Chapter 8 - Exchanged Life Spirituality - Grasping Our True Identity in Christ

Exchanged life spirituality concentrates on the reality of the new identity through the in-Christ relationship that can dramatically transform us as we progressively grasp it in our experience. It stresses that the spiritual life is not a matter of trying to do things for Jesus but of claiming and resting in what he has already done for us. This chapter sets the stage for this issue of identity by considering our God-given needs for love and acceptance, significance and identity, and competence and fulfilment. In this chapter consider: 1) A clearer sense of the principles involved in exchanged life spiritually, 2) An appreciation for God's character and his loving plan that flows out of his character, 3) An understanding of our God-created needs for love and acceptance, significance and identity, and competence and fulfilment.

Chapter 7 - Disciplined Spirituality - Prayer

Prayer: "The concept of communicating with God, of talking directly and openly with him just as we would talk with an intimate friend, is one of the greatest truths in Scripture." Are we really leveraging the power and wisdom that is available to us in the simple communication with God? Or do we seriously desire to talk with God more than our friends, colleagues, family or .... [you fill in the blank]? Reading through Boa's 10 benefits of prayer on page 94, makes one wonder why we wouldn't tap into this spiritual discipline of prayer even more. 1) Enhances our fellowship and intimacy with God, 2) It is commanded, 3) We follow the example of Christ when we do it, 4) It appropriates God's power for our lives, 5) We receive special help from God, 6) It makes a genuine difference, 7) Prayer develops our understanding and knowledge of God, 8) Our prayers and God's answers give us joy and peace in our hearts, 9) Prayer helps us understand and accomplish God's purposes for our lives, and 10) It changes our attitudes and desires. Take a look at the suggestions to enhance your practice of prayer on pages 94-96. Then review Appendix A to get a better sense for who you are and how that would impact your spiritual discipline of prayer.

Chapter 7 - 3 Disciplines of Engagement - Study and Meditation

This week, let's dig into Study and Meditation. In the section on study, Boa outlines several good techniques to get past looking at the Bible as a textbook. Read this list over and determine what new ideas may kickstart your study of the Word. In the section for meditation, since we're "always sowing thoughts" consider what you are allowing to be sown and from what source. Does it align to the litmus test in Philipians 4:8? If not (completely), what can you do about that??