Intentional Shifts: Aligning Life with Spiritual Goals

 

Summary

As I reflect on the journey of life and faith, I am reminded of the importance of making intentional shifts, even if they are just one degree at a time. These small adjustments, when consistently applied over the years, can lead us to become more like Jesus. Life is full of opportunities for change, whether through new careers, family dynamics, or personal growth. Each of these moments offers a chance to reassess and realign our lives with the teachings and example of Christ.

In my own life, as I approach retirement, I find myself with a blank slate, an opportunity to redefine my rhythm of life. This is a chance to plan how I can continue to grow in my relationship with Jesus, to be with Him, and to do the things He did. It's about finding a balance between freedom and what is beneficial, as Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 10:23. Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial. This principle guides us to focus on what builds us up and draws us closer to God.

Our daily and weekly rhythms are crucial in this journey. Whether it's starting our day with Jesus in the evening, as the Jewish tradition suggests, or finding new ways to pray and serve, these rhythms shape our spiritual lives. The Sabbath, too, is a gift from God, a time to rest and reconnect with Him. It's a reminder that we are not slaves to our work but are called to live in the freedom and rest that God provides.

As we consider these rhythms, we must also think about how we serve. Our service should flow from our spiritual gifts, passions, and experiences. It's about finding ways to contribute to the body of Christ that align with who we are and what we love. This service not only benefits others but also enriches our own spiritual journey.

In this season of life, whether facing significant changes or continuing in familiar routines, I encourage you to consider what one-degree shifts you can make. How can you use these opportunities to become more like Jesus, to be with Him, and to do the things He did? Everything is permissible, but let's choose what is beneficial, what builds us up, and what forms Christ in us.

Key Takeaways:

- One-Degree Shifts: Small, intentional changes in our lives can lead to significant spiritual growth over time. By consistently making these shifts, we align ourselves more closely with Jesus' teachings and example. [07:55]

- Freedom and Benefit: While everything is permissible, not everything is beneficial. Our choices should focus on what builds us up and strengthens our relationship with God, moving beyond the line between right and wrong to what is better and best. [12:47]

- Rhythms of Life: Our daily and weekly rhythms, including how we start our day and observe the Sabbath, are opportunities to connect with Jesus. These rhythms should be intentionally structured to foster spiritual growth and rest. [15:21]

- Service and Gifts: Serving others should flow from our spiritual gifts, passions, and experiences. This alignment not only benefits the community but also enriches our own spiritual journey, making our service a form of worship. [20:13]

- Sabbath Rest: The Sabbath is a divine gift, a time to rest and reconnect with God. It reminds us that we are not defined by our work but by our relationship with God, who calls us to live in freedom and rest. [28:13]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Introvert's Birthday and COVID Reflections
- [02:15] - Health and Wellbeing Seminar Insights
- [04:00] - Financial Planning and Retirement
- [06:30] - One-Degree Shifts in Life
- [07:55] - Embracing Life Changes
- [09:30] - Rule for Life and Freedom in Christ
- [12:47] - Daily Rhythms and Starting the Day
- [15:21] - Evening as the Start of the Day
- [17:00] - Prayer and Worship Practices
- [20:13] - Serving with Spiritual Gifts
- [22:45] - Weekly Worship and Community
- [25:58] - Sabbath Rest and Its Importance
- [28:13] - The Gift of Sabbath
- [30:41] - Spiritual Disciplines and Study
- [33:44] - Filling the Blank Slate with Purpose

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- 1 Corinthians 10:23

Observation Questions:
1. What does Paul mean when he says, "Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial"? How does this principle guide our choices? [12:47]
2. How does the concept of "one-degree shifts" relate to spiritual growth and becoming more like Jesus? [07:55]
3. What are some examples of daily and weekly rhythms mentioned in the sermon that can help us connect with Jesus? [15:21]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of spiritual gifts and passions in serving others? [20:13]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How might the principle of "everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial" apply to modern-day decisions and lifestyle choices? [12:47]
2. In what ways can small, intentional changes in our lives lead to significant spiritual growth over time? [07:55]
3. How can the concept of starting the day in the evening, as mentioned in the sermon, change our perspective on daily rhythms and rest? [15:21]
4. What does it mean for our service to flow from our spiritual gifts, and how can this enrich our spiritual journey? [20:13]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current life situation. Are there any "one-degree shifts" you can make to align more closely with Jesus' teachings? What might those shifts look like? [07:55]
2. Consider a decision you are currently facing. How can you apply the principle of "everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial" to make a choice that builds you up spiritually? [12:47]
3. Evaluate your daily and weekly rhythms. What changes can you make to ensure they foster spiritual growth and rest? [15:21]
4. Identify your spiritual gifts and passions. How can you use them to serve others in a way that also enriches your own spiritual journey? [20:13]
5. How can you incorporate the practice of Sabbath rest into your life, and what might that look like for you personally? [28:13]
6. Think about a recent life change or transition. How can you use this opportunity to make more than a one-degree shift towards becoming more like Jesus? [33:44]
7. What specific actions can you take this week to start your day with Jesus, whether in the morning or evening? [15:21]

Devotional

Day 1: Small Shifts, Big Impact
In the journey of faith, small, intentional changes can lead to significant spiritual growth over time. These one-degree shifts, when consistently applied, help align our lives more closely with the teachings and example of Jesus. Life presents numerous opportunities for such changes, whether through new careers, family dynamics, or personal growth. Each moment offers a chance to reassess and realign our lives with Christ. By focusing on these small adjustments, we can gradually become more like Jesus, embodying His love and grace in our daily lives. [07:55]

"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand." (Zechariah 4:10, ESV)

Reflection: What is one small, intentional change you can make today to align your life more closely with Jesus' teachings?


Day 2: Choosing What is Beneficial
While everything may be permissible, not everything is beneficial. Our choices should focus on what builds us up and strengthens our relationship with God. This principle encourages us to move beyond the line between right and wrong and instead focus on what is better and best for our spiritual growth. By choosing what is beneficial, we can ensure that our actions and decisions draw us closer to God and help us grow in our faith. [12:47]

"All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be dominated by anything." (1 Corinthians 6:12, ESV)

Reflection: What is one decision you are facing where you need to choose not just what is permissible, but what is truly beneficial for your spiritual growth?


Day 3: Embracing Rhythms of Life
Our daily and weekly rhythms, including how we start our day and observe the Sabbath, are opportunities to connect with Jesus. These rhythms should be intentionally structured to foster spiritual growth and rest. By embracing these rhythms, we can create a balanced life that allows us to grow closer to God and experience His peace and presence. The Sabbath, in particular, is a divine gift, a time to rest and reconnect with God, reminding us that we are not defined by our work but by our relationship with Him. [15:21]

"Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates." (Exodus 20:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: How can you intentionally structure your daily and weekly rhythms to foster spiritual growth and rest in God?


Day 4: Serving with Spiritual Gifts
Serving others should flow from our spiritual gifts, passions, and experiences. This alignment not only benefits the community but also enriches our own spiritual journey, making our service a form of worship. By identifying and using our unique gifts, we can contribute to the body of Christ in meaningful ways that align with who we are and what we love. This service not only benefits others but also deepens our relationship with God and enhances our spiritual growth. [20:13]

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." (1 Peter 4:10, ESV)

Reflection: What are your spiritual gifts, and how can you use them to serve others in a way that aligns with your passions and experiences?


Day 5: The Gift of Sabbath Rest
The Sabbath is a divine gift, a time to rest and reconnect with God. It reminds us that we are not defined by our work but by our relationship with God, who calls us to live in freedom and rest. By observing the Sabbath, we can experience the peace and presence of God, allowing us to recharge and refocus on what truly matters. This time of rest is essential for our spiritual growth and well-being, helping us to live in the freedom and rest that God provides. [28:13]

"And he said to them, 'The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.'" (Mark 2:27-28, ESV)

Reflection: How can you intentionally observe the Sabbath this week to rest and reconnect with God, experiencing His peace and presence?

Quotes


And so over the years I've made lots of one degree shifts to help me in those things. Lots of one degree shifts. In the whole landscape of life I've realised that if you switch just a little bit you end up in a slightly different place, you end up a different side of the mountain. If you just go one degree to the left you end up on the sunny side of the street. There's all sorts of opportunities to make one degree shifts and I hope you do that each week. [00:05:09] (32 seconds)


And so my one degree shifts. I need to make sure that they're benefiting me, that they're benefiting my relationship. So they're benefiting my relationship with God. They're making me more like Jesus, because that's God's plan, isn't it? That's God's desire for us, to conform us to the image of his son. [00:10:40] (21 seconds)


And so whatever's helpful, whatever's beneficial, whatever's going to build that in me, that's what I want to be doing. Allowed to do anything, but those are the things. I wish I'd got this verse years before I did. I can't really remember when I, the full impact of this verse hit me, but I wish it was because I spent a lot of time, time, particularly in my teens and early twenties, trying to stay the right side of the line between right and wrong. [00:11:01] (29 seconds)


And this verse just liberated me completely. So I now spend a lot more time on the line between what's better and what's best. Sin is a lot less important than it used to be, because everything's permissible. Everything's allowed. It's just what's helpful, what's going to build me up, what's beneficial that I want to concentrate on. So I'm not into rules, but I do have a rhythm of life. And so do you. [00:11:29] (27 seconds)


Maybe it starts with a hurried breakfast or a leisurely croissant or no breakfast at all. Maybe it starts with 20 minutes in prayer and scripture, or maybe there's a 20 -minute ritual to get the kids out the door in time for school. It might work out in all sorts of ways. But we have this rhythm of life. And the question is, how can I use that time? [00:12:47] (25 seconds)


How can I use, what can I build into that rhythm to help me become more like Jesus? Help me be with Jesus? Tell me do the things that Jesus can do? How can I start my day well? At least that's what John Mark Homer would say. But I just want to just say at this point, for the Jews, the day starts at sundown. [00:13:12] (25 seconds)


And I've tried for lots of years now to get, since before COVID, to get it into my head that the day starts in the evening. Which means that we start our day resting, socializing, chatting, eating, and then preparing to go to bed, and then sleeping. And then the next morning, we get up and we go to work typically. And that work, whether that's work somewhere else, or work in our own home, or work as a parent, or whatever it is, that work comes out of our rest place. [00:13:47] (43 seconds)


Which seems to me to be a much healthier way of looking at our life and the rhythm of life, that it flows, our work flows out of our rest. So when John Mark Homer says, start your day with Jesus, I'm thinking, actually, would it be good to do that in the evening? To start my day with Jesus? [00:14:28] (23 seconds)


My service, I believe, needs to come out of my spiritual gifts, the desires of my heart, what I'm interested in, the passions of my heart, my abilities, my personality. That affects how we serve, doesn't it? And my experiences, my experiences of life, and education, and training, and all the others, and suffering, and all the other experiences I've had. How can I serve? What am I going to do to serve? [00:20:13] (31 seconds)


And then you have this fantastic liberation. You go and send Moses up a mountain. He comes down. He says, look, I've got some new rules for you. And you get to number four. And number four is, thou shalt not work. One day a week, you are not allowed to work. Or you could go back to Egypt. Isn't that great? [00:26:25] (25 seconds)


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Transcript
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