Category Archives: Habits

Healthy Living

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Scripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 6:12

Does God really care about what or how we eat? Does it really matter to our Christian lives? The answer is yes!

Pastor Ryan shared with us that gluttony can be defined as “greedy or excessive indulgence.” Gluttony occurs when the idea of what we eat or drink is more important than our relationship with God. It is turning to food, drink, or recreation rather than turning to God who supplies our needs. 

Three key questions every believer should consider: 

  • Am I treating my body as God’s property?

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).  How am I caring for God’s property – my body? Am I maintaining it for maximum service to Him?

  •  Does my treatment of my body reflect my life goals?

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31).  Our habits shape our mission. Does food consumption distract you from greater pursuits?

  •  Does my treatment of my body reveal something about my heart?

Over and over in the Scriptures, there is a direct connection between our bodies and our hearts. Between our physical lives and our spiritual lives. Is there an underlying issue we need to address? God calls us to give our whole selves to Him. “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” (Romans 12:1).

 Discussion: 

  • Is there anything in your life that you spend more time thinking about than your relationship with God?
  • If Jesus Himself gave you something to take care of, how would you handle it? Should it be any different with our bodies?
  • What are some practical ways you can “present your body as a living sacrifice?”

I pray not just my heart, but my body, Lord, is offered to you – a living, fully alive, sacrifice. Every breath I take, bite I eat, step I take, drop I drink—every decision is for Your glory, Lord.

An Honest Table

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Restore-The-TableScripture Passage: 1 Timothy 1:5

This morning we continued to “Restore the Table” as Pastor Ryan focused on the text of 1 Timothy 1:5. God is calling us into lasting relationships and one very practical way to do this is through having meaningful meals each week.  The sermon centered on dispelling three lies that rob us of Biblical loving relationships:

  1. “They don’t have to know everything.”— Loving relationships are honest and strive towards integrity.
  2. “I have enough needs of my own right now.”— Loving relationships are selfless relationships.
  3. “Our goal is to connect.”— Loving relationships are God-centered, not centered on us.

As we focus on the habit of “train” this month, let’s practice training ourselves to seek out Biblical, loving relationships with those around us for the glory of God.  Here are some discussion ideas for your meaningful mealtime today:

  • Why would the enemy want to feed us lies concerning Biblical relationships?
  • When we draw closer to God, how does that help us draw closer to those around us (think about the Triangle illustration from Pastor Ryan)?
  • What is one way that you can practice selflessness this week towards a person in your life?

Close in prayer: Thank the Lord for creating relationships and for wanting a relationship with us. Ask Him to help us create honest, selfless, God-centered relationships this week.

The Promise of a New Year

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Happy New Year 2016Scripture Passage: Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Happy New Year!

This weekend Pastor Ryan spoke about creating new “healthy” habits in the upcoming year. A habit is an integrated practice that becomes a part of our life. Bad habits happen all on their own. Healthy habits — the kind that help you experience true fulfillment in Jesus Christ — require some effort.

Why should we pursue healthy habits?

1. Healthy Habits offer obedience without drudgery.

When we allow holiness to become a checklist, we run the danger of forgetting the reason behind our actions. Deuteronomy 6:12 cautions us to not forget the Lord. Spending time with the Lord should be part of who we are rather than what we do.

2. Healthy Habits begin with a conscious decision.

We must walk in our conviction. In verse 6, the word “heart” in Hebrew refers to both heart and mind. We should allow God access to our emotions and our thoughts.

3. Healthy Habits extend to every area of our lives.

Verse 8 speaks of binding God’s laws on our hands and heads. The real intention is that everything we think or do should come from God. We should be the same person whether alone, at home, at church, or out in the world.

Pastor Ryan challenged us to be intentional with our habits in 2016. As a church we’ll focus on one healthy habit each month this year. The first will be habits of the heart – rest, know and pray.

Discussion questions:

• How are you intentional about spending time resting in the Lord?

• Talk about how you can pray for each other. How can you devote more time to prayer to each day?

• Where in your home is a good place for you to spend time alone with God?