8-week program kicks off comprehensive ‘spiritual fitness’ initiative

June 6, 2022

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — The D. L. Moody Center (moodycenter.org) is proud to announce the launch of their new eight-week devotional, “Becoming Useful to God.” The unique devotional focuses on cultivating eight characteristics essential to the life of every believer. The devotional draws from “Useful to God: Eight Lessons from the Life of D. L. Moody,” a revelatory look at lessons learned by acclaimed evangelist D. L. Moody that is authored by the organization’spresident Dr. James Spencer.

This eight-week guide will challenge participants to (1) resist the parts of their lives that are hindering their discipleship, (2) hear from God through Bible reading and prayer, and (3) do the Word by engaging in concrete activities that will help develop the characteristic described in a given week.

These devotionals are part of the D. L. Moody Center’s “Shine Bright 365” initiative, a year-long comprehensive campaign designed to encourage believers to shine bright for Christ in a dark world.

Spencer stated, “The ‘Shine Bright 365’ initiative was created to challenge God’s people to be and make disciples for Jesus Christ. This challenge revolves around three core principles: resisting the temptation to conform to something other than Christ, hearing the voice of God in prayer and Bible study, and doing the work of the Gospel.”

Spencer continued, “When I wrote ‘Useful to God,’ my hope was that I could make some small contribution to ‘arousing Christians to a deeper sense of their responsibility.’ This devotional guide is another expression of that hope that has been included as part of ‘Shine Bright 365.’ As participants walk through the devotionals and complete the various exercises, I pray that they will have a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ. I firmly believe that as we trust God enough to obey Him and to walk according to his wisdom, we will not only be blessed beyond measure, but will be useful to God.”

The “Shine Bright 365” initiative takes a “faith as fitness” approach to spiritual growth. Utilizing a unique experience set up similarly to a workout app, “Shine Bright 365” provides users with daily goals, encouragement and exercises designed to foster spiritual growth.

Exercises include: 

• Study of the Word with daily Bible readings
• Reflections on personal sin and confession
• Taking time for moments of praise, silence, and solitude 
• Praying the scriptures
• Cultivating friendships
• Serving others
• Bearing witness

Spencer summarized, “Modern life is complicated, but the message of the Gospel is simple. The purpose of ‘Shine Bright 365’ is to cut through all the distractions and bring Christians back to the basics of our faith.”

The D. L. Moody Center is also thrilled to announce the launch of their new 10-day Bible plan, Living As If God Exists (Because He Does), on the YouVersion app.Inspired by the ‘Go Dark, Shine Bright’ campaign, this plan encourages readers to turn their focus from their own stories to step into God’s big story.  

The D.L. Moody Center is an independent non-profit organization located in Northfield, Massachusetts. Dedicated to preserving and advancing the legacy of Dwight Moody, the D. L. Moody Center is a catalyst for spiritual formation in New England and beyond through evangelism and discipleship.   

As a destination for spiritual renewal, the D. L. Moody Center is not a school. Nevertheless, there is much to learn by studying D. L. Moody and what God accomplished through his life which began in New England, at the Northfield, Massachusetts campus, the heart of Moody’s ministry as well as his childhood home.   

Learn more about D. L. Moody Center by visiting moodycenter.org or follow the ministry on Facebook or Twitter. 

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