Abiding In Christ

Practice 1: Low Planks/Deep Heart Work

Desire

1

To reflect on the character of Christ Jesus and the fruit of the Spirit, and consider areas of our lives that could more fully imitate the heart of Jesus.  

Definition

2

Low planks are parts of our lives that are not fully imitating the heart of Jesus.

Scripture

3

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.  Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passion and desires.”  (Galatians 5:22-24)

“For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” (Romans 8:29)

“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me -  put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:9)

“‘Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.’" (Matthew 7:24)

Practice Includes

4

Review the “low planks” chart and indicate where you find yourself on a heart level in the spectrum between each virtue and vice pair.

  1. Purity / Lust

  2. Integrity / Dishonesty

  3. Discipline / Laziness

  4. Faithful Trust / Fear

  5. Selflessness / Selfishness

  6. Gentleness / Anger and Resentment

  7. Humility / Pride

  8. Generosity / Greed

  9. Your own virtue / vice pair, as God leads.

After completing this assessment, consider discussing the outcomes with a trusted brother or sister in Christ about areas you sense God drawing you towards.

God-Given Fruit

5

Any number of God-given fruit may develop including but not limited to love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, self-control, generosity, purity, integrity, and humility.

Practice 2: Immanuel Journaling

Desire

1

Develop an awareness of God’s presence in our thoughts and our lives.

Definition

2

Immanuel Journaling is a writing-based spiritual exercise that helps us:

  • Recognize and respond to God's compassionate presence in everyday life.

  • Process emotions and experiences with God.

  • Develop mutual mind states with God, meaning learning to think and feel in alignment with how God thinks and feels about us.

Scripture

3

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:27-28)

Practice Includes

4

The practice is built around five structured prompts that guide the journaling process. These prompts are designed to help us:

  1. Express gratitude to God (Interactive Gratitude).

  2. Sense God’s attuned response to their emotional and physical state.

  3. Hear God’s understanding of their situation.

  4. Receive God’s compassionate care and affirmation.

  5. Experience God’s empowering presence and guidance.

The Immanuel Journaling PDF template can be used to guide you through these five steps. You may find other resources from PresenceAndPractice.com helpful as well.

God-Given Fruit

5

You will see the growth of the fruit of the Spirit.  You will also develop a sense of drawing nearer to God and a revealing of how He sees you in Christ.