This month's topic is Spiritual Disciplines. One of the main goals of this study is to help your group develop spiritual disciplines in their lives. This month we look at these disciplines from a high view. We have already worked on bible study, scripture memory, journaling, and accountability. We will continue to work on these disciplines in the future. If you can get someone to discipline themselves for godliness, they will be well on their way to getting strong spiritually. Too often, our churches only give their members a fish (they eat for a day) rather than teaching them how to fish (they learn to feed themselves). These are foundation habits that everyone needs to build their life on.

Matthew 7:24-27 (NLT)

"Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. 25 Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won't collapse because it is built on bedrock. 26 But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn't obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. 27 When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash."

Leader Guide 

• It takes time to develop spiritual discipline. Take some time with your group to discuss their daily disciplines. I always have someone in my group who is struggling with daily consistency. We want to hold them accountable and stretch them to grow in spiritual discipline.

• Reinforce the disciplines of our discipleship process: Bible reading, journaling, memorization, prayer, and accountability. Set a good example for them to follow.

• Challenge each person to fast food if possible. Be sensitive to health and diet concerns. A fast should be difficult. Don't let them take the easy way out. If they don't fast food, make sure the group approves their fast. For example, I am not on social media, so a social media fast would be a weak fast for me.

Bible Reading Plan – Talking Points 

• Discuss the rich meaning of John 1 - Jesus is the Word, He was with God, He is God, He is the Word that became Flesh (all God all man).

• What does it mean to be salt and light to the world?

• What does Jesus mean when He said, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also"? What do you treasure above God?

• What does it say about God that He would leave the 99 and look for the 1? What does it say about your value? Luke 15

• Look at the miracles listed; what do they say about God? Do you believe that Jesus did these miracles? Does he still do miracles?

Book Recommendations: Spiritual Disciplines

1) Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald S. Whitney.  This is an excellent book and a Christian classic. It is an excellent read for both men and women.

2) A Man's Guide to Spiritual Disciplines by Patrick Morley.  This is an easier read and focused on men.

3) Disciplines of a Godly Woman by Barbara Hughes

4) Disciplines of a Godly Man by Kent Hughes