Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law... do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.

Joshua 1.7

It’s a well-known fact that humans are creatures of habit. The majority of things that we do on a regular basis—the side of the bed that

we sleep on, what we eat first, the route we take to work and even which foot we put in our socks first—are all habitual. In fact, studies show that 90% of what we do every day is out of a habit, which makes this a very helpful ability in many ways. It frees our minds from having to think about every little thing we do because the activity is already embedded in our memory and is automatically triggered at specific moments or in reaction to certain situations. They are so interwoven into us that they define our life.

If our habits define our life, identifying our bad habits and replacing them with good ones is one of the best investments we can make. Especially when it comes to our faith. Ever wondered what makes those considered strong in faith, strong? What habits do they practice? What are the things that have become so habitual to them that it’s as effortless as breathing? The answer to this and so much more will be the subject of the seven-part series: The 7 Habits of the Strong Ones, taking place every Wednesday, at 7am, 10am, 3pm and 7.30pm, in all UCKG branches. Bring this booklet with you to every session.

WHAT MAKES THE STRONG ONES STRONG?

What are your bad habits?

IDENTIFYING BAD HABITSBad habits create bad results! To break them, you first have to identify them. Before you write down what you think is a bad habit, make sure that its something: 1. that really bothers you 2. that you’re sick of falling for, and 3. that will bring you positive results, a good reward, when broken and substituted with something better. These three points are very important. The habit that you want to break has to be included in one of the three. So now, take a couple of minutes and write what it is.

A strong Christian feeds his spiritMatthew 4:4

What are the enablers of your bad habits? What do you do, see, think or feel that triggers your bad habit?

ENABLERS & TRIGGERS

These are things in your environment that facilitate your habit. These can include places that you visit, objects around you and even people who you maintain contact with. For example, if you have the habit of sleeping late (even though you know that you have to wake up early) it’s probably because there’s a TV in your room, computer or something else that enables activities (almost always unnecessary ones) that you do before sleeping. Remember that people can also be enablers. Drug addicts, for example, always have enablers that provide drugs.

This is everything that you do, see, think or feel that triggers the habit. An action triggers a reaction, a result. Every habit needs at least one trigger, sometimes more. For example, what triggers someone to want to drink something with alcohol?

It varies from person to person; perhaps it could be stress, looking for an escape or some kind of peace or relaxation, an emptiness the person feels, the fear of facing reality, displeasure, a bad memory the person is trying to forget – and many other things.

Enablers Triggers

WEEK 1

What have you identified this week?

HABIT NO.1:Biblical Character:

Bible verses to meditate on:

He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed. - Luke 5.16

WEEK 2Wednesday 14th April

What have you identified this week?

HABIT NO.2:

WEEK 2

What have you identified this week?

HABIT NO.2:Biblical Character:

Bible verses to meditate on:

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us - Hebrews 12.1

WEEK 3

HABIT NO.3:

What have you identified this week?

Biblical Character:

Bible verses to meditate on:

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe. - Proverbs 18.10

WEEK 4

What have you identified this week?

HABIT NO.4:Biblical Character:

Bible verses to meditate on:

Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. - Matthew 4.4

WEEK 5

But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. - Jude 1.20-21

What have you identified this week?

HABIT NO.5:Biblical Character:

Bible verses to meditate on:

WEEK 2Wednesday 14th April

What have you identified this week?

HABIT NO.2:

WEEK 6

What have you identified this week?

HABIT NO.6:Biblical Character:

Bible verses to meditate on:

Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. - Colossians 3.17

WEEK 7

HABIT NO.7:

What have you identified this week?

Biblical Character:

Bible verses to meditate on:

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night. - Joshua 1.8

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