Four Habits to Fortify Your Faith
By Rick Warren
“Spend your time and energy in the exercise of keeping spiritually fit.” 1 Timothy 4:7 (TLB)
If you want God to use you, then you need to fortify your faith.
The Bible says in 1 Timothy 4:7, “Spend your time and energy in the exercise of keeping spiritually fit” (TLB).
I wonder how many people wake up thinking, “I get to exercise today!” I certainly don’t. But I do know that we all need both physical and spiritual exercise. I also know this about exercise: I want the most benefit I can get out of every minute I exercise, whether it’s physical or spiritual.
To get the most out of your spiritual exercise, practice these four spiritual habits that will fortify your faith.
Study the Bible. Your Bible study needs to be personal. You can’t depend on somebody else’s study of the Bible to fortify your faith. You have to do it yourself.
The Bible says, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT).
God’s Word is the “Get Ready” manual for life. If you want to get ready to be used by God, you’ve got to study the Bible.
Read Christian books. Proverbs 19:8 says, “Do yourself a favor and learn all you can” (GNT). You learn a lot more when you read books that help you grow spiritually.
Write out your testimony. The Bible says in 1 Peter 3:15, “Always be ready to answer everyone who asks you to explain about the hope you have” (NCV). Just like nobody else can study for you, nobody else can tell your story. There are four parts to a testimony: what your life was like before you came to Christ, how you realized you needed Christ in your life, how you committed your life to Christ, and what your life is like now.
Join a small group. “Encourage each other and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NLT). When it comes to fortifying your faith, few things compare to regular contact with your small group. If you are not in a small group, find people you can share life with and who will support you as you grow in faith.
These four habits will help you stay spiritually fit so that you’re ready for God to use you. Which one will you start practicing today?
PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
Be Encouraged Each Day to Live Out God’s Purposes
As thanks for your gift below to help share the gospel with more people around the world through Daily Hope, we’ll send you Pastor Rick’s new book, Daily Hope Devotional: 365 Days of Purpose, Peace, and Promise.
Each devotional starts out with a Bible verse, followed by teaching that explains God’s Word and shows you how to apply it daily so you can face any challenge and live the life you were created to live.
As a special bonus when you give, we’ll also send you What's Driving Your Life?: A 10-Day Turnaround for a Fresh Start. Featuring 10 hand-picked devotions from Pastor Rick’s new book, they’ll guide anyone feeling stressed, worried, or discouraged toward seeking God for a fresh start.
Request your copy below when you give—and take the first step towards a year of real purpose, lasting peace, and unfailing promises.
Thank you for your partnership!
*The USA IRS code permits you to deduct the amount of your financial gift to Daily Hope that exceeds the fair market value of materials you received from Daily Hope.
This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
You can listen to Rick Warren on OnePlace.com.
