DAILY READING
REFLECTION
From Habit to Lifestyle
by Elaine Pierce
Have you ever heard of the 21/90 rule? That it takes 21 days for a habit to form and 90 days for it to become part of your lifestyle. It makes sense, doesn't it? You can't expect that if you go to the gym one time, then regular exercise will suddenly become part of your life. It takes time for a habit to become a lifestyle.
In today's passage, Paul is encouraging his young disciple, Timothy, to grow in his faith. He tells him in verses 14-15 to "continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus."
Timothy's foundation in the faith began from day one - in infancy. You could say he was raised in the church, as perhaps many of us were. And yet we know that without regular practice, our faith will not grow and thrive. God's mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22). I'm sure you have experienced reading a familiar passage of scripture and finding new truths and insights that you had never seen before - what a joy and delight it is to spend time in God-breathed scripture. Yes, there are times of dust and dryness, but that is when you should hold on to that 21/90 rule. God will meet you if you are faithful to come to him, even when he seems far away.
Take heart, and continue to build your foundation on God's word, fellowship with believers, and service to others in His name. You are not on this journey alone. Thanks be to God for Timothy, for Paul, and for those saints known and unknown who gave gone before us. Thanks be to God for our local church body right here in Columbus.
PRAYER PRACTICE
Lord, so often I want a quick fix. I don't want to spend time with you daily -I just want you to give me what I want, even when it might not be what I need. Day by day, Lord, help me to spend time with you, and to ask for your Holy Spirit for guidance and direction. Thank you that when I am not faithful, you are gracious and loving and abounding in steadfast love. Amen.
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