Hey Everyone!

Here is a running list of resources the Alive Leaders use in their pursuit of God! A few weeks back we discussed means of grace. Simply put, these are just things God has provided for us to walk in and when we do he often likes to show up in power over our lives. None of this is a magic pill that makes God change our circumstances or even provide growth over struggles in our lives. But, it’s in these things that we find God most often does change and grow us! So take a look and see if any of these resources can help you in your pursuit of loving God!

Scripture Reading

“Challenge yourself to read through the entire Bible, but don't set a strict time limit unless you can commit. It's important to have read the thing we base our lives and eternities off of. Try to read daily, but don't get discouraged if you fail. The consistency of daily reading enables you to dwell on it daily.”

Matt Frank

“Something I've found really helpful is to search the Bible for different scriptures addressing a certain topic (maybe something I'm struggling with like fear) and making a list of each reference so I can go back and read each verse when I need to. Find friends to talk to daily about what you're reading to stay accountable.”

Hannah Jenness

“Go through a book in the gospel and read a chapter or paragraph a day.”

Kayla Rivera

Some Resources

• Look at The Book (Desiring God Ministries)- Videos of John Piper working through verses and showing how he studies them. 

• The Bible Project on Youtube - The Bible Project creates videos that show the Bible as a unified story that leads to Jesus.

Scripture Memorization

“Psalm 119:9-11 "How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." Memorizing helps us store up His word in our hearts, which arms us to keep our way pure. Pick something God has put on your heart, verses in context which arm you to fight against the enemy and against your flesh. Challenge yourself to memorize scripture. It's hard, but not nearly as impossible as one might think, and the benefits are much greater than anyone can predict.”

Matt Frank

Some Resources

• Desiring God Article

• Bible Gateway Blog on Bible Memorization

• Bible Minded App - Turns bible memorization into a game

Prayer

“John Piper said, “Prayer is where our limp wires meet the lightning of heaven.” Wow! There is some serious power when we pray. I want more of that in my life. 

There are many ways to pray but I think there are two great practices for prayer that I would like to be a daily part of my life. One is to pray as you go throughout your day. This involves praying in your mind or even out loud as you go about the busyness of your day. You know, like praying in class when before you take a test. Or praying for someone’s relative the moment you hear they are sick. This can even look like praying to God about how amazing he is when you see a sunset.

Another practice of prayer is to set aside time. This is like Daniel in the bible who had a place and time he would always pray at. For me, this has been the hardest practice to make a daily thing. But I know there is so much power in these moments when I come before God to pray not just with a fleeting moment but with my whole being. To set everything aside and to earnestly pray.

I hope you try both in the coming weeks. And ask me how my set aside prayer time has been!”

Shane

“Sometimes I think we’re hesitant to just talk to Him because we’re afraid of feeling like a fool. But I’ve found that whenever I do bring my heart, my worries, my fears, or my victories to Him, I’m always filled with encouragement. He promises in His Word that He hears me, so that’s what I cling to.”

Alli Myers

Some Resources

• How to Pray Through Scripture

• Practical Steps On Setting Aside Time for Prayer

• A Praying Life by Paul Miller 

Communion With God

“Our closest relationships tend to be with the people we spend the most time with or talking to. Don’t miss out on the simplicity of this. Are you spending time with God? Are you giving him your full attention?”

Shane

Some Resources 

• My Utmost For His Highest Daily Devotional (There is an App)

• Practical Steps on Making Time For God

• Morning and Evening by Charles Spurgeon (There is also an App)

Gospel Remembrance

“No one talks to you more than yourself. Every day you have a continuous conversation in your mind. Are you speaking truth or lies?”

Shane

“Preach the Gospel to yourselves every day. Speak truth to yourself every day. Don't dwell on what you did, but on what Christ has done for you.”

Matt Frank

 
“Write biblical truths or scriptures on sticky notes and place them around your room, house, or car. Sometimes it helps me to keep God’s truth and promises in front of my eyes when I’m struggling to keep it in my mind.”

Alli Myers

Some Resources

• Gospel Primer

Praise and Worship

“Listen in the car! Make Spotify playlists, or even burn a CD if you don't have a way to listen on your phone.”

Hannah Jenness

Some Resources

• Passion

• Bethel

• Hillsong

• Shane and Shane

• Chris Tomlin

• David Crowder

• Elevation Worship

• Vertical Church Band

• Housefires

• Austin Stone Worship

• Urban Rescue

Excellent Podcasts

“When I have free time in the car or at home, I love to listen to podcasts and sermons. It’s a great way to hear great teaching or force myself to think about hard things.”

Shane

Some Resources

• Desiring God

• Radical With David Platt

• Passion City Church With Louie Giglio

• Together For The Gospel

• The Sermon That Convinced Shane To Move Into A Poor Neighborhood

• Read Scripture With Francis Chan

• Ask Pastor John