Gotta start somewhere.

Do the difficult things while they are easy and the great things while they are small. A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step. –Lao Tzu


Summertime is sneaking up on us. And while most folks make their resolutions in January, the slower pace of summer can also be a great time for trying something new to wake up your spiritual lifestyle. (It’s always a good time, when attempting change, to enlist a friend to keep you on track.)

Been thinking you’d like to read the Bible more often, but it seems like it’s too hard, or challenging, or irrelevant and hard to understand? You may be doing it wrong. If the only Bible you’ve ever tried to read is the King James Version, filled with lovely but old-fashioned Thees and Thous, consider a newer translation, like the Common English Bible, New Living Translation or even The Message. The Bible has been a best-seller for ages, but what good is a book if no one reads it?

Maybe you are really dialed in to technology. There are many, many good apps out there, for desktops, laptops and smart phones, designed to help you get more out of the time you spend in Bible study.

But—whatever you do, don’t decide you want to start a 30-day, read-it-all project. The Bible’s purpose is to bring us closer to the Divine in time spent together, not time spent dashing through. Think baby steps, not marathons, and commit yourself to reading smaller passages, but seeking to understand them better. And remember: the Bible is not a single book; rather, it’s a collection of books, and doesn’t have to be read through in order. There is a better way. (I can help you find a flow that works better for you.)

Spiritual fitness, like physical fitness, is a commitment you make to improve yourself. It takes time. It can be challenging. And you may just love the results. Let’s get started!

Monday Community is an important element for spiritual growth.  Many, many studies show that people come to church for worship, Bible study or whatever reason-- because they were invited. Who will you invite to join you on your spiritual walk? 
John 21:26-27

Tuesday Pause and reflect on the unconditional love Christ offers to each one of us, just as we are. Give thanks and rest. 
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Wednesday In the beginning, out of chaos the Almighty created order. As you begin a new spiritual path through Scripture this week, pray that God would bring peace, comfort and hope to this area of your life. Give thanks and rest. 
Isaiah 42:5-9

Thursday Who has had an influence on your faith journey? Pause and remember, and consider writing them a note of thanks. Ask God to guide your heart in being a light to others. Pass it on. 
Acts 2:42-47

Friday John Wesley saw value in small group meetings as a way to deepen relationships. What small group(s) are you part of in your church? (Committees don’t count.) Thank God for this family. 
1 Samuel 12:22-24

Saturday As you pray for yourself today, listen. Is the Spirit leading you in a new direction? Pray for clarity and for courage to follow faithfully. 
Exodus 4:10-12

Sunday Happy Father’s Day! As we gather this morning to worship, give thanks for the men who have shaped and molded you as you grew up. Pause and reflect on the image of God the Father. 
Isaiah 42:10-11

Question? How do you eat a whole elephant?

Answer: One bite at a time. Chew thoroughly and thoughtfully. 

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