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Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed — not only in my presence, but       now much more in my absence — continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. Philippians 2:12-13 (NIV)

It's all spiritual, but it's not only spiritual.

Key Points:

1. Humans are CREATURES OF HABIT.

I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do — this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. Romans 7:15–20 (NIV)

2. Habits HELP OR HINDER OUR GROWTH.

ACTION PLAN: On a piece of paper, make three columns labelled "helpful," "hindering," and "unsure." Then list out habits that you have physically, mentally, emotionally, financially, and spiritually, categorizing them by their helpfulness or hinderance to your spiritual growth. For the "unsure" category, pray then listen for what God may say.

3. Habit transformation leads to LIFE TRANSFORMATION.

Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives' tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly . "Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come." This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it. This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers. 1 Timothy 4:7–10 (NLT)

BETTER HABITS:

1. Make it DOABLE.

Do what you can TODAY to help you do TOMORROW what you can't do today.

2. Make it DAILY.

Without self DISCIPLINE I will DRIFT.

ACTION PLAN: Choose ONE doable spiritual habit that you want to start implementing! Write out what you want to accomplish on the first day, then the second day, then the first week.  Place this in a place you will see it each day this week.

3. Make it DELIBERATE.

"Sow a thought and you reap an action; sow an act and you reap a habit; sow a habit and you reap a character; sow a character and you reap a destiny." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone — especially to those in the family of faith. - Galatians 6:9–10 (NLT)

4. Make it DYNAMIC.

So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God's Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, "Abba, Father." Romans 8:15 (NLT)

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)

ACTION PLAN: It is okay for spiritual practices and habits to change from season to season. Spend time in prayer this week, asking God to reveal to you what habit(s) He wants to cultivate in you in this season. Once you are done praying, plan to make a new habit of whatever He is drawing you to. Some examples can be worship through song, journaling, reading the Bible, fellowship time with loved ones, creating art, or even watching the sunset!

5. Make it DIVINELY FOCUSED.

This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers. 1 Timothy 4:10 (NLT)