Enjoying Jesus Introduction

We’re so glad you’ve decided to join us for Enjoying Jesus. This study is intended to be immensely practical. The spiritual disciplines are where theology meets everyday life, but only you can put them into practice in your life. Our hope is that you will try each of the twelve disciplines we’ll cover. Going through the next six weeks as just another study may be an enjoyable intellectual exercise, but the spiritual disciplines aren’t meant to simply be studied. They are meant to be done. Their power is in their practice.

Each week we will look at two disciplines, spending two days on each. Every Friday, we’ll review what we’ve learned and provide some practical tips for trying each of these twelve disciplines. Some of the disciplines take more time than others. Take a look at your calendar now to block off some time to reflect and to try these practices. We encourage you to share with your family and loved ones about this study so they won’t be caught off guard when the normal routine changes just a bit. Better yet, invite them to join you!

While many of the disciplines we’ll discuss are meant to be practiced alone, the Christian life was never intended to be lived in isolation. God calls us to community—to the local church. As you practice these disciplines, we invite you to discuss what you’re learning with your local church body and with us on the IF:Gathering app. Share with us! What did you learn? What worked for you? What didn’t? What would you try differently next time? What have others shared with you about these disciplines? You never know who you will inspire!

Last, we want to give you a word of encouragement. Spiritual disciplines are also referred to as practices because they take practice. Some of these will feel awkward, strange, or silly at first. Others will be instantly refreshing. But all of them take time. These are simple, small things, but they are also slow. It takes time to change habits and develop new ones. Don’t be discouraged if you try a discipline and it doesn’t go as planned. Make notes. Talk to the Lord about it. Ask other believers what has worked well for them (and keep in mind that even though something works well for someone else, it may not be the right choice for you). Most importantly, try again. The Holy Spirit will continue to lead you and grow you through the practice of spiritual disciplines.

We can’t wait to jump into the spiritual disciplines with you. For the remainder of this week, we’ll look at spiritual disciplines in their biblical context and prepare our hearts for these new practices.