As Christians, we don’t discipline ourselves to serve out of obligation or duty. We allow Jesus to lead us into a rhythm of walking in the good works that He will do in us and through us, and we get to experience our intimate relationship with Him as He expresses His Life through us.

Ephesians 2:10... For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Richard Foster says “True service comes from a relationship with the divine Other deep inside. We serve out of whispered promptings, divine urgings. Energy is expended but it is not the frantic energy of the flesh.”

Steve McVey writes, "The enemy has fooled many into thinking spiritual service is their gift to God. But good works are not our gifts to God but rather his gifts to us! Our heavenly Father has a plan to do some wonderful things in this world and, because of his great love for us, he has chosen to allow us to participate in that work. He doesn't need us to do the work. He chooses to do the work through us because he loves us. Those who believe that Christian service is the way we are obligated to glorify God will never clearly see his lovely face smiling at them with pride. They will forever be caught in a performance trap, wondering if they are doing enough."

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You were created to be in relationship with other people. Even though God created Adam perfectly and was in relationship with him, God described Him as "alone" and said it was "not good." God is a relational Being and you are made in His image. As you journey with Jesus, He will lead you into a rhythm of being involved in authentic community with other believers in Christ.

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Jesus spent time in silence and solitude. God spoke to Elijah through a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:12). The Lord said, "Be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10)

Jesus will pull us away from the distractions and busyness in this world so that we can clearly hear His voice. Then He will send us back into the world more aware of His presence in our lives at all times and in all places.

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There are many wrong approaches to reading the Bible. Some approach it as a book of rules. Others use it for inspiration. Several just try to gain more knowledge. However, the reason we read Scripture is to know Jesus and experience an intimate relationship with Him. To do that, it requires reading it with unhurried delight and meditating on it throughout your day.

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What is prayer? Can we talk to God like a friend? Yes! Learning to talk to Jesus through short, simple, and honest comments and statements will allow you to experience the intimacy you have through your spiritual union with Him.

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When it comes to spiritual disciplines, developing a rhythm of awareness is foundational to experiencing intimacy with Christ. Being aware of Jesus' presence and personality, helps us to look for and recognize the ways He is speaking to us.

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Spiritual discipline checklists can turn into religious duties we feel like we ought to do. We have to muster up discipline to do something we don't really want to do. But when we look to Jesus, He will lead us into unforced rhythms of grace and into a deeper intimacy with Him.

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What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 6:9-11? Do people who commit certain sins not go to heaven? What about those who live in persistent sin; are they not true Christians? No, that's not what that verse means. Let's dive into the context and see what this passage really means and how it applies to us today.

1 Corinthians 6:9-11... 9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

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