Don't cry cause it's over, smile cause it happened. It’s the last episode of season 6 and while you're fighting back tears, let us lift your head and remind you once more that you're not the center of the universe, God is. Couldn't think of a better way to end our season together.

Our sin nature creates a gravitational pull toward ourselves. But everything gets better when we make God, not ourselves, the center.

This applies to every area of life! So far we’ve talked about…

It’s really easy to agree with what we’re saying. That’s called head knowledge. But it’s a whole new ball game to live this out.

How do we get the rubber to meet the road?

If you’re expecting some awesome new cocktail of things to do, we’re about to disappoint…Our culture has made u want something new, fast and easy. Give me the quick fix, the latest thing.

But the Bible’s answer is not something new or something fast.

It’s the old and slow things.

Acts 2:42-47 says…

They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all the believers were together and had all things in common; and they would sell their property and possessions and share them with all, to the extent that anyone had need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.

The early church believers were dedicated to three “old and slow things”:

The Word of God
Prayer
Church

These aren’t new to us. We must dedicate ourselves to these three things to see the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.

How do we check ourselves in these areas?

Are you regularly and consistently reading God’s Word and listening to its teaching?
Are you developing a personal relationship with God by communicating with Him?
Are you a member of a local body of believers under the leadership of a qualified pastor to practice the sacraments?

You will not live a joy-filled, God-centered life without all three of those elements!

How do we put these old things into practice?

As verse 46 says, “day by day”. Let’s break that down for each of these areas.

The Word of God

Time in the Word every day. Doesn’t have to be morning. Doesn’t matter if it's fast or slow. But consistency is key.

Prayer

We recommend journaling your prayers. Find a quiet space where you can share with God what’s on your heart and listen. Writing out our prayers has really helped us stay focused and intentional.

Church

We need others who can keep us accountable and help us see our blind spots.

Hebrews 3:13 says, “But encourage one another every day, as long as it is still called “today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”

Hebrews 10:25 “not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”

We wouldn’t necessarily pick the people in our churches as our friends. But we are bonded through the blood of Christ on the cross! We’re a diverse group of weirdos who get to love each other!

Application questions:

Are any of these areas missing in your daily life? Stop right now and ask God for help and creativity to improve in these areas.
Pull out your calendar and decide now when you’ll spend time in God’s Word and prayer. (If you don’t create a plan, it won’t happen!)
If you struggle with focus in prayer, pick out a prayer journal.
Spend time thanking God for the areas that are going well!
Dedicate some time to memorizing Hebrews 3:13.

Want to ask us a question? Email question@clearlypodcast.com.

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