31-day New Year, Fit Spirit Challenge by Sarah Shaffer
I am SO excited to introduce the 31-day New Year, Fit Spirit challenge!
In November, the Lord really started speaking to me through 1 Timothy 4:8 “For physical training is of some value (useful for a little while), but godliness (spiritual training) is useful and of value in everything and in every way, for it holds promise for the present life and also for the life which is to come.” God really began to impress upon my heart the importance of focusing on the wellness of our spirits. This challenge is based on that verse and will be the heart of our 31 day challenge!
After the holidays in particular, so many of us are really focused on our physical goals. Almost every year, the number one New Year’s resolution is to lose weight and get in better physical shape. Last year, almost half of all American’s listed weight loss as their number one goal for the year. In January, gym usage increases by 35-55% percent. We are bombarded with information about Paleo and plank challenges, macronutrients and meal planning, workouts and weight loss. Again, there is nothing wrong with any of these things, but the extreme focus on them really causes me to reconsider Romans 2:12 and ask, is our focus misdirected?
In the Bible, the 8th day has wonderful meaning. It represents a new beginning, and new life! That’s why for the next 30 days, beginning January 8, we are going to focus on spiritual training! The Lord truly wants to offer you a real fresh start this year! Are you ready?!
The challenge will be based on the SOAP method of bible reading.
What is SOAP? SOAP stands for Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer.
Using SOAP as your guide to bible reading is a powerful way to make the Word of God come alive in your everyday life. It is especially helpful if you’re new to studying Gods word and need a place to start! Before you begin, I highly recommend getting out a good old fashioned pen and paper to write out your SOAP. I promise you it will have infinitely more power than simply reading through the steps! And, as always before spending time in God’s word, I recommend praying! Ask Him to reveal himself to YOU on a personal level and to give you clear discernment to recognize His voice!
How does SOAP journaling work?
1.) Scripture: To begin you choose a scripture. We have provided a daily scripture calendar to guide you, but don’t feel limited by these suggestions. Let the Holy Spirit guide you if there is a verse He has for you each day! First, read the scripture verse. Because it’s kept short you can really study the verse. I would suggest re-reading it, using bible study apps to read it in several translations, look up the meaning of words to really gain understanding of their meaning. This is your time to really understand the verse.
2.) Observation: What did you observe about the scripture that struck you. This can be one sentence or a whole book.
3.) Application: How can you apply the observation so that it affects your life today? What is God revealing to you? How can you make His word alive and applicable through that scripture verse today?
4.) Prayer: Write out a prayer to God based on what you just learned and ask him to help you apply this truth in your life.
Here’s how the 31-day New Year, Fit Spirit Challenge will work.
Commit! Just as you would commit to a new workout or eating plan, commit to making your spirit fit for the next 30 day and watch God at work in your life!
Plan! Again, just as meal planning or exercise requires planning to be successful, so does prioritizing time in God’s word! Make a plan for how and when you’ll spend time exercising your spirit!
SOAP journal every day for 31 days following the scripture calendar or on your own!
Click Here to Download the January Scripture Calendar
Click Here to Download the February Scripture Calendar
On February 8, the final day of the challenge, enter the give-away by sharing a story or testimonial about how focusing on a fit spirit every day for 31 days impacted you. What did God do in your life during this time? How did it change you? How do you plan to continue making this a priority? Anything, we want to hear it! Simply enter by sharing your story on the Dashing Dish website, Dashing Dish Facebook page, or Twitter, using #dashingdishnewyearfitspirit.
The winner will be announced on February 11, 1015 and will receive a custom notebook to continue SOAP journaling in, an Unafraid t-shirt from shopthetentmakers.com, and a $100 Target gift certificate!
Katie and I will are committed to the challenge as well! We can’t wait to watch God touch all of our lives in these next 30 day!
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