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Simplifying Life (Part Seven): Practicing Spiritual Scales
Sermon by David F. MaasBy practicing spiritual scales such as prayer, Bible study, meditation, and fasting, we avoid costly wasters of time and simplify our lives. We must habitually engage in these spiritual scales, not merely understand or eliminate negative habits, to bring precision, harmony, and maturity to our life in Christ. Just as musicians practice scales daily to build foundational muscle memory and simplicity under complexity, our spiritual life becomes less chaotic and more tuned when we consistently practice these spiritual tools. Spiritual maturity is not automatic; it requires dedicated practice, much like training for godliness, which holds promise for the present life and the life to come. Practicing spiritual scales simplifies life by reducing chaotic responses and the need for constant re-learning, preparing us to handle unfamiliar patterns with readiness. God's called-out saints need to expand their daily use of these spiritual scales, increasing meditation time, scripture readings, and systematic Bible study. We must begin the day with our spiritual scales, including Psalms, Proverbs, Old and New Testament readings, prayer, meditation, and regular fasting, to prevent falling into unproductive patterns. Let us set goals to become proficient in every aspect of our spiritual practice, tuning our lives by hiding God's Word in our hearts that we might not sin against Him.
The Path from Here to Beyond
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We have no idea when Christ will return. We must, in our mind's eye, see our God crafting us into what He desires, preparing us for His Kingdom.
Walking With God Through Trials
Sermonette by Craig SablichTrials, instead of prompting a 'woe is me' attitude, should be re-evaluated as valuable experiences, nudging us into God's divine purpose for us.
Highly Skilled Overcomers
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughFollowing our passions only applies if we invest the career capital to perfect our craft, honing our skills so that other people will pay for what we have to offer.
The Unleavened Life Is a Happy Life!
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Days of Unleavened Bread define our responsibility in God's plan to purge out habits, attitudes, and teachings that do not conform to God's way.
Unsheathe Your Sword! (Part Two)
'Ready Answer' by Pat HigginsGod promises the overcomer, victor, or conqueror the status of son of God. To accomplish this, we must use our sword, God's Word, to vanquish the foe.
Prepared for Goliath
Sermonette by Christian D. HunterDavid did not use the implements of King Saul because he had not tried them out. Instead, he used the sling—the tool he already knew.
Titus 2:11-14
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe are obligated to dress and keep what is placed in our care, improving what He has given to us. We dare not stand still, but must make effort to grow.
Leavening: The Types
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe holy days are reliable teaching tools, emphasizing spaced repetition to reinforce our faulty memories and drive the lesson deep into our thinking.
Stewardship of God's Temple (Part Five)
Sermon by David F. MaasSome have foolishly denigrated the value of physical exercise by taking Paul's admonition to Timothy totally and hopelessly out of context.
David Was Ready
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughWe need to be preparing ourselves for whatever God has prepared us to do in His Kingdom, preparing for an office, but more importantly preparing in character.