28 days of discipline

Memorise the Motto, Focus, and key Scripture for the doctrinal style

Motto: thinking correctly about God

Focus: truth & doctrine

Key Scripture: See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. (Colossians 2:8)

Right now, spend a few moments in prayer asking God, in your own words, for a greater appreciation of truth and doctrine in your relationship with him. Say honestly how you feel about the doctrinal style.

Be sure to leave yourself a moment when you've finished to see if God brings anything to your mind about the topic.

Note down anything you sense during this time.

Re-read the chapter in The 3 Colors of Your Spirituality about the doctrinal style. Note down any thoughts or questions that have come to mind about the topic and post one of them on the web site for others to consider and perhaps respond to or comment on.

- Just visit the link below
- Create a free account on the site or just log in if you already have an account

Write a statement about a belief that you hold to very strongly. Consider your choice very carefully and test your conviction by starting the statement with "I would be willing to die for my belief that..."

If repeating this exercise, write about a different belief this week.

-- Visit the web site: http://www.3colorsofyourspirituality.org

The Apostles' Creed below is one of the earliest statements of Christian belief. Reflect on the creed and ask yourself which parts you hold to very strongly and about which parts you are not so sure. As you will reflect on this each week through your 28 days of doctrinal discipline, start memorising it, and when you feel ready, recite it to a friend.

I believe in God, the Father almighty,

If you have any negative feelings toward the doctrinal style or toward people who have that style, right now, spend a few moments in prayer asking God's forgiveness and for him to renew your mind. Ask God to help you separate the perils from the strengths of that style so that you might one day fully embrace the strengths.

Or...

Consider a problem or challenge facing you, your family, friends, or your work team today. Write a list of the "facts beyond reasonable doubt" surrounding that issue. These need only be short statements that indicate what you believe to be true based upon the evidence and details. Ask whatever questions seem appropriate in order to identify all available clues.

Memorise the Motto, Focus, and key Scripture for the rational style

Motto: understanding the nature of God

Focus: logic & science

Key Scripture: By wisdom the Lord laid the earth's foundation, by understanding he set the heavens in place. (Proverbs 3:19)

-- Visit the web site: http://www.3colorsofyourspirituality.org

Right now, spend a few moments in prayer asking God, in your own words, for a greater appreciation of logic and science in your relationship with him. Say honestly how you feel about the rational style.

Be sure to leave yourself a moment when you've finished to see if God brings anything to your mind about the topic.

Note down anything you sense during this time.

Re-read the chapter in The 3 Colors of Your Spirituality about the rational style. Note down any thoughts or questions that have come to mind about the topic and post one of them on the web site for others to consider and perhaps respond to or comment on.

- Just visit the link below
- Create a free account on the site or just log in if you already have an account

In any discussion that reflects different opinions today, present your perspective, but also change positions to present what you agree with or see as positive about any of the other opinions expressed.

As required, finish by expressing your considered opinion, belief or preference, but only after fully embracing what you can from the other people's perspectives.

What would it require for you personally to obey Jesus' command to more fully "love the Lord with all your mind" (Mark 12:30).

Note down your thoughts.

-- Visit the web site: http://www.3colorsofyourspirituality.org

If you have any negative feelings toward the rational style or toward people who have that style, right now, spend a few moments in prayer asking God's forgiveness and for him to renew your mind. Ask God to help you separate the perils from the strengths of that style so that you might one day fully embrace the strengths.

Or...

Visit the web site below and look for a topic that catches your attention. Regardless of the stated or possible beliefs of the person presenting the ideas, read, listen or watch their presentation and ask yourself the following three questions...

1. What can I learn about God or God's creation from this person?
2. How could or should this person's research shape my day-to-day spiritual life?

Memorise the Motto, Focus, and key Scripture for the Sensory style

Motto: enjoying the works of God

Focus: beauty & perception

Key Scripture: The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. (Psalm 19:1)

-- Visit the web site: http://www.3colorsofyourspirituality.org

Right now, spend a few moments in prayer asking God, in your own words, for a greater appreciation of beauty and perception in your relationship with him. Say honestly how you feel about the sensory style.

Be sure to leave yourself a moment when you've finished to see if God brings anything to your mind about the topic.

Note down anything you sense during this time.

Re-read the chapter in The 3 Colors of Your Spirituality about the Sensory style. Note down any thoughts or questions that have come to mind about the topic and post one of them on the web site for others to consider and perhaps respond to or comment on.

- Just visit the link below
- Create a free account on the site or just log in if you already have an account

Make a list of 10 encounters, objects, discussions or experiences you come across today that reflect God's love for you or the world - love shown directly by God or via another person. Simply be sensitive to your surroundings and see what comes your way.

You don't need to write all of the details down, just note down a few words that will remind you of each experience.

What do you believe Jesus saw, heard, physically or emotionally felt, smelt, and tasted in the following encounter?

"While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.

If you have any negative feelings toward the sensory style or toward people who have that style, right now, spend a few moments in prayer asking God's forgiveness and for him to renew your mind. Ask God to help you separate the perils from the strengths of that style so that you might one day fully embrace the strengths.

Or...

Draw a quick picture, write a short poem or use any other kind of artistic expression to depict your thoughts or feelings about life today (don't worry about trying to create something perfect). Now, imagine God looking at you through what you have expressed and what he might say to you at that moment.

-- Visit the web site: http://www.3colorsofyourspirituality.org

Memorise the Motto, Focus, and key Scripture for the sacramental style.

Motto: expressing the incarnation of God

Focus: liturgy & symbolism

Key Scripture: The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. (John 1:14)

-- Visit the web site: http://www.3colorsofyourspirituality.org

Right now, spend a few moments in prayer asking God, in your own words, for a greater appreciation of liturgy & symbolism in your relationship with him. Say honestly how you feel about the sacramental style.

Be sure to leave yourself a moment when you've finished to see if God brings anything to your mind about the topic.

Note down anything you sense during this time.

Arrange to pray together with a friend (or two) at some time during the next few days. Set aside enough time that it would be a stretch. That might mean 15 minutes, half an hour, an hour or more depending on how long you would usually pray with another person.

Speak out the following prayer today. Even if the thoughts expressed are a stretch for you, speak them out so that their reality might be birthed within you.

"An Act of Love"

Reflect on your life since childhood and make a list symbols and rituals followed by your family or circle of friends (eg. Birthday cakes and singing happy birthday, regularly taking part in a particular form of worship service, wearing a type of clothing or uniform, going to a particular holiday destination repeatedly, etc.)

If you have any negative feelings toward the sacramental style or toward people who have that style, right now, spend a few moments in prayer asking God's forgiveness and for him to renew your mind. Ask God to help you separate the perils from the strengths of that style so that you might one day fully embrace the strengths.

Or...

The Nicene Creed (below) is the statement of faith that is most widely used in Christian liturgy. Today, go to a place that, for you, symbolises closeness with God and speak out the creed. While doing so, be mindful of being one with the millions of Christians around the world who will also speak out the creed as a profession of their faith this week.

We believe in one God,

Memorise the Motto, Focus, and key Scripture for the sacramental style.

Motto: expressing the incarnation of God

Focus: liturgy & symbolism

Key Scripture: The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. (John 1:14)

-- Visit the web site: http://www.3colorsofyourspirituality.org

Right now, spend a few moments in prayer asking God, in your own words, for a greater appreciation of liturgy & symbolism in your relationship with him. Say honestly how you feel about the sacramental style.

Be sure to leave yourself a moment when you've finished to see if God brings anything to your mind about the topic.

Note down anything you sense during this time.