you to forgive me for my sin. I place my trust in You for salvation. I receive you as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name, I am forgiven! Amen!"****Congratulations! You are now a child of the most high. John 1:12 says, But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. If you just prayed this prayer to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior, I welcome you to the family of God. Subscribe to my channel and type in the comments right now, “I just prayed that prayer.” I would love to connect with you and chat with you about all the amazing things God is doing in your life.Click here for FREE eBook Download: https://tinyurl.com/ISAIDTHEPRAYERShow your love, support the channel:*PayPal: PayPal.me/malachimitchellministry*Cashapp: https://cash.app/$MalachiMitchNote Journals and Puzzles: https://tinyurl.com/WalkinFaithPublishingAuthored Books: https://tinyurl.com/BooksofMalachiJoin Our Support Club: https://tinyurl.com/Support-ClubInvesting Opportunity: https://coinholders.hnocoin.com/signup/?refer=Malachi2uFREE Ways to Support Me:
Welcome to the Passion Equip Podcast. In this launch episode, we share the heart behind this podcast and why we believe formation matters more than ever. Our hope is simple: to help you build a faith that lasts — rooted in Scripture, shaped by the Spirit, and lived out in real life. We hope you will join us here on this feed and throughout our Lenten Journey together. Passion Equip exists to see people around the globe know and draw closer to Jesus. Over 20 years of ministry, we've developed resources on almost every passage in the Bible. Explore our latest resources at https://passionequip.com — Follow Passion Equip: https://www.instagram.com/passionequip/ Follow Passion Conferences: https://www.instagram.com/passion268 Follow Passion City Church: https://www.instagram.com/passioncity/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Dr. Anessa Westbrook introduces this week's discipline, simplicity. We're exactly where Satan and the world wants us—divided, discontent, & distracted. Every yes is a no to something else.
In this message, discover how prayer and spiritual disciplines can completely transform your relationship with God. Many Christians struggle with prayer — feeling like they don't pray enough, don't pray the right way, or don't know how to hear from God. But prayer was never meant to be complicated. It's simply a conversation with your Heavenly Father. Jesus' disciples asked Him, “Lord, teach us to pray.” (Luke 11:1) — and that same invitation is available to you today. In this teaching, you'll learn: • What prayer really is (and what it's not) • How to build a consistent prayer life • How spiritual disciplines strengthen your faith • How reading Scripture transforms your prayer life • How to hear from God through prayer and meditation • Why small daily habits can change your spiritual life forever As Scripture says, “Train yourself to be godly.” (1 Timothy 4:7) Spiritual growth doesn't happen by accident — it happens through intentional time with God. Whether you're new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, this message will help you build a deeper, more consistent relationship with Him.
“Spiritual Discipline of Praise & Worship 2-15-26”. The post Spiritual Discipline of Praise & Worship 2-15-26 appeared first on Bethel Assembly of God - Carrington, ND.
Carson Miller teaches on the spiritual discipline of fasting.
In this episode, we talk about why learning to study the Bible faithfully is not optional for the Christian. Scripture is not only a gift, but it is also a command. We are called to read God's Word and to rightly handle the Word of Truth, carefully distinguishing truth from error. This means we are not only guarding against false teaching from the outside, but also guarding our own hearts and minds from the danger of misinterpreting Scripture. We do not listen to heretics, so we ought not accidentally become one ourselves. The principles we share in this episode are just the beginning of learning how to guard against such error and handle God's Word with care and faithfulness.We discuss several common ways the Bible is misunderstood today: ignoring what the text meant to its original audience, reading our own meaning into Scripture, approaching the Bible through emotionalism or overspiritualization, and drawing principles from passages that were never intended to teach them. In a culture that often asks, “What does this text mean to me?”, we are reminded that there is only one true meaning to any particular Scripture passage - the meaning the author intended when the text was written. There is one meaning, there may be several sound principles that can be drawn from a passage, and there are many ways those principles can be faithfully applied in different situations.Many assume careful Bible study is only for pastors or scholars, but God has given His Word to all believers. Just as we educate our children to read, analyze, and understand various types of literature, world history, and the English language, we must not neglect the most important task which is teaching ourselves and our families how to faithfully read, understand, and apply the Scriptures.Listen to our previous podcast series on The Spiritual Disciplines including the first episode on Bible Reading and Prayer >> https://reformedfaithandfamily.com/growing-in-the-spiritual-disciplines-a-podcast-series/Books Mentioned in This Episode Can Be Found in Our Recommended Resources Section on Spiritual Growth:Grasping God's Word by Duvall and HaysFind this and other Bible Study Tools on our Spiritual Growth Recommended Resources page: https://reformedfaithandfamily.com/recommended-resources/spiritual-growth-resources/Products Mentioned In This Episode:Gray Toad Tallow: Use Coupon Code RFF20 for 20% off your first order.Keep Up with Reformed Faith and Family in the Following Ways:Never miss an episode, article, or a new FREEBIE by joining our weekly newsletter here: https://reformedfaithandfamily.com/subscribe/Build your library with our recommended resources: https://reformedfaithandfamily.com/recommended-resources/Read the latest articles: https://reformedfaithandfamily.com/blog/Download your FREEBIES in our store: https://reformedfaithandfamily.com/educational-resources-store/Check out the Gift Shop: https://reformedfaithandfamily.com/gift-shop/Good Dog Bible Rebinds: https://reformedfaithandfamily.com/good-dog-designs-and-rebinds/WE HAVE A FAVOR TO ASK! If you are excited about our mission at Reformed Faith and Family to guide men and women as they seek to learn more about Reformed theology and equip families as they disciple their children, then please leave our podcast a 5-star review and share it with a friend. We appreciate each one of our faithful listeners, but we also depend on you to help us get the word out. Thank you for your continued support!
Dr. Best and Jay Twedt present our next spiritual discipline, mentoring. What kind of person do you want to be in the future? Who do you know in your life that is an example of who you want to be?
Have you ever wondered why God feels distant—even when you believe, pray, and want to grow spiritually? In this message, we kick off a new series on Spiritual Disciplines by addressing a tension many Christians quietly wrestle with: the gap between discipline and desire. Is closeness with God about trying harder… or something deeper? Using Scripture, personal stories, and insights from Celebration of Discipline by Richard J. Foster, this sermon explores: Why discipline often feels heavy or legalistic The difference between outer discipline and inner disciplineHow spiritual habits are meant to form relationship, not replace itWhy Bible study is the foundation for spiritual growthHow God uses discipline to lead us toward peace, freedom, and transformation Whether you're new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, this message will help you reframe discipline—not as obligation, but as a pathway to intimacy with God.
“Spiritual Disciplines #5”. The post Spiritual Disciplines #5 appeared first on Bethel Assembly of God - Carrington, ND.
Do you ever get confused about how and why giving your financial resources is a spiritual practice? We get it. In this episode, Pastor Jeff and Lydia talk to you about the significance of giving back to God what was his to begin with - money - and how you can confidently begin this spiritual practice in your own life.
In this episode, our hosts discuss the final three Spiritual Disciplines. Join us!
Unlock the secret to growth with Justin Whitmel Earley as he reveals how everyday physical practices like breathing and eating can transform your spiritual life! Dive into this episode to discover how your body can teach your soul, leading to a life full of gratitude and joy. Watch the episode on YouTube!! Our Episodes: Friendship, Sex, and the Way of Jesus with Justin Whitmel Earley Does More Sleep = More Sex? Our Products: Habit Guide Resources: Habits of The Household Made For People The Body Teaches The Soul JustinWhitmelEarley.com @JustinWhitmelEarley Join Unite & Ignite Want more from Kingdom Sexuality? Come hang out! Instagram Facebook Group Patreon Website Approximate Time Stamp: Introduction and Welcome - 0:00 Guest Introduction: Justin Whitmel Earley - 1:34 Discussion on Habits and Spirituality - 2:38 The Importance of Physical and Spiritual Disciplines - 5:09 Breathing and Its Spiritual Significance - 8:06 The Metaphor of the Body as a Garden - 15:16 Feasting as a Spiritual Discipline - 20:28 Date Night and Its Importance - 27:35 Ordinary Fare and Eating for Love - 30:14 Discussion on the Chapter about Sex - 35:05 The Importance of Sleep - 40:41 Closing and Prayer - 46:25 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Spiritual Discipline of Examen | Joshua Miller | Westerville Campus | February 1, 2026
Spiritual Discipline Sunday: Tithing | Pastor Gary Smith by City of Life Church
Pastor Caleb Cole closes the Rhythms series with “Disordered Desire (Physical Health),” a message about honoring God with our bodies. Teaching from 1 Timothy 4, Philippians 3, Romans 12, and 1 Corinthians 9, he explains how sin distorts desire and how healthy rhythms of movement, rest, and self-control support spiritual growth. This episode calls believers to glorify God with their whole lives.Click here to view the episode transcript. (00:00) - Closing the Rhythms series (02:00) - Why physical health matters spiritually (04:30) - Training for godliness is primary (06:05) - When physical health makes faith harder (08:05) - Physical health is rhythm, not effort (11:00) - The real problem: disordered desire (13:55) - We were made to work, not be lazy (17:15) - Discipline your body (1 Corinthians 9) (19:40) - Fitness as worship vs idolatry (22:00) - You were called to rest (28:50) - Food, fasting, and self-control (33:55) - Honor God with your body & salvation invitation
In this guest sermon, Dr. Dan Jarrell challenges us to move from an "anemic" life of thin experiences to a "thick" life of substance, centered on God. Using his experiences in the Alaskan wilderness and the philosophical concept of "focal things and practices," he critiques our technological culture that values efficiency over engagement. We often commodify sacred things—like food, community, and even our relationship with God—turning them into products we consume rather than realities we participate in.Scripture References1 Samuel 8:1-22: The Israelites demand a king "like other nations" to fight their battles for them, rejecting God as their King. This illustrates the "device paradigm"—wanting a technology (a human king) to do the work of protection and provision, costing them their freedom and intimacy with God.Matthew 11:28-30: Jesus invites the weary to find rest, contrasting with the striving of a hurried life.John 10:10: Jesus came to give life "abundantly"—a life of substance, not anemic facsimiles.1 Corinthians 11:23-26: The Lord's Supper as a focal practice given by Jesus to the church.Key PointsFocal Things vs. DevicesFocal Things: Entities that provide a center for our lives (e.g., a family meal, the wilderness, God). They are sacred, cannot be commodified, and require our active engagement. They command our attention and participation.The Device Paradigm: Technology often turns focal things into commodities to be consumed without effort (e.g., a thermostat instead of a hearth). We value things for what they do for us, not what they are.The Cost of Efficiency We trade the "messy" engagement of real life for efficiency and control. In doing so, we get a "veneer" of life—an anemic facsimile.Music: We listen to high-quality recordings but lose the ability to play instruments.Warmth: We have heat (thermostat) but lose the gathering place of the hearth.Spirituality: We want pastors to study for us or worship bands to usher us into God's presence, rather than engaging in the discipline ourselves.Israel's Demand for a King (1 Samuel 8) The Israelites wanted a king to fight their battles—a "governing technology" to replace the active trust required to follow God. They gained a false sense of security but lost their freedom, their sons and daughters, and their intimacy with God.Recovering the Sacred To counter this, we need focal practices—disciplined, communal habits that orient us toward what matters (e.g., family dinner, Sabbath, prayer, playing music). These practices require us to slow down, participate, and embrace the "burden" of engagement.ConclusionGod sees us as focal things; He is consumed by His love for us. He invites us out of the hurry and striving of a technological world into the "thick" life of walking with Him. He left us a focal practice—Communion—not as a snack to fill us up, but as a discipline to make us hungry for Him, reminding us of His life, death, and promise to return.Calls to ActionChoose One Focal Thing: Identify one sacred thing in your life (e.g., family, Sabbath, scripture).Establish a Focal Practice: Choose one regular habit to honor that thing (e.g., daily family dinner with no phones, a weekly Sabbath hike).Prepare for the Media Fast: As a church, we are moving toward a digital fast in March. Start considering how you will detach from devices to re-engage with reality.Come to the Table: Engage in Communion not as a religious routine, but as a focal practice connecting you to Jesus and the global church. Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.
In this message from Making Room, we reflect on 1 John 4 and the promise that perfect love casts out fear. Learn how hospitality becomes courageous, wise, and faithful when rooted in God's love.
The Spiritual Discipline of Praise | Joshua Miller | Westerville Campus | January 18, 2026
Paul commanded Timothy, “Train yourself for godliness” (1 Tim. 4:7). The spiritual disciplines are essential to our growth into Christlike maturity, so we must learn to invest ourselves in these patterns daily. In this panel discussion recorded at TGC25, Andy Davis, Dan Doriani, Trillia Newbell, Ruth Chou Simons, and Afshin Ziafat discuss very practical ways to become more faithful in prayer, Bible intake, fasting, and other disciplines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
What do you do when your home feels like constant chaos—emotionally, logistically, and literally? Adam and Cassie sit down with author Scarlet Hiltibidal to talk about Hopefulish, why sadness is a normal part of the Christian life, and how the gospel meets parents right in the middle of disorder. This episode will help you reframe chaos as an invitation to trust God, practice honest faith at home, and hold onto hope without pretending everything's fine.Resources Mentioned:Hopefulish by Scarlet HiltibidalAfraid of All the Things by Scarlet HiltibidalAnxious (Bible study on anxiety) by Scarlet HiltibidalA Long Obedience in the Same Direction by Eugene Peterson Follow Us:Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteEditing and support by The Good Podcast Co. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.