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- Apr 25, 2006
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Your quiet time with God (7)
'O GOD, YOU ARE MY GOD, EARNESTLY I SEEK YOU.' PSALM 63:1
Psychologists say it takes up to three weeks to get familiar with a new habit; then another three weeks before it takes root. You've got to get beyond that six-week barrier! Here's a simple formula for developing a healthy habit:
1) Get some help: The Bible says 'Encourage one another daily' (Hebrews 3:13 NIV). So become accountable to someone. Ask them to encourage you and to remind you of the promise you made to God.
2) Never allow an exception. It's easy to say 'Just this once I won't do it' but once can quickly turn to twice. A healthy habit will grow strong when you don't give in so don't make excuses, not even once!
3) Grab every opportunity to practice your new habit. Whenever you get the slightest urge to practice it, do it right. Don't wait; use that moment to reinforce it. It doesn't hurt to overdo a new habit when you are first starting.
4) Rely on the power of God. When all is said and done, you must realise you're in a spiritual battle and that you can only succeed by the power of the Holy Spirit inside you. So pray that God will strengthen you. Depend on Him to help you develop the habit for His glory.
Right now why don't you find a pen and paper and write down the following words, signing your name at the bottom of them. Then keep them somewhere you will constantly see them: 'Lord, I commit myself to spending a definite time with You every day, no matter what the cost. And I'm depending on You to help me to stick at it. Amen.'
written by Bob Gass
'O GOD, YOU ARE MY GOD, EARNESTLY I SEEK YOU.' PSALM 63:1
Psychologists say it takes up to three weeks to get familiar with a new habit; then another three weeks before it takes root. You've got to get beyond that six-week barrier! Here's a simple formula for developing a healthy habit:
1) Get some help: The Bible says 'Encourage one another daily' (Hebrews 3:13 NIV). So become accountable to someone. Ask them to encourage you and to remind you of the promise you made to God.
2) Never allow an exception. It's easy to say 'Just this once I won't do it' but once can quickly turn to twice. A healthy habit will grow strong when you don't give in so don't make excuses, not even once!
3) Grab every opportunity to practice your new habit. Whenever you get the slightest urge to practice it, do it right. Don't wait; use that moment to reinforce it. It doesn't hurt to overdo a new habit when you are first starting.
4) Rely on the power of God. When all is said and done, you must realise you're in a spiritual battle and that you can only succeed by the power of the Holy Spirit inside you. So pray that God will strengthen you. Depend on Him to help you develop the habit for His glory.
Right now why don't you find a pen and paper and write down the following words, signing your name at the bottom of them. Then keep them somewhere you will constantly see them: 'Lord, I commit myself to spending a definite time with You every day, no matter what the cost. And I'm depending on You to help me to stick at it. Amen.'
written by Bob Gass
