Date: 30-Jan-2024
Name: Flo
Topic: CREATING WINNING HABITS
Content:
*James 1:12*
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him
John Maxwell often says, *Most people have uphill hopes, but downhill habits"*
Many have dreams they want to accomplish but the problem is their habits don't match their hopes.
*Four Keys to Habit Creation *:
1. *Habits Need a Time*
When you look at Jesus' habit of prayer, he prayed at various times, but Scripture makes a specific reference to mornings
*Mark 1:35* - *Before daybreak the next
morning*, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.
*Luke 4:42a* (NLT) - *Early the next morning* Jesus went out to an isolated place..
2. *Habits Need a Place*
Each time Jesus prayed, the Bible refers to the place he prayed. The place wasn't always the same, but the place was always secluded.
*Luke 4:42a* - Early the next morning Jesus went out to an *isolated place*..
*Mark 1:35* - Before daybreak the next
morning, Jesus got up and went out to an *isolated* place to pray.
*Luke 5:16* - But Jesus often withdrew to the *wilderness* for prayer
*Luke 6:12* - One day soon afterward Jesus went up on a *mountain* to pray, and he prayed to God all night.
*Mark 6:46* - After telling everyone good-bye he went up into the *hills* by himself to pray.
The Bible verses consistently revealed one thing - a secluded place where Jesus prayed.
Simply put, every habit needs a home. That home is the place where the habit can take root and the habit can produce fruit.
3. *Habits Need a Frequency*
This seems obvious because habits have some degree of frequency and regularity.
*Luke 5:16* - But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.
Without frequency, a habit isn't a habit; it's a hobby!
4. *Habits need a partner*
Typically Jesus prayed alone, but there are references of other people being with him or near him, when he prayed.
*Luke 9:18a* – One day Jesus left the crowds to pray alone. Only his disciples were with him…
Prayer Points:
*Prayer Points*
1. Father, empower me to remain steadfast under challenges, so I may receive the reward promised to those who love You.
2. Father, guide me to establish a consistent time for prayer and communion with You, just as Jesus did.
3. Father , give me the wisdom to discover my own place for prayer.
4. Father, instill in me the discipline to pray regularly. Give me the strength to make prayer a frequent and key part of my daily life
5. Father, lead me to the right relationships that will support my spiritual growth – those that will strengthen my habits of faith and draw me closer to You.
