Some of these ideas might seem a little silly but truthfully, we all just need a lot of reminders. The more we start looking for ways to include God; the more that we will actually start including him. I went from being a woman who could never remember to pray to becoming a woman who prays all of the time. Don't make any part of this list your law. :) Ask God to help you or reveal where to start and give yourself time to practice.
- Memorize a bible verse (or two). Repetition leads to new habits.
- Write affirmations of biblical promises, your goals, new habits etc. Repeat them every day as part of your morning routine.
- Change one or all of your passwords to scripture passages or spiritual words/phrases.
- Slap some yellow sticky notes with words that you find encouraging, EVERYWHERE YOU GO. (Or for you private types, write them in the fog on the mirror or hide them in other places.)
- Or wear jewelry, temporary tattoos, clothing, etc. for the same purpose as number 4. If you pick one thing and always use or wear it, then it will serve as a great reminder, not only to keep you on task but it can also become an invitation to talk about God when someone inquires about the item.
- When you commute in the car, trade that music for quiet time, a Christian worship hour, audio teaching, or even listen to the audio bible.
- Pray with your children (and spouse). And to break up the monotony, you can incorporate lessons from school like if your preschooler is learning ABC's, pray for someone or something that starts with A and then the next night B. OR Find something that you're thankful for that starts with that letter or pray for 'x' number of things.
- When someone or something upsets you, take that as an opportunity to think of a positive about the situation or person, pray to God or reference a verse that might adjust your attitude. Pray also about what you can DO. Perhaps there is a need that you can meet to restore your peace.
- Develop personal goals. If you don't know where you're going, how do you know where you're headed?
- Develop Spiritual Goals, not just for yourself but as a family.
- Don't be impulsive. Especially with large purchases or decisions. Consider biblical principles or even your personal/spiritual goals. How will your decision line up with those items?
- Fast from food, a thing or activity. Then every time that you think about that thing, offer up a prayer or word of thanks to God.
- Pray with a friend that asks for advice. This is twofold. Not only are you putting your advice on the shelf but you're bringing God's hand into the situation. Plus, the more that you pray out loud, the better that you will become at praying out loud.
- Stop saying your "lucky" and give God the thanks for your blessing(s).
- There are devotion books for children, include one in your bed time reading with the kids at night. (There is also a teen edition)
- Better yet, get an adult edition for you.
- Go outside; touch nature and something that God has made. There is life in it.
- Commit to something at your church or in service to God. By committing you will form new habit(s).
- Give God part of your day. Every day.
- Ask God what he wants you to think about.
- Then wait and listen for his reply.
- Re-prioritze your life so that "love" comes first. The more you look for things to love, the more that you will find things to love. This is the greatest commandment.
- Turn off the electronics. There are plenty of verses that refer to peace of mind, being quiet and not being restless. You don't continuously need to touch that gadget.
- If your kids find something that they like at church, incorporate it at home. Example: My kids LOVED candlelight service at Christmas. So, we bought candles for the house and so, once a month or when they ask, we light candles and sit on the porch at night. There are no rules (except for the ones that apply to fire safety and well everyone must come and be present). Then each person takes a turn (but only if they feel led to). When it's your turn, you can sing, pray, talk and worship the Lord anyway that you feel led.
- Try to find God in everything. (Sometimes you just need to ask him- God what would you like me to know about this? What do you want to teach me?)
- If you want to know about something biblical, take the time to look it up.
- If you start a study, even if you don't like the subject, tell yourself that God can still teach you something from it. Then complete it.
- Expect to be successful at keeping your mind on the things of God.
- Expect God to show you new ways to incorporate this.
- Everything that you do, do the best that you can do to give him honor. (Col 3:23)
- Start journaling. When you pray about something, document your answers, it will keep you listening. Don't limit the journal to prayers that only ask God for things. It can be a record of blessings, goals, plans, etc.
- Start setting standards on movies and books that you read. Don't watch them if they break commandments or make you feel awful. Turn them off then and find something better to watch or listen to.
- Download a bible app, podcast or book on your smart phone or tablet.
- Decorate your home with little reminders that mean something to you and your relationship with God.
- Say the blessing before each meal.
- Subscribe to a blog or daily devotion.
- Your body is a temple. Start treating it that way and think about what you're doing to it and putting in it.
- Select spiritual screen savers.
- Put something on your ceiling so that you see it first thing when you wake up (or by the bed, if the ceiling thought just freaked you out. haha).
- Look for someone that you could share God with each day.
- Unfortunately we all have to reprimand our kids occasionally. When this happens, try and think of scripture that references the behavior that want them to correct.
- Do the above, when you need to correct yourself.
- Then forgive yourself.
- Then try to love yourself like God loves you.
- Try to love others like God loves them.
- During family time each day, instead of asking what your high/low was ask, "How did you see/feel/hear God today?"
- If you like games, look for Christian or Biblical trivia online or other board games.
- If you enjoy baking, make it an opportunity to tell a story like with Hot Crossed buns or Resurrection Rolls.
- Do something nice and unexpected for someone else. Then make it an opportunity to discuss and/or reflect on God's love with the recipient.
- Pay tithes. Everyone cringes at this but if you give it to him first, you're putting him before everything else.
- Volunteer or help someone when you see or hear of the need. (Golden Rule)
- Encourage fellowship in your home. Invite friends. Not just yours but also your children's friends.
- At dinner or on the way home everyone should take a turn to name something that they are thankful for.
- Attend church. Take as many people with you as you can.
- Monitor what comes in your home and what goes out.
- GET REST, it's easier to keep a mind in line, when it is fully rested.
- Start practicing what you are learning. Caring for the earth by not littering, returning things when they are out of place, helping others and animals, like turtles crossing the road.
- See where God is working and join him. (reference from Experiencing God study.)
- Nothing is coincidence. Believe in divine intervention.
- Read the bible. The more that you put in your mind, the more that will stick around. This is easier to do when you find one that you like. The Life Application Bible is awesome!
- Do crafts with your kids like resurrection tombs or something else. You can google Christian crafts.
- Did someone say snacks?
- Put this Romans 13:8 somewhere visible in your wallet and consider it before spending.
- Find an accountability partner and then discuss that list weekly.
- During the Holidays, find ways to make them about God instead of just the traditional holiday garb.
- Name a pet after someone in the bible. Every time that you call him/her...
- Set an alarm clock or ringer to an encouraging song or phrase.
- If you're going to take a class or go to counseling, search and register for a Christian version.
- Plan ahead so that it's easier for you to stay in line. (You'll know where/when you might need to be planning in your own life.)
- When selecting a vacation, schedule it around a mission opportunity, retreat or conference.
- When you have nothing to say and nothing to think, sing a song to God.
- When you have too much to say and too much to think, sing a song to God instead.
- Be sober minded, not just concerning the effects of alcohol but in all things that you consume, and lack of sleep. (1 Peter 1:13)
- When writing letters and cards for friends, include encouraging verses.
- Live like someone is watching your every move. He sees. So do others.
- Surround yourself with positive people. Iron sharpens iron.
- Don't be afraid of discipline. Look for it. Accept it and consider it.
- Avoid sin as much as possible. I know that sounds too general but seriously, think about your actions.
- Apologize to any person and/or to God as soon as you are aware of an offense.
- Guard your time with God. Turn the phone off, put the dogs outside, get up before the kids...
- Remember WWJD? In your every decision, consider and apply "What Would Jesus Do in this situation?"
- When passion for something over takes you (whether good or bad) ask God what he wants you to do with that. It might be your sign to act on his behalf. If it happens enough in the same kind of situation, you might have a hint at your calling.
- Simplify your life. Less things, less money, less tasks = less distractions = more peace.
- Be social. He made us for fellowship, with him and with others.
- Consider what your values are or apply biblical principles to your life.
- Actually accept the help when it's offered. (Better yet, don't wait, ask for it.) It might free up some time to reflect more on God.
- Be affectionate to God. If you don't feel it, act as though you do. Your desire will grow.
- Change your self-talk. Don't meditate on things that aren't biblical like worry, shame, regret, insecurity. When the thought comes, correct it, rebuke it, look up a verse and practice that instead, every time the thought comes back.
- When you think that you can't give or if you start to feel stingy with something, remind yourself of verses Matthew 25:40 or Proverbs 21:26 or that God fed thousands with just 2 fish and five loaves.
- Use your gift in service to the Lord. If you like to sew, make something for residents of nursing homes or hospitals. If you like to cook, do it for shut ins or invite needy over. If you love time with kids, foster or be a Big Brother/Sister or a lunch buddy at a local school.
- Care for the things that you've been given. This is easier if you see them all as gifts or things that don't belong to you.
- Don't gossip. Build each other up or say nothing.
- If you're dating, make sure that prospects are not only believers but active in their faith.
- Don't complain. If you're going to say it, you were already thinking it. Get that mind right.
- Don't be idle. Be ACTIVE, in your life, in your faith, and in self. Ever heard the expression "An idle mind is the devils playground." If you're lolly gagging along, the devil will derail you.
- Don't be so focused on the finish line that you can't enjoy your place now but Stick it out with God.
- When you feel like saying "Why God why?" Hold that thought and just put your trust in him.
- Obedience. When you do what you feel like God has been asking you to do, it's easier to feel closer to him.
- Don't compartmentalize God. It will be easier to keep your mind on God, if you don't put him back in the box after Sunday.
- Talk about Christ with your family. Not just in stories or what happened at church but how he is working in your own life.
- Give your heart to God. Ask him in, let him lead, then follow.
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