The Formation of Habits

Weekly Update – August 5th, 2021

This summer I did a bit of reading on the formation of habits. After a busy period of life, I realized that I needed to take a step back and consider how to form better habits for the time that the Lord has given to me each day. One book that I read is titled, The Common Rule. In it, Justin Earley gives eight basic habits that shape his life. I won’t share all of them with you at this time, but one that continues to come back to me is the habit of Scripture before phone.

Every day we have an opportunity to shape our identity. That means that according to Earley, we need to start our day off with the question, “Who am I and who am I becoming?” instead of “What do I need to do today?” This is not an easy shift in our mindset. I know that I like to make lists and check off what I have done for the day and look at what is still ahead for me. But the habit of starting with Scripture instead of email, check boxes or social media, helps to set our identity for the day in Jesus, instead of anger and division found in the news, envy found in social media or busyness found in email.

I will have to be honest, I don’t do this perfectly, but it is something that I am striving to be better at. It is a habit to be conscious of when you go to bed at night, through turning off notifications, setting your Bible next to your bedside and reminding yourself who you are pursuing. A great place to start would be to simply read a Psalm first thing in the morning, take a few minutes to mediate upon it, then get up and start your day. However you start your morning, I would encourage you to start it first with what God has said, instead of what friends, news pundits and the world around you wants you to know.

Serving Him with You,
Pastor Michael Nelson

Written by Pastor
Michael Nelson

Fighter Verse for the Week:

“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” – Matthew 10:28

Announcements:

Work Day: On Saturday, August 28th from 8:00am-noon, we will have a day to clean and work on minor projects around the church. A light breakfast will be provided.

Child Protection Meeting: On Sunday, August 29th from 5:00-7:30pm, there will be a child protection meeting. This is required for all who work with children. The meeting will be presented by Dawn Hensley from the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home. You can find a preview of this meeting HERE.

Bible Study

Bible Study meets at 9:15am on Sunday mornings in the Sanctuary.

Giving

To Give Online, Go HERE. 

You can also mail your offering to 1416 Main Street, Grandview, MO. 64030

Prayer

An updated Prayer Guide can be accessed HERE.