The Time Is Now - Developing A Lifestyle Of Prayer

5. In your own words, describe thefruit of spiritual discipline in each of these passages:

Colossians 2:5

J Timothy 4:7-8

E. Encourage each other intelligently. Truly listen to one another. T1y to choose methods of encouragement that are best suited to the individual and the situation; one size doesn't fit all. Some people are motivated by direct confrontation, some by compassionate partnership, and so on. 6 In Hebrews 10:24-25, the word "consider" means "study, examine, reflect on, think carefully." What does it take for a group to develop this kind of person-to-person under­ standing?

F. Rapid results can come only with humility. Humility essentially says, "I need other people; I can't do it on my own." Humility seeks out and accepts others' help. How do you respond when others correct or reprove you, especially when it's offered in love? If you will receive the difficult statements, you'II grow quickl y.

7. Read Proverbs 9:8 and 29:1. Take a few minutes and talk to your Father about your attitude toward the guidance He offers for your good, through people or other avenues.

G. The accountability group works best if everyone focuses on the same goals. I've tried groups with individualized goals, but they haven't worked for me. Multiple goal lists are confusing and hard to track. I recommend that everyone be held to the same basic standards for weekly reporting, even if these are easy for some and hard for others. Dif­ ferent people will find different goals more challenging, and there tends to be an equalizing effect. Members may create additional, personalized goals to be discussed less frequentl y. H. The group disciplines or goals need to be few and basic. Too many goals confuse the group, hurting effectiveness. My groups never go beyond a dozen goals, includ­ ing "Don't blow smoke" (don't lie about the other goals), which is actually a rule of group