Thomas,

To serve you this September, find below:

• A devotional on Holiness from a Canadian Pastor

• A new book by Darrell Johnson

• A teaching and summary on a Rule of Life by Tyler Staton

• Three different formats for prayer

• A closing Scripture to pray

All to fuel you as you pastor.

By Steph Helsel, Associate Pastor, Calgary, AB

“Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives.”

- Galatians 5:25 (MSG)

Paul’s encouragement to the Galatian church and to us is not to be morally good people who resonate with Jesus’ teachings, but obedient followers of Christ who imitate His way of life, evidenced by our personal transformation and expression of love. The goal isn’t to reinvent ourselves, but to find ourselves in Jesus. In other words, we don’t pursue the byproducts of transformation, but Him. This is the imperative of our time for all Christians, and especially pastors.

Jesus invites us beyond consuming books, listening to instructions from podcasts, well-intentioned apps and even spiritual disciplines, into abiding — the starting place for holiness. Thankfully along this journey of abiding, our weaknesses don’t disqualify us from being of beneficial use in the Kingdom, but that also doesn’t dismiss our responsibility to train ourselves in godliness in Christ.

We’re all in process, in continual need of Jesus’ grace again and again. And by that grace, there is hope for becoming more like Him as together we try to keep in step with the Spirit.

So may we remain desperately dependent upon Him as we seek to follow and embody the way, truth and life of Jesus in this time.

After setting the people of Israel free from bondage in Egypt, God spoke Ten Words (popularly known as Ten Commandments) to promote and protect the freedom of His people. In the midst of the differing voices and visions of the good life, these Ten Ancient Words are an invitation into a life of true human flourishing today. 

For those longing for moral clarity in all the confusion. 

For those seeking right relationship with God and others. 

For those looking for guidance in a fractured and broken world. 

That You May Live walks the reader through the power and continued relevance of the Ten Commandments for us today. Order your copy below.

Creating A Rule of Life by Tyler Staton

Throughout the centuries, disciples of Jesus have used the “Rule of Life” to remain in and be transformed by Jesus in chaotic, irreverent times. See what Tyler Staton, Pastor at Bridgetown Church in Portland had to say about the what & why of a Rule of Life in our Spiritual Formation Gathering this past year.

Spiritual Formation Prayer Cards

At the center of every transforming, grounded disciple of Jesus is a vibrant life of prayer. Find below different formats for prayer including The Examen, Lectio Divina & Centring Prayer.

We invite you to pray these words as you go about this day and week:

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.

See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV)