Alexandria Covenant Church

Habits of the Heart

Episode Summary

Growing closer to God doesn't just happen, it requires intentional habits that we build into our daily lives to align our hearts with His.

Episode Notes

1 Timothy 4:6-16 ESV

If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed.Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godlinessfor while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance.For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.Command and teach these things.Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you.Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

"If you want to change your life, change your habits. If you want to change your habits, let God change your heart." -Craig Groeschel

Habit #1: Pray Intentionally

Psalm 145:18 ESV

The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

Philippians 4:6-7 NLT

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Matthew 26:41 ESV

Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

Habit #2: Read the Bible with other believers

1 Timothy 4:13 ESV

Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.

Colossians 3:12-17 ESV

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patiencebearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Hebrews 4:12 ESV

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Habit #3: Find Community

Hebrews 10:22-25 ESV

let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good worksnot neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Proverbs 27:17 ESV

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

Matthew 18:20 ESV

For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

Habit #4: Give back to the one who has given to you

1 Peter 4:10-11 NIV

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

2 Corinthians 9:7 ESV

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Application:
Don't overwhelm yourself and try to do it all, pick one habit to focus on and give it your all.