July 8 Insert Restoring Spiritual Disciplines - Sabbath .pdf
July 8 Insert Restoring Spiritual Disciplines - Sabbath .pdf
July 8 Insert Restoring Spiritual Disciplines - Sabbath .pdf
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Practicing the <strong>Sabbath</strong> <strong>July</strong> 8What is the Discipline of the <strong>Sabbath</strong>?An invitation to cease from productive work one day a week (normally the first day), in order to engage innew practices such as corporate worship, fellowship, prayer, Scripture reading, quiet reflection, and rest.Why do we practice the <strong>Sabbath</strong>1. A sign of our reliance on God’s grace2. Breaks the hold work has on our lives3. A way we image GodHow do you practice <strong>Spiritual</strong> <strong>Disciplines</strong>?1. Voluntary practice2. For a defined period of time3. For an understood purpose4. With a good understanding of how to practice thedisciplineHow do you practice the <strong>Sabbath</strong>1. Listen to the Holy Spirit’s leading.2. Understand biblical principles:a. Ceasing mid-stream - your work won’t be finished; yousimply stop.b. Set apart for God (holy time) – ask the question, “Willthis activity invite me into relationship with God?”c. Letting go -- stop working on life problems and givethem to God.d. Not rigid -- your “ox may fall in a ditch,” and yourwitness is one of love.3. Develop your plan with family members and friends.4. Expect early efforts to be hard, but long-term efforts to be life-giving.
Practical <strong>Sabbath</strong> Ideas1. Plan your <strong>Sabbath</strong>; record your plans in your calendar.2. Built-in relational times – couch time, sit-down dinners,walks, drives, picnics3. Naps4. Phone visits with someone you love5. Technology free periods – no TV, no computer, noplaystation, no radio6. Activity free, unscheduled periods; noise-free periods7. Ceasing from yard work, organized sports, errands,laundry, exercise, competition8. Breaking from things which normally stress youReflection Questions1. What compulsions cause you to resist ceasing?2. How does taking a <strong>Sabbath</strong> enhance your enjoyment andworship of God?3. What makes a <strong>Sabbath</strong> day nourishing and replenishing toyou?4. What happens to you when you go without regularrhythms of work and rest?Trying to practice the “spirit” without specific actions.Tackling too much at onceFailing to get broad buy-inNo accountabilityToo many exceptionsBecoming legalistic<strong>Sabbath</strong> StoppersSpirit of the <strong>Disciplines</strong>, Dallas WillardKeeping the <strong>Sabbath</strong> Holy, Marva Dawn<strong>Sabbath</strong>-Keeping, Lynne BaabA Man’s Guide to <strong>Spiritual</strong> <strong>Disciplines</strong>, Patrick Morley<strong>Sabbath</strong> Resources-<strong>Insert</strong> compiled with thoughts from Nelson Ould, Corey Widmer,Tommy Thompson, Third staff, and Dallas Willard
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