Discipline is essential to spiritual growth. I think too many times I throw my hands in the air and say “God will move my heart and change me” but I do little to initiate that. And yet James 4:8 states “draw near to God and he will draw near to you.” We have some responsibility of staying disciplined and waiting upon the Lord. This may look like a daily reading of scripture, a time of prayer, or simply giving thanks for all He has done. Whatever your spiritual disciplines are; they are essential to spiritual maturity.
On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness, for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
This week I have dedicated myself to a rhythm of confession. God has shown me several ways in my life that I repeatedly choose friends, family, or ministry over Him. I will be confessing that I don’t love God with all my heart, all my soul, and all my mind. I will sit every day at His feet praying that He will draw near to me and change my heart. I want to encourage you to create or continue in a spiritual discipline this week. With a consistent frequency and desire to draw near to God, God promises that He will draw near to you. Could we ask for anything better than that?
Nick Smith, Pastoral Resident
October Upcoming Events
20th // Starting Point
27th // Missional Partner Sunday
New App Launched
The Park recently launched its new app. This app serves as a means of equipping the church to do the works of ministry through providing information and teaching. This app has all the latest upcoming invitation sign ups. To download the new app you can click here.
Men’s Prayer
Men’s Prayer takes place in Midtown and MacTerrace every 3rd Friday evening of the month at 8 pm and in Oak Meadow on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 8pm. These are parish specific prayer meetings. To sign up to be contacted by a parish pastor with details and reminders you can click here.
Starting Point
Starting Point is a Sunday afternoon workshop where you will learn more about the Park’s story, core values, and vision. You will not only engage the Park’s journey during this time, but also how these same values have impacted and shaped your life in Christ. This is an All Parish event which simply means that individuals from each of our network’s church expressions will be in attendance which is meant to reinforce our overall mission to join God in the renewal of the city. Join us October 20th 1-3 PM at the Impact Guild for Starting Point. To sign up you can click here.