Growing In Spiritual Disciplines [TGC Podcast Ep. 402]

We are so glad that you have uh come to We are so glad that you have uh come to join us on uh this uh panel discussion join us on uh this uh panel discussion join us on uh this uh panel discussion on the uh blessings uh the rich on the uh blessings uh the rich on the uh blessings uh the rich blessings of spiritual disciplines. blessings of spiritual disciplines. blessings of spiritual disciplines. Before we start, I I just want to uh say Before we start, I I just want to uh say Before we start, I I just want to uh say that this event, this breakout is being that this event, this breakout is being that this event, this breakout is being sponsored by uh two journeys, which is sponsored by uh two journeys, which is sponsored by uh two journeys, which is uh actually uh the online ministry of uh uh actually uh the online ministry of uh uh actually uh the online ministry of uh Andy Davis. And so if you go to two uh Andy Davis. And so if you go to two uh Andy Davis. And so if you go to two uh twojourneys.org, org. Uh there's twojourneys.org, org. Uh there's twojourneys.org, org. Uh there's basically um articles and sermons and basically um articles and sermons and basically um articles and sermons and devotionals and other resources there. devotionals and other resources there. devotionals and other resources there. But on your chairs, you probably saw one But on your chairs, you probably saw one But on your chairs, you probably saw one of these. Um basically there's a free of these. Um basically there's a free of these. Um basically there's a free digital copy of a 22-week guide for digital copy of a 22-week guide for digital copy of a 22-week guide for spiritual maturity. So it's a great spiritual maturity. So it's a great spiritual maturity. So it's a great resource for you to have. Again, just resource for you to have. Again, just resource for you to have. Again, just use that QR code in the back. And then use that QR code in the back. And then use that QR code in the back. And then also they have a booth in the exhibit also they have a booth in the exhibit also they have a booth in the exhibit hall. So if you go by there, there's hall. So if you go by there, there's hall. So if you go by there, there's also another free resource for you also another free resource for you also another free resource for you there. So, we just wanted you to know there. So, we just wanted you to know there. So, we just wanted you to know about those two resources uh before we about those two resources uh before we about those two resources uh before we get started. All right. Uh I'm going to get started. All right. Uh I'm going to get started. All right. Uh I'm going to open us in prayer and then we'll get open us in prayer and then we'll get open us in prayer and then we'll get started on our panel discussion. Let's started on our panel discussion. Let's started on our panel discussion. Let's pray together. Father, we look to you pray together. Father, we look to you pray together. Father, we look to you for every good and perfect gift. Uh we for every good and perfect gift. Uh we for every good and perfect gift. Uh we know Lord Jesus, apart from you, we can know Lord Jesus, apart from you, we can know Lord Jesus, apart from you, we can do nothing. And so, we look to you now do nothing. And so, we look to you now do nothing. And so, we look to you now for this discussion on this incredibly for this discussion on this incredibly for this discussion on this incredibly uh vital and and fascinating topic of uh vital and and fascinating topic of uh vital and and fascinating topic of spiritual disciplines. I thank you for spiritual disciplines. I thank you for spiritual disciplines. I thank you for these brothers and sisters that are with these brothers and sisters that are with these brothers and sisters that are with me on this panel and that we can talk me on this panel and that we can talk me on this panel and that we can talk together. pray that you'd be glorified together. pray that you'd be glorified together. pray that you'd be glorified in everything that we say and think and in everything that we say and think and in everything that we say and think and that lives would be changed as a result that lives would be changed as a result that lives would be changed as a result of this conversation in Jesus name.

of this conversation in Jesus name. of this conversation in Jesus name. Amen. So, let me introduce myself. I'm Amen. So, let me introduce myself. I'm Amen. So, let me introduce myself. I'm Andy Davis. I'm senior pastor of First Andy Davis. I'm senior pastor of First Andy Davis. I'm senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Durham. And we're Baptist Church in Durham. And we're Baptist Church in Durham. And we're talking today uh about spiritual talking today uh about spiritual talking today uh about spiritual discipline. So, I've asked each of the discipline. So, I've asked each of the discipline. So, I've asked each of the panel members to introduce him or panel members to introduce him or panel members to introduce him or herself and say real quickly what it is herself and say real quickly what it is herself and say real quickly what it is about this topic that excites you. So, about this topic that excites you. So, about this topic that excites you. So, we'll go in this direction. Starting we'll go in this direction. Starting we'll go in this direction. Starting with you, Ruth. I'm Ruth Joe Simons. I'm with you, Ruth. I'm Ruth Joe Simons. I'm with you, Ruth. I'm Ruth Joe Simons. I'm an author, artist, and founder of an author, artist, and founder of an author, artist, and founder of grace.com and scripture art brand. And grace.com and scripture art brand. And grace.com and scripture art brand. And um I'm excited about this topic because um I'm excited about this topic because um I'm excited about this topic because it's been a lifelong journey to even it's been a lifelong journey to even it's been a lifelong journey to even learn spiritual disciplines. It's a learn spiritual disciplines. It's a learn spiritual disciplines. It's a really difficult topic for me. So I'm really difficult topic for me. So I'm really difficult topic for me. So I'm glad that there are so many of you here glad that there are so many of you here glad that there are so many of you here who agree that it might be a little who agree that it might be a little who agree that it might be a little difficult. difficult. difficult. Uh my name is Afen Zeat. I'm the pastor Uh my name is Afen Zeat. I'm the pastor Uh my name is Afen Zeat. I'm the pastor of Providence Church in Frisco, Texas, of Providence Church in Frisco, Texas, of Providence Church in Frisco, Texas, just north of Dallas. And uh I'm excited just north of Dallas. And uh I'm excited just north of Dallas. And uh I'm excited about this uh topic because uh you know about this uh topic because uh you know about this uh topic because uh you know being a former Muslim uh God is holy being a former Muslim uh God is holy being a former Muslim uh God is holy transcendent and you can just only know transcendent and you can just only know transcendent and you can just only know about God to have a personal about God to have a personal about God to have a personal relationship with God uh like we do relationship with God uh like we do relationship with God uh like we do through Jesus Christ. That was just through Jesus Christ. That was just through Jesus Christ. That was just foreign to me. And so for me I'm excited foreign to me. And so for me I'm excited foreign to me. And so for me I'm excited because of what Christ has opened up for because of what Christ has opened up for because of what Christ has opened up for us through uh the veil being torn in two us through uh the veil being torn in two us through uh the veil being torn in two because of the blood of Christ so we can because of the blood of Christ so we can because of the blood of Christ so we can boldly approach the throne of God. And boldly approach the throne of God. And boldly approach the throne of God. And so for me, I think I want to just say so for me, I think I want to just say so for me, I think I want to just say this in the outset that uh it's not a this in the outset that uh it's not a this in the outset that uh it's not a drudgery like I have to type of a thing.

drudgery like I have to type of a thing. drudgery like I have to type of a thing. It's a man, I get to uh exercise the It's a man, I get to uh exercise the It's a man, I get to uh exercise the disciplines to be in the presence of disciplines to be in the presence of disciplines to be in the presence of God. So that's why I'm excited. Yeah. God. So that's why I'm excited. Yeah. God. So that's why I'm excited. Yeah. Hi, I'm Trillian Newell. I'm a writer, Hi, I'm Trillian Newell. I'm a writer, Hi, I'm Trillian Newell. I'm a writer, speaker. I'm the host of Living by Faith speaker. I'm the host of Living by Faith speaker. I'm the host of Living by Faith with Moody Radio. And I am excited about with Moody Radio. And I am excited about with Moody Radio. And I am excited about this. I became a Christian at the age of this. I became a Christian at the age of this. I became a Christian at the age of 22. and someone was faithful to share 22. and someone was faithful to share 22. and someone was faithful to share the gospel with me and then to disciple the gospel with me and then to disciple the gospel with me and then to disciple me. And part of that disciplehip was me. And part of that disciplehip was me. And part of that disciplehip was teaching me about the spiritual teaching me about the spiritual teaching me about the spiritual disciplines. And for me to I didn't know disciplines. And for me to I didn't know disciplines. And for me to I didn't know Jesus at all. And so I was like, who is Jesus at all. And so I was like, who is Jesus at all. And so I was like, who is this guy I'm now following. And for me this guy I'm now following. And for me this guy I'm now following. And for me to know him was to know him through his to know him was to know him through his to know him was to know him through his word. And so I have just it's the the word. And so I have just it's the the word. And so I have just it's the the spiritual discipline disciplines have spiritual discipline disciplines have spiritual discipline disciplines have been precious to me. been precious to me. been precious to me. My name is Dan Doriani and I've been My name is Dan Doriani and I've been My name is Dan Doriani and I've been spent about half my life as a professor spent about half my life as a professor spent about half my life as a professor and the other half as a pastor. Churches and the other half as a pastor. Churches and the other half as a pastor. Churches need means of grace, ways that people need means of grace, ways that people need means of grace, ways that people grow steadily. People want to know how grow steadily. People want to know how grow steadily. People want to know how um as a professor preparing people for um as a professor preparing people for um as a professor preparing people for ministry, it's very important that we ministry, it's very important that we ministry, it's very important that we not just have knowledge of the head but not just have knowledge of the head but not just have knowledge of the head but also knowledge of the Lord in the heart.

also knowledge of the Lord in the heart. also knowledge of the Lord in the heart. And so spiritual disciplines are And so spiritual disciplines are And so spiritual disciplines are something I get to teach and try to something I get to teach and try to something I get to teach and try to inculcate in young men. Um, I personally inculcate in young men. Um, I personally inculcate in young men. Um, I personally found them very helpful in a time of found them very helpful in a time of found them very helpful in a time of darkness. I don't know if we'll talk darkness. I don't know if we'll talk darkness. I don't know if we'll talk about that or not, but um, not the about that or not, but um, not the about that or not, but um, not the normal disciplines, but some of the normal disciplines, but some of the normal disciplines, but some of the others became very precious to me others became very precious to me others became very precious to me personally. personally. personally. Yeah. For me, um, a big part of my life Yeah. For me, um, a big part of my life Yeah. For me, um, a big part of my life and ministry has been extended and ministry has been extended and ministry has been extended memorization of scripture. I spent a lot memorization of scripture. I spent a lot memorization of scripture. I spent a lot of time memorizing books of the Bible, of time memorizing books of the Bible, of time memorizing books of the Bible, and that's been incredibly vital for me and that's been incredibly vital for me and that's been incredibly vital for me in my personal walk with Christ and my in my personal walk with Christ and my in my personal walk with Christ and my preaching ministry. And so, I'm excited preaching ministry. And so, I'm excited preaching ministry. And so, I'm excited whenever I get a chance to uh, urge whenever I get a chance to uh, urge whenever I get a chance to uh, urge people to do that discipline. And so, people to do that discipline. And so, people to do that discipline. And so, but I'm I really love hearing what other but I'm I really love hearing what other but I'm I really love hearing what other people do with spiritual disciplines. people do with spiritual disciplines. people do with spiritual disciplines. And uh we had uh a virtual meeting And uh we had uh a virtual meeting And uh we had uh a virtual meeting together and got to know each other a together and got to know each other a together and got to know each other a little bit, but it's so good to be face little bit, but it's so good to be face little bit, but it's so good to be face to face and be able to talk about this. to face and be able to talk about this. to face and be able to talk about this. And I asked Dan to give kind of a And I asked Dan to give kind of a And I asked Dan to give kind of a definition of what we're talking about definition of what we're talking about definition of what we're talking about here. We've tal we've thrown around the here. We've tal we've thrown around the here. We've tal we've thrown around the term spiritual disciplines, but what is term spiritual disciplines, but what is term spiritual disciplines, but what is it? And I know there's a verse 1 Timothy it? And I know there's a verse 1 Timothy it? And I know there's a verse 1 Timothy 4:7 that says something about it, but 4:7 that says something about it, but 4:7 that says something about it, but what how would how would you define it? what how would how would you define it? what how would how would you define it? Yeah, thanks. And that's what happens Yeah, thanks. And that's what happens Yeah, thanks. And that's what happens when you're a professor. They say define when you're a professor. They say define when you're a professor. They say define the terms. So um first of all the the terms. So um first of all the the terms. So um first of all the passage is really very short for a man passage is really very short for a man passage is really very short for a man who memorizes the Bible. It's uh train who memorizes the Bible. It's uh train who memorizes the Bible. It's uh train yourself in godliness and it's a word yourself in godliness and it's a word yourself in godliness and it's a word used for athletic training. So it means used for athletic training. So it means used for athletic training. So it means train hard uh for godliness. So I wrote train hard uh for godliness. So I wrote train hard uh for godliness. So I wrote actually three definitions. One would be actually three definitions. One would be actually three definitions. One would be a non-calvinistic definition and it goes a non-calvinistic definition and it goes a non-calvinistic definition and it goes like like like this. Practices help practices that help this. Practices help practices that help this. Practices help practices that help Christians grow in holiness.

Christians grow in holiness. Christians grow in holiness. And then a a short Calvinistic one would And then a a short Calvinistic one would And then a a short Calvinistic one would be practices that help Christians grow be practices that help Christians grow be practices that help Christians grow in grace and therefore in grace and therefore in grace and therefore holiness. And then here's my full holiness. And then here's my full holiness. And then here's my full definition which I worked on for a month definition which I worked on for a month definition which I worked on for a month off and on. I kept scribbling out bad off and on. I kept scribbling out bad off and on. I kept scribbling out bad definitions and this is the least bad of definitions and this is the least bad of definitions and this is the least bad of the ones I came up with. the ones I came up with. the ones I came up with. Spiritual disciplines are the regular Spiritual disciplines are the regular Spiritual disciplines are the regular practices affirmed by the church practices affirmed by the church practices affirmed by the church designed to train disciples in godly designed to train disciples in godly designed to train disciples in godly character and character and character and deeds. Designed to collaborate with the deeds. Designed to collaborate with the deeds. Designed to collaborate with the work of the spirit as he leads disciples work of the spirit as he leads disciples work of the spirit as he leads disciples to mortify sin and grow in grace and to mortify sin and grow in grace and to mortify sin and grow in grace and obedience to our mission. So that's obedience to our mission. So that's obedience to our mission. So that's partly me and partly us. I want to make partly me and partly us. I want to make partly me and partly us. I want to make sure that we don't think of spiritual sure that we don't think of spiritual sure that we don't think of spiritual disciplines as me and God, but it's the disciplines as me and God, but it's the disciplines as me and God, but it's the Lord and I in the body of Christ. Can I Lord and I in the body of Christ. Can I Lord and I in the body of Christ. Can I ask you a question about all those ask you a question about all those ask you a question about all those definitions? How important is the issue definitions? How important is the issue definitions? How important is the issue of habit? This issue of habit. Yeah. The of habit? This issue of habit. Yeah. The of habit? This issue of habit. Yeah. The word practices is supposed to reflect word practices is supposed to reflect word practices is supposed to reflect habit. So if for example you don't pray habit. So if for example you don't pray habit. So if for example you don't pray regularly, it helps to find a time to regularly, it helps to find a time to regularly, it helps to find a time to pray. Uh for me, the discipline of pray. Uh for me, the discipline of pray. Uh for me, the discipline of gratitude and thanksgiving was crucial.

gratitude and thanksgiving was crucial. gratitude and thanksgiving was crucial. And so I whenever there was an And so I whenever there was an And so I whenever there was an opportunity I would just constantly go opportunity I would just constantly go opportunity I would just constantly go to gratitude thanksgiving as an antidote to gratitude thanksgiving as an antidote to gratitude thanksgiving as an antidote to anger or despair or something like to anger or despair or something like to anger or despair or something like that. So it can be a practice at a that. So it can be a practice at a that. So it can be a practice at a certain time in the day or can be a certain time in the day or can be a certain time in the day or can be a practice when something in life moves practice when something in life moves practice when something in life moves you to do that just repeat that over and you to do that just repeat that over and you to do that just repeat that over and over again. over again. over again. Aene why and any anyone after answers Aene why and any anyone after answers Aene why and any anyone after answers any of you guys I want want you wait why any of you guys I want want you wait why any of you guys I want want you wait why is it so vital for Christians to do is it so vital for Christians to do is it so vital for Christians to do these spiritual disciplines? Yeah, I these spiritual disciplines? Yeah, I these spiritual disciplines? Yeah, I mean it's vital uh because um of our mean it's vital uh because um of our mean it's vital uh because um of our need for sanctification. You know, I need for sanctification. You know, I need for sanctification. You know, I think we have to remember the the the think we have to remember the the the think we have to remember the the the goal of the Christian life uh you know goal of the Christian life uh you know goal of the Christian life uh you know is our becoming like Christ. I mean is our becoming like Christ. I mean is our becoming like Christ. I mean first John chapter 3 says that when we first John chapter 3 says that when we first John chapter 3 says that when we see him we'll be like him. And whoever see him we'll be like him. And whoever see him we'll be like him. And whoever has that hope thus purifies himself. has that hope thus purifies himself. has that hope thus purifies himself. Doesn't mean that we can purify Doesn't mean that we can purify Doesn't mean that we can purify ourselves in our own strength but it ourselves in our own strength but it ourselves in our own strength but it means that that's what we put our effort means that that's what we put our effort means that that's what we put our effort after. Uh that's what we put our focus after. Uh that's what we put our focus after. Uh that's what we put our focus on. And so when you become a Christian, on. And so when you become a Christian, on. And so when you become a Christian, that's just the starting line. That's that's just the starting line. That's that's just the starting line. That's not the finish line. Now all of life is not the finish line. Now all of life is not the finish line. Now all of life is our growing in in maturity as we our growing in in maturity as we our growing in in maturity as we practice those disciplines. And I agree.

practice those disciplines. And I agree. practice those disciplines. And I agree. I think you know sanctification uh is I think you know sanctification uh is I think you know sanctification uh is there's a passive active sense in it. there's a passive active sense in it. there's a passive active sense in it. God is the primary and decisive force God is the primary and decisive force God is the primary and decisive force behind uh certainly obviously my behind uh certainly obviously my behind uh certainly obviously my justification, my glorification, but my justification, my glorification, but my justification, my glorification, but my sanctification sanctification sanctification uh in between. But then I uh h play a uh in between. But then I uh h play a uh in between. But then I uh h play a role in uh abiding in Christ through role in uh abiding in Christ through role in uh abiding in Christ through those disciplines. And uh so it's not a those disciplines. And uh so it's not a those disciplines. And uh so it's not a perfect analogy, but if you think of a perfect analogy, but if you think of a perfect analogy, but if you think of a sailboat, right? What drives that boat sailboat, right? What drives that boat sailboat, right? What drives that boat down the water is is the wind, right? down the water is is the wind, right? down the water is is the wind, right? But you have to still set the sail uh to But you have to still set the sail uh to But you have to still set the sail uh to catch that wind, if you will. So there's catch that wind, if you will. So there's catch that wind, if you will. So there's a mysterious way that we through the a mysterious way that we through the a mysterious way that we through the disciplines, through those means of disciplines, through those means of disciplines, through those means of grace participate with the Holy Spirit grace participate with the Holy Spirit grace participate with the Holy Spirit uh as he is the primary uh sanctifier of uh as he is the primary uh sanctifier of uh as he is the primary uh sanctifier of our lives. Anyone else? Why is it vital? our lives. Anyone else? Why is it vital? our lives. Anyone else? Why is it vital? Why would you say to somebody maybe Why would you say to somebody maybe Why would you say to somebody maybe Trilia if you're meeting with a young Trilia if you're meeting with a young Trilia if you're meeting with a young woman? Yeah. Uh well, I'm really glad woman? Yeah. Uh well, I'm really glad woman? Yeah. Uh well, I'm really glad that you mentioned abiding in Christ that you mentioned abiding in Christ that you mentioned abiding in Christ because that is one of the things that I because that is one of the things that I because that is one of the things that I was thinking of is John 15 and how was thinking of is John 15 and how was thinking of is John 15 and how really abiding is obedience. If you read really abiding is obedience. If you read really abiding is obedience. If you read the whole text, the scripture at the end the whole text, the scripture at the end the whole text, the scripture at the end he says um you are my friends if you do he says um you are my friends if you do he says um you are my friends if you do what I if you do what I say, if you obey what I if you do what I say, if you obey what I if you do what I say, if you obey me. And so part of abiding and remaining me. And so part of abiding and remaining me. And so part of abiding and remaining in Jesus is a relationship that is um in Jesus is a relationship that is um in Jesus is a relationship that is um you to obey means that we need to know you to obey means that we need to know you to obey means that we need to know what he says. So that's reading the word what he says. So that's reading the word what he says. So that's reading the word to remain is that we're running to him.

to remain is that we're running to him. to remain is that we're running to him. So through prayer, um there's other So through prayer, um there's other So through prayer, um there's other disciplines that we're going to talk disciplines that we're going to talk disciplines that we're going to talk about, but those are just two that about, but those are just two that about, but those are just two that really help us to abide and remain and really help us to abide and remain and really help us to abide and remain and and and I'm glad that he used the word and and I'm glad that he used the word and and I'm glad that he used the word grace because it is grace motivated, grace because it is grace motivated, grace because it is grace motivated, grace-based um and the power of the grace-based um and the power of the grace-based um and the power of the spirit that enables us to do that. So I spirit that enables us to do that. So I spirit that enables us to do that. So I often say we can't obey Jesus without often say we can't obey Jesus without often say we can't obey Jesus without Jesus. So we need him to obey him and he Jesus. So we need him to obey him and he Jesus. So we need him to obey him and he provides the means through the power of provides the means through the power of provides the means through the power of the spirit and his grace. And so abiding the spirit and his grace. And so abiding the spirit and his grace. And so abiding to me is one of the beautiful chapters to me is one of the beautiful chapters to me is one of the beautiful chapters of the scriptures that help us of the scriptures that help us of the scriptures that help us understand how to exercise this the understand how to exercise this the understand how to exercise this the spiritual dis disciplines in obedience spiritual dis disciplines in obedience spiritual dis disciplines in obedience to him. to him. to him. Well, I was going to say that as a Well, I was going to say that as a Well, I was going to say that as a recovering stver, as somebody who can be recovering stver, as somebody who can be recovering stver, as somebody who can be really quickly defaulting to like a really quickly defaulting to like a really quickly defaulting to like a performance and a worthearning kind of performance and a worthearning kind of performance and a worthearning kind of um basis, the Christian life can be a um basis, the Christian life can be a um basis, the Christian life can be a whole bunch of like I need to do more of whole bunch of like I need to do more of whole bunch of like I need to do more of this so that I can be more of something this so that I can be more of something this so that I can be more of something else. And when I think about how you else. And when I think about how you else. And when I think about how you know the the first question of the know the the first question of the know the the first question of the Westminster Catechism, right, when we Westminster Catechism, right, when we Westminster Catechism, right, when we say what is the chief end of man to say what is the chief end of man to say what is the chief end of man to glorify God and enjoy him forever? If I glorify God and enjoy him forever? If I glorify God and enjoy him forever? If I was made to enjoy God, then the means of was made to enjoy God, then the means of was made to enjoy God, then the means of grace is for me to actually know why grace is for me to actually know why grace is for me to actually know why he's so worthy of my all and my he's so worthy of my all and my he's so worthy of my all and my enjoyment, right? So, I think about that enjoyment, right? So, I think about that enjoyment, right? So, I think about that um I think it's Jonathan Edwards, right?

um I think it's Jonathan Edwards, right? um I think it's Jonathan Edwards, right? The idea of throwing yourself in the The idea of throwing yourself in the The idea of throwing yourself in the path of these of God's grace, like okay, path of these of God's grace, like okay, path of these of God's grace, like okay, just throw yourself in the path of it. I just throw yourself in the path of it. I just throw yourself in the path of it. I think he says it in a more fancy way but think he says it in a more fancy way but think he says it in a more fancy way but um the allurement that's what the word um the allurement that's what the word um the allurement that's what the word he uses but um but the idea that God's he uses but um but the idea that God's he uses but um but the idea that God's grace is just pouring forth but you grace is just pouring forth but you grace is just pouring forth but you throw yourself on the path of lots of throw yourself on the path of lots of throw yourself on the path of lots of things in life but if through spiritual things in life but if through spiritual things in life but if through spiritual disciplines if we access those means of disciplines if we access those means of disciplines if we access those means of grace we can like throw ourselves in the grace we can like throw ourselves in the grace we can like throw ourselves in the path of all the ways in which God is path of all the ways in which God is path of all the ways in which God is saying know me know that you are loved saying know me know that you are loved saying know me know that you are loved know that I'm knowable and so I want to know that I'm knowable and so I want to know that I'm knowable and so I want to enjoy God more and I finally realized enjoy God more and I finally realized enjoy God more and I finally realized that through spiritual disciplines I can that through spiritual disciplines I can that through spiritual disciplines I can enjoy him more. Yeah. Can you can you enjoy him more. Yeah. Can you can you enjoy him more. Yeah. Can you can you say more about that because that was a say more about that because that was a say more about that because that was a question I wanted to ask you in question I wanted to ask you in question I wanted to ask you in particular about delight. You know a lot particular about delight. You know a lot particular about delight. You know a lot of people sitting here might look on it of people sitting here might look on it of people sitting here might look on it somewhat as drudgery. It's been an area somewhat as drudgery. It's been an area somewhat as drudgery. It's been an area of failure. Um how have you find can I of failure. Um how have you find can I of failure. Um how have you find can I just expand more on the delight that you just expand more on the delight that you just expand more on the delight that you found in your relationship with God and found in your relationship with God and found in your relationship with God and with Christ through disciplines? Yeah. with Christ through disciplines? Yeah. with Christ through disciplines? Yeah. You know I I would say 20 years ago I You know I I would say 20 years ago I You know I I would say 20 years ago I would have for sure thought of it as would have for sure thought of it as would have for sure thought of it as like oh my goodness I'm doing it. I just like oh my goodness I'm doing it. I just like oh my goodness I'm doing it. I just felt guilt a lot. I felt like I wasn't felt guilt a lot. I felt like I wasn't felt guilt a lot. I felt like I wasn't doing it right. I wasn't doing enough. I doing it right. I wasn't doing enough. I doing it right. I wasn't doing enough. I would be further ahead if I could just would be further ahead if I could just would be further ahead if I could just get myself more disciplined. And I think get myself more disciplined. And I think get myself more disciplined. And I think so much of that was not rooted in so much of that was not rooted in so much of that was not rooted in delighting in Jesus. was delighting in delighting in Jesus. was delighting in delighting in Jesus. was delighting in my ability to be a a faithful Christian, my ability to be a a faithful Christian, my ability to be a a faithful Christian, you know, and um and so the delight you know, and um and so the delight you know, and um and so the delight element really is kind of not getting so element really is kind of not getting so element really is kind of not getting so caught up with what it looks like to be

caught up with what it looks like to be caught up with what it looks like to be disciplined and so delighted, but to disciplined and so delighted, but to disciplined and so delighted, but to say, "Okay, Lord, how can I just in one say, "Okay, Lord, how can I just in one say, "Okay, Lord, how can I just in one small way today know you more?" And that small way today know you more?" And that small way today know you more?" And that keeps me in that habit. the the the you keeps me in that habit. the the the you keeps me in that habit. the the the you know when we were talking about habits know when we were talking about habits know when we were talking about habits just now and like the repetitive those just now and like the repetitive those just now and like the repetitive those definitions were so good I need I need definitions were so good I need I need definitions were so good I need I need those but um you know I often say we those but um you know I often say we those but um you know I often say we default to what we practice the most and default to what we practice the most and default to what we practice the most and so if I want to default to delighting in so if I want to default to delighting in so if I want to default to delighting in Jesus then I need to actually be Jesus then I need to actually be Jesus then I need to actually be practicing those every day. So so I practicing those every day. So so I practicing those every day. So so I think delight is now kind of at the root think delight is now kind of at the root think delight is now kind of at the root more of it because I want to know him in more of it because I want to know him in more of it because I want to know him in that way. Praise God. Well, I was just that way. Praise God. Well, I was just that way. Praise God. Well, I was just going to add and I I really think that going to add and I I really think that going to add and I I really think that we we we just have to ask the Lord for help. And just have to ask the Lord for help. And just have to ask the Lord for help. And so if I'm going to delight and enjoy cuz so if I'm going to delight and enjoy cuz so if I'm going to delight and enjoy cuz sometimes I don't know about you but you sometimes I don't know about you but you sometimes I don't know about you but you go to church or you open the word and go to church or you open the word and go to church or you open the word and we've got someone shaking their head and we've got someone shaking their head and we've got someone shaking their head and you're like you you don't feel and and you're like you you don't feel and and you're like you you don't feel and and so if you go to the scriptures with that so if you go to the scriptures with that so if you go to the scriptures with that um kind of I'm going to feel something um kind of I'm going to feel something um kind of I'm going to feel something then it could become so discouraging.

then it could become so discouraging. then it could become so discouraging. But if you can ask the Lord, I don't But if you can ask the Lord, I don't But if you can ask the Lord, I don't feel this whatever it is, but I know feel this whatever it is, but I know feel this whatever it is, but I know that you can change my affections. I that you can change my affections. I that you can change my affections. I know that you can fill me aresh with know that you can fill me aresh with know that you can fill me aresh with your spirit. I know that you can help me your spirit. I know that you can help me your spirit. I know that you can help me to delight in you even though I don't to delight in you even though I don't to delight in you even though I don't feel it. I believe the Lord, he feel it. I believe the Lord, he feel it. I believe the Lord, he transforms those things. And so, so transforms those things. And so, so transforms those things. And so, so that's all I was going to say is that we that's all I was going to say is that we that's all I was going to say is that we should pray and ask for help. Yeah. And should pray and ask for help. Yeah. And should pray and ask for help. Yeah. And I I I think a key thing on that, and I I I I think a key thing on that, and I I I I think a key thing on that, and I appreciate how both you ladies brought appreciate how both you ladies brought appreciate how both you ladies brought out the delight piece. I think the key out the delight piece. I think the key out the delight piece. I think the key for me is when I I I can tend to forget for me is when I I I can tend to forget for me is when I I I can tend to forget that it's ultimately about a that it's ultimately about a that it's ultimately about a relationship, you know, and when I make relationship, you know, and when I make relationship, you know, and when I make it about the the action of the ritual, it about the the action of the ritual, it about the the action of the ritual, then it's hard to delight in that. But then it's hard to delight in that. But then it's hard to delight in that. But when I remember that, you know, John when I remember that, you know, John when I remember that, you know, John 17:3, this is eternal life. That they 17:3, this is eternal life. That they 17:3, this is eternal life. That they know you, they know me. you know that know you, they know me. you know that know you, they know me. you know that ultimately uh you know as Jesus says you ultimately uh you know as Jesus says you ultimately uh you know as Jesus says you search the scriptures because you think search the scriptures because you think search the scriptures because you think you in them you have life uh but the you in them you have life uh but the you in them you have life uh but the scriptures testify of me you refuse to scriptures testify of me you refuse to scriptures testify of me you refuse to come to me so whether it's prayer or come to me so whether it's prayer or come to me so whether it's prayer or scripture memory or being in the word scripture memory or being in the word scripture memory or being in the word and studying it uh my aim is to and studying it uh my aim is to and studying it uh my aim is to constantly remind myself that I I am I constantly remind myself that I I am I constantly remind myself that I I am I am you know as David said one thing I've am you know as David said one thing I've am you know as David said one thing I've asked of the Lord that I will seek that asked of the Lord that I will seek that asked of the Lord that I will seek that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all I may dwell in the house of the Lord all I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life to behold on his the days of my life to behold on his the days of my life to behold on his beauty I am engaging with the risen beauty I am engaging with the risen beauty I am engaging with the risen living savior and this is about a living savior and this is about a living savior and this is about a relationship. So for me having that kind relationship. So for me having that kind relationship. So for me having that kind of uh mindset helps. Yeah. I want to of uh mindset helps. Yeah. I want to of uh mindset helps. Yeah. I want to pick up on what you were saying trilia

pick up on what you were saying trilia pick up on what you were saying trilia and just a moment ago too. Just the and just a moment ago too. Just the and just a moment ago too. Just the sense of the love that Christ has for sense of the love that Christ has for sense of the love that Christ has for us. And you know I think uh numbers have us. And you know I think uh numbers have us. And you know I think uh numbers have said boy I would love to hear one of said boy I would love to hear one of said boy I would love to hear one of these great plenary speakers on the last these great plenary speakers on the last these great plenary speakers on the last part of Ephesians 3. that prayer that we part of Ephesians 3. that prayer that we part of Ephesians 3. that prayer that we would know how wide and long and high would know how wide and long and high would know how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ and to and deep is the love of Christ and to and deep is the love of Christ and to know that love that surpasses knowledge know that love that surpasses knowledge know that love that surpasses knowledge so that we would be filled to the so that we would be filled to the so that we would be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. measure of all the fullness of God. measure of all the fullness of God. Truly, what do you think about that? Truly, what do you think about that? Truly, what do you think about that? That sense of the love of the dimensions That sense of the love of the dimensions That sense of the love of the dimensions of the love of God. We don't always feel of the love of God. We don't always feel of the love of God. We don't always feel it, but you mentioned about feelings. it, but you mentioned about feelings. it, but you mentioned about feelings. We need faith to believe it. So, we We need faith to believe it. So, we We need faith to believe it. So, we aren't going to always feel it, but it's aren't going to always feel it, but it's aren't going to always feel it, but it's true. And one of the things that I am so true. And one of the things that I am so true. And one of the things that I am so grateful for about just my relationship grateful for about just my relationship grateful for about just my relationship with the Lord is it's not based on me or with the Lord is it's not based on me or with the Lord is it's not based on me or how I feel, but it's true. It's a fact. how I feel, but it's true. It's a fact. how I feel, but it's true. It's a fact. And so, Ephesians 3, um Paul is praying And so, Ephesians 3, um Paul is praying And so, Ephesians 3, um Paul is praying that prayer for the church that we would that prayer for the church that we would that prayer for the church that we would be strengthened and and that's the same be strengthened and and that's the same be strengthened and and that's the same um prayer that you can I think you um prayer that you can I think you um prayer that you can I think you mentioned that we should do this in mentioned that we should do this in mentioned that we should do this in community. And I do believe I that's so community. And I do believe I that's so community. And I do believe I that's so good and really important um is that good and really important um is that good and really important um is that when you're not sensing this truth that when you're not sensing this truth that when you're not sensing this truth that is real, pull in community and ask is real, pull in community and ask is real, pull in community and ask people to help preach that truth to you.

people to help preach that truth to you. people to help preach that truth to you. But it's it's ultimate that God loves But it's it's ultimate that God loves But it's it's ultimate that God loves us. It's it's amazing that we it's not us. It's it's amazing that we it's not us. It's it's amazing that we it's not about us that he loves us because of about us that he loves us because of about us that he loves us because of Jesus and that he we are clothed with Jesus and that he we are clothed with Jesus and that he we are clothed with righteousness because of what he's done. righteousness because of what he's done. righteousness because of what he's done. And so I I think that that can be a And so I I think that that can be a And so I I think that that can be a motivator, but it also should bring motivator, but it also should bring motivator, but it also should bring peace. Um that we are so loved um that peace. Um that we are so loved um that peace. Um that we are so loved um that it's we're infinitely loved. We can't it's we're infinitely loved. We can't it's we're infinitely loved. We can't comprehend the love of God in any way. comprehend the love of God in any way. comprehend the love of God in any way. But I'd love to hear what you think But I'd love to hear what you think But I'd love to hear what you think about that. Oh, okay. You just took over about that. Oh, okay. You just took over about that. Oh, okay. You just took over from fine. No, no, no. Because of the from fine. No, no, no. Because of the from fine. No, no, no. Because of the community aspect of I was curious. Let community aspect of I was curious. Let community aspect of I was curious. Let me throw out one quick thing on that. me throw out one quick thing on that. me throw out one quick thing on that. Just just the fact that just you said Just just the fact that just you said Just just the fact that just you said you can't comprehend it tells me that you can't comprehend it tells me that you can't comprehend it tells me that that it's ongoing. Our our our growing that it's ongoing. Our our our growing that it's ongoing. Our our our growing in our knowledge of that love we never in our knowledge of that love we never in our knowledge of that love we never arrive. Maturity is not you know I arrive. Maturity is not you know I arrive. Maturity is not you know I always say like you know you think always say like you know you think always say like you know you think you're at that summit but you find out you're at that summit but you find out you're at that summit but you find out it's a false summit. Well every summit it's a false summit. Well every summit it's a false summit. Well every summit this side of uh heaven is a false summit this side of uh heaven is a false summit this side of uh heaven is a false summit in our maturity and in our knowledge of in our maturity and in our knowledge of in our maturity and in our knowledge of God's love. So I love that idea. Okay.

God's love. So I love that idea. Okay. God's love. So I love that idea. Okay. Now your I would love to answer that Now your I would love to answer that Now your I would love to answer that question. So I'll say it this way. You question. So I'll say it this way. You question. So I'll say it this way. You know we all have our experiences. They know we all have our experiences. They know we all have our experiences. They vary somewhat about the way we practice vary somewhat about the way we practice vary somewhat about the way we practice spirituality. Um, for me, some of them spirituality. Um, for me, some of them spirituality. Um, for me, some of them are practices, but for me, it's really are practices, but for me, it's really are practices, but for me, it's really studying God's word and just reading studying God's word and just reading studying God's word and just reading chunks of the Bible, letting it wash chunks of the Bible, letting it wash chunks of the Bible, letting it wash over me and just learning more about who over me and just learning more about who over me and just learning more about who the Lord is by watching what he does and the Lord is by watching what he does and the Lord is by watching what he does and what he says and not with no plan in what he says and not with no plan in what he says and not with no plan in mind. I the emotions just come mind. I the emotions just come mind. I the emotions just come sometimes. And that's individual. Like sometimes. And that's individual. Like sometimes. And that's individual. Like I, you know, I read through the gospel I, you know, I read through the gospel I, you know, I read through the gospel stories again for Easter week and just stories again for Easter week and just stories again for Easter week and just meditated on sufferings of Christ which meditated on sufferings of Christ which meditated on sufferings of Christ which just moves you to um depths of love and just moves you to um depths of love and just moves you to um depths of love and tears and sorrow and amazed at his tears and sorrow and amazed at his tears and sorrow and amazed at his bravery and endurance and you just and bravery and endurance and you just and bravery and endurance and you just and you're you know you end up worshiping. you're you know you end up worshiping. you're you know you end up worshiping. Now, I'm a preacher, so I end up Now, I'm a preacher, so I end up Now, I'm a preacher, so I end up speaking about what I found. And so, speaking about what I found. And so, speaking about what I found. And so, that's a communal aspect when you share that's a communal aspect when you share that's a communal aspect when you share it with others. But also, we had, as it with others. But also, we had, as it with others. But also, we had, as many churches do for Good Friday, we many churches do for Good Friday, we many churches do for Good Friday, we just had readings and nothing but just had readings and nothing but just had readings and nothing but readings. We had five different people readings. We had five different people readings. We had five different people reading and different voices. And a lot reading and different voices. And a lot reading and different voices. And a lot of people said that was just so of people said that was just so of people said that was just so immensely moving to hear nothing but the immensely moving to hear nothing but the immensely moving to hear nothing but the narratives of what Jesus did with narratives of what Jesus did with narratives of what Jesus did with prayers of course interspersed um but prayers of course interspersed um but prayers of course interspersed um but nothing but scripture and prayer. And nothing but scripture and prayer. And nothing but scripture and prayer. And that's something a lot of churches do.

that's something a lot of churches do. that's something a lot of churches do. It's not formulaic. One of the things we It's not formulaic. One of the things we It's not formulaic. One of the things we all agree upon is this is not there are all agree upon is this is not there are all agree upon is this is not there are formulas or steps to take but it's not formulas or steps to take but it's not formulas or steps to take but it's not formulaic. It's um the steps help you. formulaic. It's um the steps help you. formulaic. It's um the steps help you. They're never a means. They're always a They're never a means. They're always a They're never a means. They're always a means. They're never an end in means. They're never an end in means. They're never an end in themselves. they they're the goal of themselves. they they're the goal of themselves. they they're the goal of every practice is to take you to the every practice is to take you to the every practice is to take you to the Lord. Well, Dan, let me ask you um about Lord. Well, Dan, let me ask you um about Lord. Well, Dan, let me ask you um about spiritual uh development, spiritual uh development, spiritual uh development, sanctification, and you mentioned it in sanctification, and you mentioned it in sanctification, and you mentioned it in your in your um definitions, but how how your in your um definitions, but how how your in your um definitions, but how how do the disciplines fit into uh uh growth do the disciplines fit into uh uh growth do the disciplines fit into uh uh growth into Christ likeness? Yeah. So, um I into Christ likeness? Yeah. So, um I into Christ likeness? Yeah. So, um I have a book with me here called The have a book with me here called The have a book with me here called The Spirit of the Disciplines. One of the Spirit of the Disciplines. One of the Spirit of the Disciplines. One of the best books. He's not a Calvinist, but best books. He's not a Calvinist, but best books. He's not a Calvinist, but it's a marvelous book, Dallas Willard. it's a marvelous book, Dallas Willard. it's a marvelous book, Dallas Willard. if you want to start. It's a serious if you want to start. It's a serious if you want to start. It's a serious heavy book, but it's a fantastic book. heavy book, but it's a fantastic book. heavy book, but it's a fantastic book. And it was very helpful for me for my And it was very helpful for me for my And it was very helpful for me for my sanctification and when I talked to my sanctification and when I talked to my sanctification and when I talked to my students and my friends um to remember students and my friends um to remember students and my friends um to remember that the disciplines are not only that the disciplines are not only that the disciplines are not only reading the Bible and praying, but reading the Bible and praying, but reading the Bible and praying, but there's a bunch of others. And as I there's a bunch of others. And as I there's a bunch of others. And as I read, I I brought this so I wouldn't read, I I brought this so I wouldn't read, I I brought this so I wouldn't forget them. Um he has this marvelous forget them. Um he has this marvelous forget them. Um he has this marvelous description of of the different kinds.

description of of the different kinds. description of of the different kinds. And he calls them disciplines of And he calls them disciplines of And he calls them disciplines of abstinence. And they include abstinence. And they include abstinence. And they include silence, which is a big deal if you're a silence, which is a big deal if you're a silence, which is a big deal if you're a professional professional professional talker. I mean, I I'd sit there thinking talker. I mean, I I'd sit there thinking talker. I mean, I I'd sit there thinking I need to be quiet. This is a discipline I need to be quiet. This is a discipline I need to be quiet. This is a discipline for me to not always have the last word. for me to not always have the last word. for me to not always have the last word. Okay. Silence, Okay. Silence, Okay. Silence, fasting, fasting, fasting, solitude. Some of us hate to be alone. solitude. Some of us hate to be alone. solitude. Some of us hate to be alone. We need to be alone. frugality and We need to be alone. frugality and We need to be alone. frugality and sacrifice. Those are abstinence, things sacrifice. Those are abstinence, things sacrifice. Those are abstinence, things you don't give yourself. Action or you don't give yourself. Action or you don't give yourself. Action or engagement, he uses the word engagement, engagement, he uses the word engagement, engagement, he uses the word engagement, which is a lovely word. Study, which is a lovely word. Study, which is a lovely word. Study, celebration, and celebration, and celebration, and thanksgiving, service, and thanksgiving, service, and thanksgiving, service, and submission. So, submission, you know, submission. So, submission, you know, submission. So, submission, you know, seminary students, they come thinking, I seminary students, they come thinking, I seminary students, they come thinking, I know a lot, and I'm going to know more know a lot, and I'm going to know more know a lot, and I'm going to know more than anybody when I'm done. Yeah, you than anybody when I'm done. Yeah, you than anybody when I'm done. Yeah, you need to submit to your senior pastor, need to submit to your senior pastor, need to submit to your senior pastor, lead pastor, mentors. That's a lead pastor, mentors. That's a lead pastor, mentors. That's a discipline. Uh for me, I mentioned my discipline. Uh for me, I mentioned my discipline. Uh for me, I mentioned my dark time. Um it was being under a heavy dark time. Um it was being under a heavy dark time. Um it was being under a heavy hand of an oppressive person. And I the hand of an oppressive person. And I the hand of an oppressive person. And I the only way out for me was to give thanks only way out for me was to give thanks only way out for me was to give thanks for him over and over and over. That was for him over and over and over. That was for him over and over and over. That was the way I got rid of anger and the way I got rid of anger and the way I got rid of anger and bitterness. And I'm not commending that bitterness. And I'm not commending that bitterness. And I'm not commending that necessarily anybody else, but it's it's necessarily anybody else, but it's it's necessarily anybody else, but it's it's finding that discipline of gratitude for finding that discipline of gratitude for finding that discipline of gratitude for all the good in that person. There's a all the good in that person. There's a all the good in that person. There's a lot of good in that person. So we have lot of good in that person. So we have lot of good in that person. So we have in celebration, you know, it's easy in in celebration, you know, it's easy in in celebration, you know, it's easy in ministry to get down and complain. The ministry to get down and complain. The ministry to get down and complain. The church is so bad. Nobody comes. Nobody church is so bad. Nobody comes. Nobody church is so bad. Nobody comes. Nobody came to my our disciples. I prepared the came to my our disciples. I prepared the came to my our disciples. I prepared the perfect lesson. Only three people came.

perfect lesson. Only three people came. perfect lesson. Only three people came. I'm going to I'm going to quit. I'm going to I'm going to quit. I'm going to I'm going to quit. Celebrate the three people that came. So Celebrate the three people that came. So Celebrate the three people that came. So the disciplines are really good for us. the disciplines are really good for us. the disciplines are really good for us. We obviously focus on prayer and reading We obviously focus on prayer and reading We obviously focus on prayer and reading and meditating on the Bible, but they're and meditating on the Bible, but they're and meditating on the Bible, but they're a bunch of disciplines and they've stood a bunch of disciplines and they've stood a bunch of disciplines and they've stood the test of time. Yeah, I appreciate you the test of time. Yeah, I appreciate you the test of time. Yeah, I appreciate you just naming those things. in that book just naming those things. in that book just naming those things. in that book by Dallas Willard is a good resource to by Dallas Willard is a good resource to by Dallas Willard is a good resource to uh to expand on those. Anyone else on on uh to expand on those. Anyone else on on uh to expand on those. Anyone else on on the connection between these spiritual the connection between these spiritual the connection between these spiritual disciplines and growth into disciplines and growth into disciplines and growth into Christlikkeness? Christlikkeness? Christlikkeness? I think we live in such a micro society I think we live in such a micro society I think we live in such a micro society that we just really want to see results that we just really want to see results that we just really want to see results fast, you know, and I I've just seen in fast, you know, and I I've just seen in fast, you know, and I I've just seen in my life that I want to learn things my life that I want to learn things my life that I want to learn things fast. I want the disciplines like fast. I want the disciplines like fast. I want the disciplines like acquired fast. I just get so discouraged acquired fast. I just get so discouraged acquired fast. I just get so discouraged when I feel like wait why am I still when I feel like wait why am I still when I feel like wait why am I still struggling with this or why does this struggling with this or why does this struggling with this or why does this not come more easily and then I remember not come more easily and then I remember not come more easily and then I remember that it's it's what we've been saying that it's it's what we've been saying that it's it's what we've been saying it's it's actually in the process of it's it's actually in the process of it's it's actually in the process of growing in those disciplines I get to growing in those disciplines I get to growing in those disciplines I get to see that I am weak that I must lean on see that I am weak that I must lean on see that I am weak that I must lean on the Lord that I must have the Lord if I the Lord that I must have the Lord if I the Lord that I must have the Lord if I am to know him at all as Trilia was am to know him at all as Trilia was am to know him at all as Trilia was saying earlier and so I think that saying earlier and so I think that saying earlier and so I think that sanctification process that that ongoing sanctification process that that ongoing sanctification process that that ongoing that kind of bringing us closer closer that kind of bringing us closer closer that kind of bringing us closer closer and closer as image bearers to be able and closer as image bearers to be able and closer as image bearers to be able to be able to know him and reflect him to be able to know him and reflect him to be able to know him and reflect him as we were created to be. Like that as we were created to be. Like that as we were created to be. Like that really is an ongoing process that I get really is an ongoing process that I get really is an ongoing process that I get to participate in by leaning on him and to participate in by leaning on him and to participate in by leaning on him and asking the Lord to make me more like him asking the Lord to make me more like him asking the Lord to make me more like him through the spiritual disciplines. Yeah.

through the spiritual disciplines. Yeah. through the spiritual disciplines. Yeah. I mean I I I think on that point one of I mean I I I think on that point one of I mean I I I think on that point one of the key things for me to remember it's a the key things for me to remember it's a the key things for me to remember it's a process and for it to not to become process and for it to not to become process and for it to not to become drudgery is not only just to focus on drudgery is not only just to focus on drudgery is not only just to focus on the relationship but secondly to have a the relationship but secondly to have a the relationship but secondly to have a road map to have I would really road map to have I would really road map to have I would really encourage you if it's prayer if it's encourage you if it's prayer if it's encourage you if it's prayer if it's Bible study if it's you know those are Bible study if it's you know those are Bible study if it's you know those are the main ones there are other ones you the main ones there are other ones you the main ones there are other ones you know if it's even fasting if you're know if it's even fasting if you're know if it's even fasting if you're fasting for a time have a plan have a fasting for a time have a plan have a fasting for a time have a plan have a goal like this is what I want to goal like this is what I want to goal like this is what I want to accomplish in the next 3 weeks I just accomplish in the next 3 weeks I just accomplish in the next 3 weeks I just think about when I was young my dad think about when I was young my dad think about when I was young my dad would take us on road trips and we take would take us on road trips and we take would take us on road trips and we take long road trips from Houston all the way long road trips from Houston all the way long road trips from Houston all the way to Disneyland all the way to Niagara to Disneyland all the way to Niagara to Disneyland all the way to Niagara Falls once. I mean, long ones. But Falls once. I mean, long ones. But Falls once. I mean, long ones. But here's the thing. If we were just here's the thing. If we were just here's the thing. If we were just aimlessly driving around America without aimlessly driving around America without aimlessly driving around America without any goal in it would be miserable like, any goal in it would be miserable like, any goal in it would be miserable like, you know, but the journey became fun you know, but the journey became fun you know, but the journey became fun because we knew where where we were because we knew where where we were because we knew where where we were going to end up and it was kind of we going to end up and it was kind of we going to end up and it was kind of we were able to just be in that process. were able to just be in that process. were able to just be in that process. So, I would just say, you know, uh map So, I would just say, you know, uh map So, I would just say, you know, uh map out like I'm going to study Ephesians out like I'm going to study Ephesians out like I'm going to study Ephesians and this is what I want to do. I want to and this is what I want to do. I want to and this is what I want to do. I want to go deep into it for this month and and I go deep into it for this month and and I go deep into it for this month and and I I that helps me to have a roadmap.

I that helps me to have a roadmap. I that helps me to have a roadmap. Um I have a real specific example of a Um I have a real specific example of a Um I have a real specific example of a time where the spiritual disciplines time where the spiritual disciplines time where the spiritual disciplines because I believe we were talking about because I believe we were talking about because I believe we were talking about sanctification helped me grow like sanctification helped me grow like sanctification helped me grow like Christ. Um besides just every day, but a Christ. Um besides just every day, but a Christ. Um besides just every day, but a real specific example, I was wronged by real specific example, I was wronged by real specific example, I was wronged by someone and I knew I needed to forgive someone and I knew I needed to forgive someone and I knew I needed to forgive this person, but I couldn't. I just this person, but I couldn't. I just this person, but I couldn't. I just couldn't on my own. And it took two couldn't on my own. And it took two couldn't on my own. And it took two years of me pleading with the Lord, years of me pleading with the Lord, years of me pleading with the Lord, reading the reading the reading the scriptures, you talking about saying scriptures, you talking about saying scriptures, you talking about saying thanksgiving. I don't know if I ever did thanksgiving. I don't know if I ever did thanksgiving. I don't know if I ever did that, but I definitely asked the Lord that, but I definitely asked the Lord that, but I definitely asked the Lord because I knew I I'm forgiven much. I I because I knew I I'm forgiven much. I I because I knew I I'm forgiven much. I I I know I need to forgive. It was I know I need to forgive. It was I know I need to forgive. It was so gut-wrenching hard and and so it was so gut-wrenching hard and and so it was so gut-wrenching hard and and so it was years of pouring out begging the Lord years of pouring out begging the Lord years of pouring out begging the Lord and he he grew me. He sanctified me. He and he he grew me. He sanctified me. He and he he grew me. He sanctified me. He he changed me and I to this day I've he changed me and I to this day I've he changed me and I to this day I've forgiven which is a miracle to me. And I forgiven which is a miracle to me. And I forgiven which is a miracle to me. And I have been able to walk. And um I know I have been able to walk. And um I know I have been able to walk. And um I know I I know now like when when I'm tempted to I know now like when when I'm tempted to I know now like when when I'm tempted to be angry or upset about something um be angry or upset about something um be angry or upset about something um where I need to run. And that was the where I need to run. And that was the where I need to run. And that was the spiritual that's a just real practical spiritual that's a just real practical spiritual that's a just real practical way that the Lord worked in my heart to way that the Lord worked in my heart to way that the Lord worked in my heart to grow me more like him. It was in this grow me more like him. It was in this grow me more like him. It was in this one area of forgiveness. But because I one area of forgiveness. But because I one area of forgiveness. But because I exercised it, I can now exercise it exercised it, I can now exercise it exercised it, I can now exercise it quicker. One one of the things I was I quicker. One one of the things I was I quicker. One one of the things I was I just that jumped out at me as you were just that jumped out at me as you were just that jumped out at me as you were saying that is the connection between

saying that is the connection between saying that is the connection between the word of God and prayer for you. And the word of God and prayer for you. And the word of God and prayer for you. And so you were praying as you were going so you were praying as you were going so you were praying as you were going through the scriptures. It seems like through the scriptures. It seems like through the scriptures. It seems like you were praying what you were reading, you were praying what you were reading, you were praying what you were reading, you know. And so one of the things I you know. And so one of the things I you know. And so one of the things I want to say for those of you who want to say for those of you who want to say for those of you who struggle with prayer is connect it to struggle with prayer is connect it to struggle with prayer is connect it to your Bible study. Like as you're reading your Bible study. Like as you're reading your Bible study. Like as you're reading the the the scriptures, that's your the the the scriptures, that's your the the the scriptures, that's your that's what you're praying to the Lord. that's what you're praying to the Lord. that's what you're praying to the Lord. And and in a way, prayer and and Bible And and in a way, prayer and and Bible And and in a way, prayer and and Bible study is is kind of like a breathing. study is is kind of like a breathing. study is is kind of like a breathing. You know, your Bible intake is breathing You know, your Bible intake is breathing You know, your Bible intake is breathing in, prayer is breather out, breathing in, prayer is breather out, breathing in, prayer is breather out, breathing out. And so, I love that part. Andy, I out. And so, I love that part. Andy, I out. And so, I love that part. Andy, I would love for you to tell everybody would love for you to tell everybody would love for you to tell everybody about what you do, memorization of about what you do, memorization of about what you do, memorization of scripture. Not everybody can do it. It's scripture. Not everybody can do it. It's scripture. Not everybody can do it. It's been really important in your life. And been really important in your life. And been really important in your life. And you're our host. Would you tell us about you're our host. Would you tell us about you're our host. Would you tell us about Bible memory? Yeah, I' I'd love to. Um I Bible memory? Yeah, I' I'd love to. Um I Bible memory? Yeah, I' I'd love to. Um I was uh I started I was I came to uh was uh I started I was I came to uh was uh I started I was I came to uh Christ my junior year at MIT through Christ my junior year at MIT through Christ my junior year at MIT through Campus Crusade for Christ. And the guy Campus Crusade for Christ. And the guy Campus Crusade for Christ. And the guy who discipled me got me involved in the who discipled me got me involved in the who discipled me got me involved in the topical memory system with the topical memory system with the topical memory system with the navigators which is individual um key navigators which is individual um key navigators which is individual um key verses uh on printed on cards. The first verses uh on printed on cards. The first verses uh on printed on cards. The first one was 2 Corinthians uh 5:17. If anyone one was 2 Corinthians uh 5:17. If anyone one was 2 Corinthians uh 5:17. If anyone is in Christ, he's a new creation. The is in Christ, he's a new creation. The is in Christ, he's a new creation. The old is gone. Everything has become new.

old is gone. Everything has become new. old is gone. Everything has become new. That was the first verse I ever That was the first verse I ever That was the first verse I ever memorized. Galatians 2:20 came after memorized. Galatians 2:20 came after memorized. Galatians 2:20 came after that. And so just did that for um for a that. And so just did that for um for a that. And so just did that for um for a while. And the real veteran guys uh and while. And the real veteran guys uh and while. And the real veteran guys uh and gals at MIT had like a hundred of these gals at MIT had like a hundred of these gals at MIT had like a hundred of these cards that the navigators printed out on cards that the navigators printed out on cards that the navigators printed out on these snap rings. They look like the these snap rings. They look like the these snap rings. They look like the janitors like with a hundred keys like janitors like with a hundred keys like janitors like with a hundred keys like on their belts. And I was like, "Huh?" on their belts. And I was like, "Huh?" on their belts. And I was like, "Huh?" uh it seemed like there was a limit to uh it seemed like there was a limit to uh it seemed like there was a limit to how far you could go with that. But how far you could go with that. But how far you could go with that. But wasn't until two years later, I was on a wasn't until two years later, I was on a wasn't until two years later, I was on a mission trip in Kenya and I was waiting mission trip in Kenya and I was waiting mission trip in Kenya and I was waiting for a bus and I remember asking the uh for a bus and I remember asking the uh for a bus and I remember asking the uh the guy, I said, "When does the bus the guy, I said, "When does the bus the guy, I said, "When does the bus come?" And he said in the afternoon. I come?" And he said in the afternoon. I come?" And he said in the afternoon. I was like, you know, I'm an American. I was like, you know, I'm an American. I was like, you know, I'm an American. I was like, I needed like 11:58 or, you was like, I needed like 11:58 or, you was like, I needed like 11:58 or, you know, 12 just in the afternoon. I don't know, 12 just in the afternoon. I don't know, 12 just in the afternoon. I don't know when it rolled in. 3:00. All I had know when it rolled in. 3:00. All I had know when it rolled in. 3:00. All I had with me was my Bible. And I I just an with me was my Bible. And I I just an with me was my Bible. And I I just an idea came in my mind of memorizing idea came in my mind of memorizing idea came in my mind of memorizing Ephesians starting with Ephesians 1:1. Ephesians starting with Ephesians 1:1. Ephesians starting with Ephesians 1:1. And uh I did it. Can you do it right now And uh I did it. Can you do it right now And uh I did it. Can you do it right now first? I just I could I could, but I first? I just I could I could, but I first? I just I could I could, but I asked you guys not to do that to me. So, asked you guys not to do that to me. So, asked you guys not to do that to me. So, all right. So, um, but no, um, I started all right. So, um, but no, um, I started all right. So, um, but no, um, I started with Ephesians and I worked on it that with Ephesians and I worked on it that with Ephesians and I worked on it that summer, but the real hard transition was summer, but the real hard transition was summer, but the real hard transition was the American lifestyle. And the on the the American lifestyle. And the on the the American lifestyle. And the on the mission trip, it was easier. We were mission trip, it was easier. We were mission trip, it was easier. We were busy, but we had more a little more free busy, but we had more a little more free busy, but we had more a little more free time. Back in America, I got immersed in time. Back in America, I got immersed in time. Back in America, I got immersed in overwhelming business. And it was one of overwhelming business. And it was one of overwhelming business. And it was one of the most important decisions of my the most important decisions of my the most important decisions of my entire life to keep going with entire life to keep going with entire life to keep going with Ephesians. And I kept going. It's 155 Ephesians. And I kept going. It's 155 Ephesians. And I kept going. It's 155 verses. I kept working on it. And then verses. I kept working on it. And then verses. I kept working on it. And then when that was done, I added I went on to when that was done, I added I went on to when that was done, I added I went on to Philippians. And then at that point, I I

Philippians. And then at that point, I I Philippians. And then at that point, I I was interested in learning how to play was interested in learning how to play was interested in learning how to play piano. All right? And a friend was going piano. All right? And a friend was going piano. All right? And a friend was going to teach me, but I also had the idea, to teach me, but I also had the idea, to teach me, but I also had the idea, the crazy idea of memorizing the Gospel the crazy idea of memorizing the Gospel the crazy idea of memorizing the Gospel of Matthew. So, I was at another fork in of Matthew. So, I was at another fork in of Matthew. So, I was at another fork in the road. So, I decided to go with the road. So, I decided to go with the road. So, I decided to go with memorization, and I upped my uh thing to memorization, and I upped my uh thing to memorization, and I upped my uh thing to six verses a day. And I just kept going. six verses a day. And I just kept going. six verses a day. And I just kept going. And that was in the summer and into the And that was in the summer and into the And that was in the summer and into the fall of 1986. And about um 6 months ago, fall of 1986. And about um 6 months ago, fall of 1986. And about um 6 months ago, I finished my last New Testament book uh I finished my last New Testament book uh I finished my last New Testament book uh Gospel of Luke. Now, I don't retain Gospel of Luke. Now, I don't retain Gospel of Luke. Now, I don't retain them. I say them for a 100 days uh each them. I say them for a 100 days uh each them. I say them for a 100 days uh each verse. I learned three verses a day. Now verse. I learned three verses a day. Now verse. I learned three verses a day. Now I'm settled into three verses a day. I'm settled into three verses a day. I'm settled into three verses a day. Read it 10 times, say it 10 times, and Read it 10 times, say it 10 times, and Read it 10 times, say it 10 times, and then I say it for 100 consecutive days. then I say it for 100 consecutive days. then I say it for 100 consecutive days. And it's a 100 days of immersion about And it's a 100 days of immersion about And it's a 100 days of immersion about three and a half months of immersion. three and a half months of immersion. three and a half months of immersion. And it's meditation. And what I get out And it's meditation. And what I get out And it's meditation. And what I get out of it is I get two things. I get a lot of it is I get two things. I get a lot of it is I get two things. I get a lot of things, but I get insight, new ideas, of things, but I get insight, new ideas, of things, but I get insight, new ideas, and I get intimacy with Christ. And and I get intimacy with Christ. And and I get intimacy with Christ. And that's what I love. Now, before we that's what I love. Now, before we that's what I love. Now, before we transition to a real practical um uh transition to a real practical um uh transition to a real practical um uh side, uh and I want to talk more side, uh and I want to talk more side, uh and I want to talk more practical. We've already started with practical. We've already started with practical. We've already started with Ashen did a great job talking about Ashen did a great job talking about Ashen did a great job talking about praying scripture because I would say a praying scripture because I would say a praying scripture because I would say a lot of you would say, "I struggle with lot of you would say, "I struggle with lot of you would say, "I struggle with prayer. I just struggle. I struggle prayer. I just struggle. I struggle prayer. I just struggle. I struggle feeling like it's doing anything. I I feeling like it's doing anything. I I feeling like it's doing anything. I I want to have a fuller, deeper, richer want to have a fuller, deeper, richer want to have a fuller, deeper, richer prayer life." And if I said to you, prayer life." And if I said to you, prayer life." And if I said to you, would you like to have a fuller, deeper, would you like to have a fuller, deeper, would you like to have a fuller, deeper, richer prayer life? He's like, no, I'm richer prayer life? He's like, no, I'm richer prayer life? He's like, no, I'm good with mine. Be like, all right, so good with mine. Be like, all right, so good with mine. Be like, all right, so why are you here like now today? But I why are you here like now today? But I why are you here like now today? But I want to ask you, Ruth, if you could, we want to ask you, Ruth, if you could, we want to ask you, Ruth, if you could, we wanted to speak as a panel to somebody wanted to speak as a panel to somebody wanted to speak as a panel to somebody who just simply feels discouraged about

who just simply feels discouraged about who just simply feels discouraged about this topic and feels they don't have the this topic and feels they don't have the this topic and feels they don't have the discipline needed. They want it, but discipline needed. They want it, but discipline needed. They want it, but they haven't proven to have it. What they haven't proven to have it. What they haven't proven to have it. What would you say to a person like that? would you say to a person like that? would you say to a person like that? Well, you know, um I've I've been that Well, you know, um I've I've been that Well, you know, um I've I've been that person and I just find that sometimes person and I just find that sometimes person and I just find that sometimes it's because I'm looking at this perfect it's because I'm looking at this perfect it's because I'm looking at this perfect this perfect idea of what it looks like this perfect idea of what it looks like this perfect idea of what it looks like to be a disciplined person. So, first of to be a disciplined person. So, first of to be a disciplined person. So, first of all, I would say start with one small all, I would say start with one small all, I would say start with one small thing, you know, like when we're talking thing, you know, like when we're talking thing, you know, like when we're talking practically about um it's it's a practically about um it's it's a practically about um it's it's a two-part. It's asking the Lord for the two-part. It's asking the Lord for the two-part. It's asking the Lord for the desire, right? Lord, give me the desire desire, right? Lord, give me the desire desire, right? Lord, give me the desire for the things that I don't naturally for the things that I don't naturally for the things that I don't naturally desire. When I struggle to desire what I desire. When I struggle to desire what I desire. When I struggle to desire what I ought, help me desire what I ought. And ought, help me desire what I ought. And ought, help me desire what I ought. And then secondly, start with one small then secondly, start with one small then secondly, start with one small thing. You know, thinking through what's thing. You know, thinking through what's thing. You know, thinking through what's one thing I can do rather than thinking one thing I can do rather than thinking one thing I can do rather than thinking and I I don't know if anyone else and I I don't know if anyone else and I I don't know if anyone else struggles with this, but I tend to be struggles with this, but I tend to be struggles with this, but I tend to be like it's all or nothing. I either got like it's all or nothing. I either got like it's all or nothing. I either got to be amazing at this or I don't want to to be amazing at this or I don't want to to be amazing at this or I don't want to do it at all, you know? And that's do it at all, you know? And that's do it at all, you know? And that's really just a struggle in my life where really just a struggle in my life where really just a struggle in my life where I realize that I am not content to go I realize that I am not content to go I realize that I am not content to go slow and not content to just make slow slow and not content to just make slow slow and not content to just make slow progress. And so I think it's really progress. And so I think it's really progress. And so I think it's really important just to say the goal is not to important just to say the goal is not to important just to say the goal is not to crush it. The goal is to be faithful.

crush it. The goal is to be faithful. crush it. The goal is to be faithful. And so be faithful with one small thing. And so be faithful with one small thing. And so be faithful with one small thing. Even if that means I'm going to put to Even if that means I'm going to put to Even if that means I'm going to put to song one verse today. Or if that means song one verse today. Or if that means song one verse today. Or if that means when I start panicking in the middle of when I start panicking in the middle of when I start panicking in the middle of the night and I'm stressing about all the night and I'm stressing about all the night and I'm stressing about all the things I want to fix, I'm going to the things I want to fix, I'm going to the things I want to fix, I'm going to recall this one verse and I'm going to recall this one verse and I'm going to recall this one verse and I'm going to pray to the Lord this scripture. That's pray to the Lord this scripture. That's pray to the Lord this scripture. That's one of the 3:30 in the morning is my one of the 3:30 in the morning is my one of the 3:30 in the morning is my time like when I want to like solve all time like when I want to like solve all time like when I want to like solve all the problems and answer everybody's the problems and answer everybody's the problems and answer everybody's emails with a certain tone of voice, you emails with a certain tone of voice, you emails with a certain tone of voice, you know, like that's my time of night that know, like that's my time of night that know, like that's my time of night that I need to like pray the scriptures that I need to like pray the scriptures that I need to like pray the scriptures that I was memorizing during the day. So I was memorizing during the day. So I was memorizing during the day. So let's uh turn the corner. We've already let's uh turn the corner. We've already let's uh turn the corner. We've already started on some practicalities, but um started on some practicalities, but um started on some practicalities, but um some how-tos and Asheen, you've already some how-tos and Asheen, you've already some how-tos and Asheen, you've already started some with uh praying scripture. started some with uh praying scripture. started some with uh praying scripture. Um what are some other things you Um what are some other things you Um what are some other things you practically do maybe on Bible intake or practically do maybe on Bible intake or practically do maybe on Bible intake or anything you want to talk about about anything you want to talk about about anything you want to talk about about this topic that's very practical that this topic that's very practical that this topic that's very practical that that you found helpful? Yeah. Um again, that you found helpful? Yeah. Um again, that you found helpful? Yeah. Um again, I think starting with a road map, I think starting with a road map, I think starting with a road map, starting with a plan. Uh like it seemed starting with a plan. Uh like it seemed starting with a plan. Uh like it seemed like you had you you met you you set a like you had you you met you you set a like you had you you met you you set a plan on Matthew and you went for it. Uh plan on Matthew and you went for it. Uh plan on Matthew and you went for it. Uh but then I would say um you know one but then I would say um you know one but then I would say um you know one thing we do we have these things called thing we do we have these things called thing we do we have these things called huddle groups at our church and the huddle groups at our church and the huddle groups at our church and the whole goal of these groups is to teach whole goal of these groups is to teach whole goal of these groups is to teach one another uh how and train one another one another uh how and train one another one another uh how and train one another in how to do the spiritual discipline.

in how to do the spiritual discipline. in how to do the spiritual discipline. So back to community but one of the So back to community but one of the So back to community but one of the things we use in those groups is is just things we use in those groups is is just things we use in those groups is is just the simple here method h e a r for bible the simple here method h e a r for bible the simple here method h e a r for bible intake. And so if this helps some of you intake. And so if this helps some of you intake. And so if this helps some of you I I would pass it on. The h is I I would pass it on. The h is I I would pass it on. The h is highlight. So that's essentially highlight. So that's essentially highlight. So that's essentially observation. You read a passage of observation. You read a passage of observation. You read a passage of scripture and you're just highlighting scripture and you're just highlighting scripture and you're just highlighting what are the key things that stick out what are the key things that stick out what are the key things that stick out to me? What are the things that I want to me? What are the things that I want to me? What are the things that I want to h maybe go study a little bit more? to h maybe go study a little bit more? to h maybe go study a little bit more? I'm a little bit curious about why is I'm a little bit curious about why is I'm a little bit curious about why is this word in here? So highlight e is this word in here? So highlight e is this word in here? So highlight e is explain. That's where you pull out your explain. That's where you pull out your explain. That's where you pull out your study Bible. If you have a commentary, study Bible. If you have a commentary, study Bible. If you have a commentary, go deeper and try to understand what did go deeper and try to understand what did go deeper and try to understand what did this passage first mean to the people this passage first mean to the people this passage first mean to the people who it was written to. Uh first who it was written to. Uh first who it was written to. Uh first understand, seek to understand that a is understand, seek to understand that a is understand, seek to understand that a is apply. uh what is the principle that's apply. uh what is the principle that's apply. uh what is the principle that's being taught in this passage and then being taught in this passage and then being taught in this passage and then the cross referencing of what where are the cross referencing of what where are the cross referencing of what where are other passages that speak into that same other passages that speak into that same other passages that speak into that same principle that I can learn from and then principle that I can learn from and then principle that I can learn from and then finally respond is the R h e a r and finally respond is the R h e a r and finally respond is the R h e a r and respond is what am I going to do with respond is what am I going to do with respond is what am I going to do with this like god like ask and maybe sit in this like god like ask and maybe sit in this like god like ask and maybe sit in silence and let him speak to your heart silence and let him speak to your heart silence and let him speak to your heart like what do you want me to do in like what do you want me to do in like what do you want me to do in response because here's why that's response because here's why that's response because here's why that's important in Hebrews 5 it says that the important in Hebrews 5 it says that the important in Hebrews 5 it says that the people who go from uh milk to solid food people who go from uh milk to solid food people who go from uh milk to solid food onto maturity are those who uh not only onto maturity are those who uh not only onto maturity are those who uh not only take in the word of God but then they take in the word of God but then they take in the word of God but then they put it into practice in their life. And put it into practice in their life. And put it into practice in their life. And so I think sometimes we don't we don't so I think sometimes we don't we don't so I think sometimes we don't we don't grow deeper in our faith because we grow deeper in our faith because we grow deeper in our faith because we don't do the respond piece. And so I don't do the respond piece. And so I don't do the respond piece. And so I would say that leads to my prayer where would say that leads to my prayer where would say that leads to my prayer where I journal what I'm praying. This is what

I journal what I'm praying. This is what I journal what I'm praying. This is what I'm asking of you, Lord, and I can go I'm asking of you, Lord, and I can go I'm asking of you, Lord, and I can go back and see how I'm doing. So that's back and see how I'm doing. So that's back and see how I'm doing. So that's just one h e practical thing I would just one h e practical thing I would just one h e practical thing I would leave with you. Praise God. Anyone else? leave with you. Praise God. Anyone else? leave with you. Praise God. Anyone else? practical things that you're doing on practical things that you're doing on practical things that you're doing on Bible intake, prayer, maybe Dan, some of Bible intake, prayer, maybe Dan, some of Bible intake, prayer, maybe Dan, some of those um you know, the ones that people those um you know, the ones that people those um you know, the ones that people don't think about as much, the don't think about as much, the don't think about as much, the disciplines. Any practical tips that you disciplines. Any practical tips that you disciplines. Any practical tips that you want to give people? And this is his way want to give people? And this is his way want to give people? And this is his way of queuing it. I'm I have to leave to of queuing it. I'm I have to leave to of queuing it. I'm I have to leave to catch a plane, so I'm going to do this catch a plane, so I'm going to do this catch a plane, so I'm going to do this and drop my mic in humility and joy. and drop my mic in humility and joy. and drop my mic in humility and joy. Well, I thought it was important for him Well, I thought it was important for him Well, I thought it was important for him to say that that he wasn't storming off, to say that that he wasn't storming off, to say that that he wasn't storming off, you know, at some point. I just I agree you know, at some point. I just I agree you know, at some point. I just I agree so violently with everything everybody so violently with everything everybody so violently with everything everybody says that I I'm going to throw down the says that I I'm going to throw down the says that I I'm going to throw down the microphone. So um here is great. H E A R microphone. So um here is great. H E A R microphone. So um here is great. H E A R is great. Um another one is is great. Um another one is is great. Um another one is read, read, read, meditate, pray, live. meditate, pray, live. meditate, pray, live. Read, meditate, pray, live. That's RM. Read, meditate, pray, live. That's RM. Read, meditate, pray, live. That's RM. No, no, it's it's all it's it comes from No, no, it's it's all it's it comes from No, no, it's it's all it's it comes from Latin. It's from the 8th century. Latin. It's from the 8th century. Latin. It's from the 8th century. There's no it doesn't work. So read There's no it doesn't work. So read There's no it doesn't work. So read never mind. So you read it like read it never mind. So you read it like read it never mind. So you read it like read it three or four times. Think about it.

three or four times. Think about it. three or four times. Think about it. Read in two versions. Read it slides Read in two versions. Read it slides Read in two versions. Read it slides into meditation, not separate. If you into meditation, not separate. If you into meditation, not separate. If you read it three, four, five times, which read it three, four, five times, which read it three, four, five times, which is what I do most, um it slides into is what I do most, um it slides into is what I do most, um it slides into meditation and then you pray about it meditation and then you pray about it meditation and then you pray about it because you realize something about God because you realize something about God because you realize something about God or yourself that you didn't quite grasp or yourself that you didn't quite grasp or yourself that you didn't quite grasp somehow and then try to live it, which somehow and then try to live it, which somehow and then try to live it, which of course leads you back into prayer and of course leads you back into prayer and of course leads you back into prayer and maybe to repentance. But the other thing maybe to repentance. But the other thing maybe to repentance. But the other thing I do recommend that you have a longer I do recommend that you have a longer I do recommend that you have a longer list. So, you know, a lot of we all know list. So, you know, a lot of we all know list. So, you know, a lot of we all know that we should pray first thing in the that we should pray first thing in the that we should pray first thing in the morning and not check our cell phone. morning and not check our cell phone. morning and not check our cell phone. It's, you know, it's just good. Maybe It's, you know, it's just good. Maybe It's, you know, it's just good. Maybe turn your phone off, whatever it takes turn your phone off, whatever it takes turn your phone off, whatever it takes to get you to do that. Um I'm I'll let to get you to do that. Um I'm I'll let to get you to do that. Um I'm I'll let other people cover that. I think we know other people cover that. I think we know other people cover that. I think we know that. But it is good to have the fuller that. But it is good to have the fuller that. But it is good to have the fuller list. And if you just have to be with list. And if you just have to be with list. And if you just have to be with people and have to be music and have to people and have to be music and have to people and have to be music and have to be with noise, maybe solitude is your be with noise, maybe solitude is your be with noise, maybe solitude is your discipline. And if you're you find discipline. And if you're you find discipline. And if you're you find yourself getting angry, maybe yourself getting angry, maybe yourself getting angry, maybe celebration via Thanksgiving is what you celebration via Thanksgiving is what you celebration via Thanksgiving is what you need to work on maybe for a year. need to work on maybe for a year. need to work on maybe for a year. So um the beauty is that the church So um the beauty is that the church So um the beauty is that the church spans the centuries. And so there's lots spans the centuries. And so there's lots spans the centuries. And so there's lots of wisdom about about the means of grace of wisdom about about the means of grace of wisdom about about the means of grace and the disciplines of grace. Well, and the disciplines of grace. Well, and the disciplines of grace. Well, blessings on you, brother. Travel.

blessings on you, brother. Travel. blessings on you, brother. Travel. Grateful for what you've been able to Grateful for what you've been able to Grateful for what you've been able to do. I want to ask um our two sisters on do. I want to ask um our two sisters on do. I want to ask um our two sisters on on the panel here. You got a card there, on the panel here. You got a card there, on the panel here. You got a card there, Dan. You don't want to leave maybe. Um I Dan. You don't want to leave maybe. Um I Dan. You don't want to leave maybe. Um I just want to ask about my I've my wife just want to ask about my I've my wife just want to ask about my I've my wife and I have five kids. Um I watched her and I have five kids. Um I watched her and I have five kids. Um I watched her labor and we homeschooled them and all labor and we homeschooled them and all labor and we homeschooled them and all that. I want to I want to get you to that. I want to I want to get you to that. I want to I want to get you to speak to the challenges of being a mom, speak to the challenges of being a mom, speak to the challenges of being a mom, especially as kids are growing up, especially as kids are growing up, especially as kids are growing up, making time for this kind of thing. So, making time for this kind of thing. So, making time for this kind of thing. So, Ruth, maybe Ruth first and then truly. Ruth, maybe Ruth first and then truly. Ruth, maybe Ruth first and then truly. Um, I'm a mama to six boys. My oldest is Um, I'm a mama to six boys. My oldest is Um, I'm a mama to six boys. My oldest is 23 and my youngest is 11 now. And so, 23 and my youngest is 11 now. And so, 23 and my youngest is 11 now. And so, we've gone through the various seasons. we've gone through the various seasons. we've gone through the various seasons. And I think for myself as well as And I think for myself as well as And I think for myself as well as passing it on to my children, we have to passing it on to my children, we have to passing it on to my children, we have to have like we have so many Bibles in the have like we have so many Bibles in the have like we have so many Bibles in the home, but leaving it out, leaving it home, but leaving it out, leaving it home, but leaving it out, leaving it available. Like I I think as mamas, we available. Like I I think as mamas, we available. Like I I think as mamas, we we imagine the birds chirping and the we imagine the birds chirping and the we imagine the birds chirping and the coffee staying hot and having this like coffee staying hot and having this like coffee staying hot and having this like beautiful time in the word when really beautiful time in the word when really beautiful time in the word when really we probably just need to leave our we probably just need to leave our we probably just need to leave our Bibles open and then pop by on the Bibles open and then pop by on the Bibles open and then pop by on the kitchen island and being like, "Hey, kitchen island and being like, "Hey, kitchen island and being like, "Hey, even if it's for a minute, I'm going to even if it's for a minute, I'm going to even if it's for a minute, I'm going to read that passage again and I'm going to read that passage again and I'm going to read that passage again and I'm going to think on it. I'm going to talk about think on it. I'm going to talk about think on it. I'm going to talk about it." you know, and I was thinking about it." you know, and I was thinking about it." you know, and I was thinking about it as we were talking earlier about how it as we were talking earlier about how it as we were talking earlier about how to practically set ourselves up. Um Dan to practically set ourselves up. Um Dan to practically set ourselves up. Um Dan mentioned, you know, having your cell mentioned, you know, having your cell mentioned, you know, having your cell phone put away or but I think you also phone put away or but I think you also phone put away or but I think you also have to like choose not to multitask all have to like choose not to multitask all have to like choose not to multitask all the time, right? I mean, if you want to the time, right? I mean, if you want to the time, right? I mean, if you want to grow in this, I I tend to want to do 10 grow in this, I I tend to want to do 10 grow in this, I I tend to want to do 10 things at at a time because I'm high things at at a time because I'm high things at at a time because I'm high productivity, you know. But the reality productivity, you know. But the reality productivity, you know. But the reality is, if I want to stop and read

is, if I want to stop and read is, if I want to stop and read scripture, chew on it myself, and then scripture, chew on it myself, and then scripture, chew on it myself, and then talk about it to my kids, I can't be talk about it to my kids, I can't be talk about it to my kids, I can't be doing that while I'm listening to a doing that while I'm listening to a doing that while I'm listening to a podcast and trying to text my friend and podcast and trying to text my friend and podcast and trying to text my friend and check social media all at the same time. check social media all at the same time. check social media all at the same time. That's not going to happen. So, it's That's not going to happen. So, it's That's not going to happen. So, it's almost like choosing to say, "Okay, almost like choosing to say, "Okay, almost like choosing to say, "Okay, we're going to not make the drive into we're going to not make the drive into we're going to not make the drive into town or to go get groceries or the drive town or to go get groceries or the drive town or to go get groceries or the drive isn't going to be about listening to isn't going to be about listening to isn't going to be about listening to music or checking our phones or doing music or checking our phones or doing music or checking our phones or doing anything else. We're going to talk about anything else. We're going to talk about anything else. We're going to talk about what we read this morning." And so, what we read this morning." And so, what we read this morning." And so, making that decision actually helps set making that decision actually helps set making that decision actually helps set everybody up to have that conversation. everybody up to have that conversation. everybody up to have that conversation. I think it was Susanna Wesley, don't I think it was Susanna Wesley, don't I think it was Susanna Wesley, don't quote me, who was in the kitchen and she quote me, who was in the kitchen and she quote me, who was in the kitchen and she would take her apron and throw it over would take her apron and throw it over would take her apron and throw it over her head and pray while her kids were her head and pray while her kids were her head and pray while her kids were running around or something like that. running around or something like that. running around or something like that. So, I do believe that you can find time So, I do believe that you can find time So, I do believe that you can find time to spend with the Lord in prayer. Um, I to spend with the Lord in prayer. Um, I to spend with the Lord in prayer. Um, I have a friend who has a prayer closet, have a friend who has a prayer closet, have a friend who has a prayer closet, so she goes in her closet. I must admit so she goes in her closet. I must admit so she goes in her closet. I must admit that I am rather disciplined. So, I am that I am rather disciplined. So, I am that I am rather disciplined. So, I am like the 5:00 a.m. set the alarm, get on like the 5:00 a.m. set the alarm, get on like the 5:00 a.m. set the alarm, get on my knees kind of person. And I think my knees kind of person. And I think my knees kind of person. And I think that that has been a means of grace for that that has been a means of grace for that that has been a means of grace for me. Um, and I recommend it. I recommend me. Um, and I recommend it. I recommend me. Um, and I recommend it. I recommend setting that alarm or doing whatever it setting that alarm or doing whatever it setting that alarm or doing whatever it is, even if it's at lunch, setting some is, even if it's at lunch, setting some is, even if it's at lunch, setting some time to spend with the Lord. I I you time to spend with the Lord. I I you time to spend with the Lord. I I you will not regret it. And I um but that will not regret it. And I um but that will not regret it. And I um but that that is you. I believe that you can be that is you. I believe that you can be that is you. I believe that you can be motivated to do that by grace as well.

motivated to do that by grace as well. motivated to do that by grace as well. Not to earn favor by the Lord, not Not to earn favor by the Lord, not Not to earn favor by the Lord, not because of legalism, but but because you because of legalism, but but because you because of legalism, but but because you love him and you know your need for him love him and you know your need for him love him and you know your need for him and you want to know him. Um and so so and you want to know him. Um and so so and you want to know him. Um and so so so for me, I think one of the things so for me, I think one of the things so for me, I think one of the things practically I would say to you is to practically I would say to you is to practically I would say to you is to figure out when you can. We schedule figure out when you can. We schedule figure out when you can. We schedule everything and then just make it a part everything and then just make it a part everything and then just make it a part of your life. And I loved what Ruth said of your life. And I loved what Ruth said of your life. And I loved what Ruth said about about about uh doing it as a family, setting out uh doing it as a family, setting out uh doing it as a family, setting out that Bible, driving in the car and and that Bible, driving in the car and and that Bible, driving in the car and and listening to the word. Sometimes I take listening to the word. Sometimes I take listening to the word. Sometimes I take walks and I will listen to the word. So walks and I will listen to the word. So walks and I will listen to the word. So So getting creative, especially if you So getting creative, especially if you So getting creative, especially if you have young kids. My kids have young kids. My kids have young kids. My kids are 15 and 18 and so they're on their are 15 and 18 and so they're on their are 15 and 18 and so they're on their way out. So it does some of this has way out. So it does some of this has way out. So it does some of this has gotten easier, right? Um, but I do think gotten easier, right? Um, but I do think gotten easier, right? Um, but I do think that you can think creatively about how that you can think creatively about how that you can think creatively about how to get in the word. I've heard of people to get in the word. I've heard of people to get in the word. I've heard of people writing index cards. Um, but just know writing index cards. Um, but just know writing index cards. Um, but just know think of just remember the apron over think of just remember the apron over think of just remember the apron over your head prayer and and do it and and I your head prayer and and do it and and I your head prayer and and do it and and I also do believe real quick that it will also do believe real quick that it will also do believe real quick that it will bless your children like as they see you bless your children like as they see you bless your children like as they see you um leaning into the Lord and they you um leaning into the Lord and they you um leaning into the Lord and they you mommy's dependent on God. I can't raise mommy's dependent on God. I can't raise mommy's dependent on God. I can't raise you kids without him. as they say that I you kids without him. as they say that I you kids without him. as they say that I do believe that it will be a blessing do believe that it will be a blessing do believe that it will be a blessing and it's something that they will not and it's something that they will not and it's something that they will not always emulate but they might and and always emulate but they might and and always emulate but they might and and and I I I I believe it's honorable and and I I I I believe it's honorable and and I I I I believe it's honorable and and and I encourage you to figure out and and I encourage you to figure out and and I encourage you to figure out what it is and how you can practically

what it is and how you can practically what it is and how you can practically enjoy him. Yeah. Listening to your enjoy him. Yeah. Listening to your enjoy him. Yeah. Listening to your story, I'm reminded of a professor I had story, I'm reminded of a professor I had story, I'm reminded of a professor I had at Gordon Conwell named Christy Wilson. at Gordon Conwell named Christy Wilson. at Gordon Conwell named Christy Wilson. and he's a prayer warrior and big into and he's a prayer warrior and big into and he's a prayer warrior and big into spiritual disciplines, but he told a spiritual disciplines, but he told a spiritual disciplines, but he told a story about a man that was known for story about a man that was known for story about a man that was known for getting up as as you said very early in getting up as as you said very early in getting up as as you said very early in the morning. And there was a young man the morning. And there was a young man the morning. And there was a young man that came to him and said, um, I just that came to him and said, um, I just that came to him and said, um, I just want to know your secret. I mean, how want to know your secret. I mean, how want to know your secret. I mean, how how do you do it? And he looked at him how do you do it? And he looked at him how do you do it? And he looked at him and all serious and got real quiet. He and all serious and got real quiet. He and all serious and got real quiet. He said, young man, I get said, young man, I get said, young man, I get up. So, in the end, that's it. That's up. So, in the end, that's it. That's up. So, in the end, that's it. That's the secret. I mean, even may need to set the secret. I mean, even may need to set the secret. I mean, even may need to set an alarm and all that, but but you're an alarm and all that, but but you're an alarm and all that, but but you're going to say something. Well, I just going to say something. Well, I just going to say something. Well, I just wanted to add something also about wanted to add something also about wanted to add something also about something you said earlier because we something you said earlier because we something you said earlier because we moved on way too quickly. He was talking moved on way too quickly. He was talking moved on way too quickly. He was talking about memorizing scripture and I about memorizing scripture and I about memorizing scripture and I remember I have had four miscarriages remember I have had four miscarriages remember I have had four miscarriages and so after my second one was and so after my second one was and so after my second one was completely on my face. I couldn't read completely on my face. I couldn't read completely on my face. I couldn't read my Bible. I foggy foggy just sad. But as my Bible. I foggy foggy just sad. But as my Bible. I foggy foggy just sad. But as I was laying there, the Lord I'm going I was laying there, the Lord I'm going I was laying there, the Lord I'm going to cry recalled scripture to my mind and to cry recalled scripture to my mind and to cry recalled scripture to my mind and to my heart because I had spent so much to my heart because I had spent so much to my heart because I had spent so much time reading him before. So, I also want time reading him before. So, I also want time reading him before. So, I also want to encourage you like you said that you to encourage you like you said that you to encourage you like you said that you couldn't retain. Sorry, we switched couldn't retain. Sorry, we switched couldn't retain. Sorry, we switched subject real quick, but you said you subject real quick, but you said you subject real quick, but you said you couldn't retain, but I believe I think couldn't retain, but I believe I think couldn't retain, but I believe I think it's I don't remember if it was Packer it's I don't remember if it was Packer it's I don't remember if it was Packer or who it is, but someone one of our um or who it is, but someone one of our um or who it is, but someone one of our um people were going blind and and and people were going blind and and and people were going blind and and and really sad that he was going blind and I really sad that he was going blind and I really sad that he was going blind and I can't remember who it was, but but can't remember who it was, but but can't remember who it was, but but because he had spent so much time because he had spent so much time because he had spent so much time reading the word, it was in his heart.

reading the word, it was in his heart. reading the word, it was in his heart. It was ingrained in his in his mind. So, It was ingrained in his in his mind. So, It was ingrained in his in his mind. So, I just want to also encourage you with I just want to also encourage you with I just want to also encourage you with that in a time of suffering, yeah, that in a time of suffering, yeah, that in a time of suffering, yeah, the Lord will recall all of this to your the Lord will recall all of this to your the Lord will recall all of this to your mind even if you can't do it. If you mind even if you can't do it. If you mind even if you can't do it. If you can't open the scriptures because you're can't open the scriptures because you're can't open the scriptures because you're you're just too weak, your brain, and I you're just too weak, your brain, and I you're just too weak, your brain, and I love Romans 8 that um the Holy Spirit love Romans 8 that um the Holy Spirit love Romans 8 that um the Holy Spirit intercedes for us with groanings too intercedes for us with groanings too intercedes for us with groanings too deep for worse. So, so the spirit will deep for worse. So, so the spirit will deep for worse. So, so the spirit will pray for you too. You don't have to have pray for you too. You don't have to have pray for you too. You don't have to have eloquent and I Ruth has um emphasized eloquent and I Ruth has um emphasized eloquent and I Ruth has um emphasized this a lot and which is so good. You this a lot and which is so good. You this a lot and which is so good. You don't have to come as this perfect don't have to come as this perfect don't have to come as this perfect person and so you can have no words and person and so you can have no words and person and so you can have no words and the Lord will um hear your cry. You guys the Lord will um hear your cry. You guys the Lord will um hear your cry. You guys have been amazing. We have gotten have been amazing. We have gotten have been amazing. We have gotten through all the questions I wanted to. through all the questions I wanted to. through all the questions I wanted to. We still have three minutes left. Um We still have three minutes left. Um We still have three minutes left. Um final word each of you before I close final word each of you before I close final word each of you before I close and pray. Ashton, I'll give you the and pray. Ashton, I'll give you the and pray. Ashton, I'll give you the first shot. final exhortation or first shot. final exhortation or first shot. final exhortation or something that the Lord is moving you to something that the Lord is moving you to something that the Lord is moving you to say on this topic. Yeah, I think I would say on this topic. Yeah, I think I would say on this topic. Yeah, I think I would just add um what's been said, maybe echo just add um what's been said, maybe echo just add um what's been said, maybe echo it again about um practice these it again about um practice these it again about um practice these disciplines in community. Uh you know, I disciplines in community. Uh you know, I disciplines in community. Uh you know, I think there's so much uh you know, I've think there's so much uh you know, I've think there's so much uh you know, I've taken the um godly training is of more taken the um godly training is of more taken the um godly training is of more value than bodily training uh way too value than bodily training uh way too value than bodily training uh way too literally. I don't work out as often as literally. I don't work out as often as literally. I don't work out as often as I should, you know, physically. Um but I should, you know, physically. Um but I should, you know, physically. Um but there's so many parallels between uh there's so many parallels between uh there's so many parallels between uh working out physically and spiritual working out physically and spiritual working out physically and spiritual disciplines. And one of them is when I disciplines. And one of them is when I disciplines. And one of them is when I was regularly working out. It was it it

was regularly working out. It was it it was regularly working out. It was it it worked better when I was doing it with worked better when I was doing it with worked better when I was doing it with someone and I was showing up at the gym. someone and I was showing up at the gym. someone and I was showing up at the gym. There's accountability and we were going There's accountability and we were going There's accountability and we were going through a program together. And I think through a program together. And I think through a program together. And I think that's the same thing when you do it. So that's the same thing when you do it. So that's the same thing when you do it. So the key word there is accountability. So the key word there is accountability. So the key word there is accountability. So that's what you mean by so getting a that's what you mean by so getting a that's what you mean by so getting a brother or if you're a woman getting a brother or if you're a woman getting a brother or if you're a woman getting a sister that can hold you accountable. sister that can hold you accountable. sister that can hold you accountable. That's that's important. Yeah. We like That's that's important. Yeah. We like That's that's important. Yeah. We like real quickly I'll say this too. In our real quickly I'll say this too. In our real quickly I'll say this too. In our church we have this thing um seven church we have this thing um seven church we have this thing um seven characteristics of a mature disciple. characteristics of a mature disciple. characteristics of a mature disciple. You can go to a website and and it's the You can go to a website and and it's the You can go to a website and and it's the spiritual disciplines are in there and spiritual disciplines are in there and spiritual disciplines are in there and you can actually like actually score you can actually like actually score you can actually like actually score yourself like how you're doing and be yourself like how you're doing and be yourself like how you're doing and be able to go to your community group and able to go to your community group and able to go to your community group and say here's where I'm weak like verbally say here's where I'm weak like verbally say here's where I'm weak like verbally say it and then everyone can say all say it and then everyone can say all say it and then everyone can say all right we're going to hold you right we're going to hold you right we're going to hold you accountable to this. So we kind of have accountable to this. So we kind of have accountable to this. So we kind of have built in some pathways to do it in built in some pathways to do it in built in some pathways to do it in community. Ruth how about you? Any final community. Ruth how about you? Any final community. Ruth how about you? Any final words or exhortations? Um, you know, words or exhortations? Um, you know, words or exhortations? Um, you know, there's a Latin proverb that I can't do there's a Latin proverb that I can't do there's a Latin proverb that I can't do in Latin, but it it goes, "Everything I in Latin, but it it goes, "Everything I in Latin, but it it goes, "Everything I own, I carry with me." And I think about own, I carry with me." And I think about own, I carry with me." And I think about that a lot about how I carry the cell that a lot about how I carry the cell that a lot about how I carry the cell phone with me, and it's got all the phone with me, and it's got all the phone with me, and it's got all the vital things, all the, you know, I could vital things, all the, you know, I could vital things, all the, you know, I could like search any scripture. I could like search any scripture. I could like search any scripture. I could search anything, but really, like we've search anything, but really, like we've search anything, but really, like we've been talking about today, part of my been talking about today, part of my been talking about today, part of my desire in growing in spiritual desire in growing in spiritual desire in growing in spiritual disciplines is that I could drop my cell disciplines is that I could drop my cell disciplines is that I could drop my cell phone in the ocean. and I could be phone in the ocean. and I could be phone in the ocean. and I could be stranded on an island like Castaway or stranded on an island like Castaway or stranded on an island like Castaway or whatever is happening that I would have whatever is happening that I would have whatever is happening that I would have this robust relationship with the Lord this robust relationship with the Lord this robust relationship with the Lord that it cannot be affected by world news that it cannot be affected by world news that it cannot be affected by world news or whether I have my device or not or or whether I have my device or not or or whether I have my device or not or whether circumstances are going my way.

whether circumstances are going my way. whether circumstances are going my way. And so it's it's a fight, but it's one And so it's it's a fight, but it's one And so it's it's a fight, but it's one where what you truly have is something where what you truly have is something where what you truly have is something that is not dependent on a lot of other that is not dependent on a lot of other that is not dependent on a lot of other things. that you really have hidden the things. that you really have hidden the things. that you really have hidden the word, you've chewed on it, that prayer word, you've chewed on it, that prayer word, you've chewed on it, that prayer goes with you, that everything you own, goes with you, that everything you own, goes with you, that everything you own, you actually carry with you inside. you actually carry with you inside. you actually carry with you inside. Amen. Trulia. Um I think it's Jerry Amen. Trulia. Um I think it's Jerry Amen. Trulia. Um I think it's Jerry Bridges coined the word preach the Bridges coined the word preach the Bridges coined the word preach the gospel to yourself. And so that is my gospel to yourself. And so that is my gospel to yourself. And so that is my exhortation and encouragement to you is exhortation and encouragement to you is exhortation and encouragement to you is that as you're seeking to um grow in the that as you're seeking to um grow in the that as you're seeking to um grow in the spiritual disciplines that you're spiritual disciplines that you're spiritual disciplines that you're preaching the gospel and reminding preaching the gospel and reminding preaching the gospel and reminding yourself of the truth um of the good yourself of the truth um of the good yourself of the truth um of the good news every single day. It's not just for news every single day. It's not just for news every single day. It's not just for salvation. and it's precarious and so salvation. and it's precarious and so salvation. and it's precarious and so remembering him I think will will ser remembering him I think will will ser remembering him I think will will ser well I don't think I know will serve you well I don't think I know will serve you well I don't think I know will serve you so well. Amen. Ashen, would you pray us so well. Amen. Ashen, would you pray us so well. Amen. Ashen, would you pray us out brother? I'd love to. Yes. Lord, we out brother? I'd love to. Yes. Lord, we out brother? I'd love to. Yes. Lord, we love you. We thank you uh for the gift love you. We thank you uh for the gift love you. We thank you uh for the gift that we get to communion with you and that we get to communion with you and that we get to communion with you and have a relationship with you. And so have a relationship with you. And so have a relationship with you. And so Jesus, I pray that uh our encouragement Jesus, I pray that uh our encouragement Jesus, I pray that uh our encouragement would uh as been said, if this is an would uh as been said, if this is an would uh as been said, if this is an area of struggle that we just turn to area of struggle that we just turn to area of struggle that we just turn to you and say, Lord, help us. uh we want you and say, Lord, help us. uh we want you and say, Lord, help us. uh we want to uh desire and we want to know and we to uh desire and we want to know and we to uh desire and we want to know and we want to grow. And so Lord, I pray that want to grow. And so Lord, I pray that want to grow. And so Lord, I pray that for everyone in this room that as they for everyone in this room that as they for everyone in this room that as they go, they would have a renewed uh just be go, they would have a renewed uh just be go, they would have a renewed uh just be reinvigorated to pursue you uh to say reinvigorated to pursue you uh to say reinvigorated to pursue you uh to say one thing I've asked of the Lord to one thing I've asked of the Lord to one thing I've asked of the Lord to dwell in the presence of the Lord all dwell in the presence of the Lord all dwell in the presence of the Lord all the days of my life. And so that's what the days of my life. And so that's what the days of my life. And so that's what we want Jesus, we need you. We declare we want Jesus, we need you. We declare we want Jesus, we need you. We declare that we need you. It's in Christ's name

that we need you. It's in Christ's name that we need you. It's in Christ's name that we pray. Amen. Thank you all for that we pray. Amen. Thank you all for that we pray. Amen. Thank you all for coming. coming. coming. [Music]