Make Room, Part 2: Practice Makes Progress // Samer Massad
Sep 24, 2023
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Guest Samer Massad, a proponent of spiritual disciplines, discusses the importance of practicing well. The podcast highlights various disciplines such as scripture study, prayer, giving, Sabbath rest, and fasting. These practices create room for transformation and deeper connection with God.
Regularly engaging with the scriptures can transform our thinking and who we are.
Simple prayer, where we bring our true feelings before God, leads to transformation and a better understanding of His heart.
Deep dives
Disciplines of Engagement: Studying the Scriptures
Studying the scriptures is not just about gathering information, but about transformation. By regularly engaging with the scriptures, we can allow God's truth to shape our thinking and ultimately transform who we are. It is important to approach studying the scriptures not with the goal of getting through it all, but with a focus on quality and application. Setting aside a specific time, place, and plan for studying the scriptures can help create a habit that allows us to experience more of God's transforming power.
Disciplines of Engagement: Prayer
Prayer is a way to talk and listen to God, aligning our souls with our Heavenly Father. It is about being honest, creating space for Him to speak, and developing a deeper intimacy and trust in our relationship with Him. Simple prayer, where we bring our true feelings, fears, and gratitude before God, can be a powerful practice that leads to transformation and a better understanding of God's heart and character.
Disciplines of Engagement: Giving
Giving is not just about financial contributions, but about cultivating a generous heart and an awareness of God's work in the world. It helps us break free from the grip of material possessions, allowing us to live with a greater sense of joy, freedom, and trust in God's provision. Whether through percentage giving or acts of charity, giving is a spiritual discipline that can transform our perspective and help us live a life focused on love and generosity.
Disciplines of Abstinence: Silence and Solitude, Sabbath, and Fasting
Practicing the disciplines of abstinence involves intentionally stepping away from certain activities or behaviors. Silence and solitude create space for us to be still and listen to God, removing external and internal noise to develop a greater awareness of His presence. Sabbath is a 24-hour period each week dedicated to rest and enjoyment of God, allowing us to break free from the constant busyness and productivity of our lives. Fasting, particularly from food, helps us develop self-control and reveals what lies beneath the surface, allowing us to confront and surrender harmful desires or appetites. Implementing these disciplines can open the door for personal transformation and a deeper connection with God.
Spiritual disciplines require practice. Practicing well is just as important as practicing, period. In this message, we’ll learn about a few disciplines we can begin to practice to make room to experience more of God’s power in our lives.