Holy Habits: 5 Lifechanging Spiritual DisciplinesSample

Day 1-The Holy Habit of Discipleship

“Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:41-47, NKJV).

Luke highlights five holy habits that the early church was active in their pursuit of Jesus. The first holy habit is discipleship. The first Christians “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine.” Discipleship is the spiritual discipline of actively studying and applying God’s Word to your life. It’s information that leads to transformation. The early church was hungry to feast on God’s Word so much that they studied the teachings of the apostles daily. They realized that truth was the only thing that could truly set them free (John 8:32).

They believed that God’s Word had the power to change their daily lives. They believed that the Bible was like a guiding light which gave direction and purpose for their daily decisions (Psalm 119:105). The early Christians were inspired, illuminated, and transformed by the truths they were learning from God’s Word through both the Old Testament and through the Apostles. Their minds were being renewed, and the way they saw the world was radically changed (Romans 12:2).

Your Move: How can I apply this to my life?

So what are some practical tips or daily hacks for seeking God through His Word? Here are some practical tips that will help you to develop a daily habit of discipleship:

·Set a daily appointment with God and keep it! You make appointments for everything else—your doctor, your dentist, your coworkers, your kids, your spouse, etc. Why not make a daily standing appointment with God? When someone asks what you are doing during your “God time appointment,” you can simply tell them that you already have plans for that time.

·Determine to make your time with God a priority by spending time with God first. Before you leave your home to see the faces of people, first seek the face of God in prayer. Before you start your daily tasks, bask in the beauty of God’s Word. Before you start your day, jump-start your day with a spiritual feast—meaningful time with God through studying His Word, talking with Him in prayer, and worshiping Him in your heart through thanksgiving and praise.

Matthew 6:33 is a good encouragement for making God your first and central priority: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

·Get plugged into a Bible study group. Many churches call these groups by different names; life groups, growth groups, connect groups, community groups, etc. In a small group, you will have the opportunity to study God’s Word in a community of faith where you can not only learn God’s Word, but also ask questions, learn how to apply the truths to your life, and also help encourage others in God’s Word. You gather in rows (big church), but you connect in circles (small groups).

·Treasure God’s Word in your heart by memorizing key Scripture verses. God’s Word is so life giving that you should commit it to memory. Try memorizing verses that will help you with your daily walk with God. Are you struggling with a certain sin issue? Memorize scriptures that deal with that topic. Do you need hope or encouragement? Memorize scriptures that are hope giving to your soul.

Looking ahead: Habit #2: Fellowship.