No Shortcuts: Faith Grows Through Consistent Practice
Daily Scripture
Psalm 17:1-8, 2 Peter 3:18
Psalm 17
1 Listen to what’s right, Lord;
pay attention to my cry!
Listen closely to my prayer;
it’s spoken by lips that don’t lie!
2 My justice comes from you;
let your eyes see what is right!
3 You have examined my heart,
testing me at night.
You’ve looked me over closely,
but haven’t found anything wrong.
My mouth doesn’t sin.
4 But these other people’s deeds?
I have avoided such violent ways
by the command from your lips.
5 My steps are set firmly on your paths;
my feet haven’t slipped.
6 I cry out to you because you answer me.
So tilt your ears toward me now—
listen to what I’m saying!
7 Manifest your faithful love in amazing ways
because you are the one
who saves those who take refuge in you,
saving them from their attackers
by your strong hand.
8 Watch me with the very pupil of your eye!
Hide me in the protection of your wings.
2 Peter 3
18 Instead, grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. To him belongs glory now and forever. Amen.
Daily Reflection & Prayer
Diego Maradona: “When people succeed, it is because of hard work. Luck has nothing to do with success.”
World Cup soccer games start June 11. But the qualification process took three years—the first matches were on September 7, 2023. Players had been developing their skills for a decade or more before that. Pastor Hamilton wrote about practices that lead to the beautiful life God offers: ‘If you make these practices a part of the daily rhythm of your life… they will play a key role in helping you grow in your faith.” * Daily practice is how we remember—how we keep God’s presence fresh in our hearts, so God shapes our actions.
- Maradona was right—success doesn’t just happen, and neither does a beautiful Christian life. You wouldn’t expect any World Cup player to have started playing a month ago after attending a workshop about the sport. Similarly, Peter called Christ’s followers to ‘grow in grace.” One inspiring sermon or intense weekend retreat, though valuable, cannot produce a mature Christian. What practices most keep your faith growing? What’s one practice you could add to your daily rhythm this month?
- In Psalm 17, the writer asking God for help said, “My steps are set firmly on your paths; my feet haven’t slipped.” Scholar John Goldingay noted that asking God for deliverance only makes sense if we actually rely on God “rather than looking to other gods—in Western culture, we ourselves might be the god on which we rely.” ** What helps you trust a doctor, mechanic, or friend? Where might you be relying on yourself when God invites you to rely on him? What deepens your trust in God?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for honoring me with a place in your holy family. Show me the areas where you call me to grow deeper and give me the discipline for daily practice. Amen.
GPS Insights
Coleman Strom
Coleman Strom, who serves as a summer intern for Student Ministries at Resurrection Downtown, wrote today's Insights. He is a sophomore at Arizona State University, studying Additive Manufacturing Engineering and Spanish. He enjoys games, design, painting, sports and the outdoors. Coleman has attended Leawood student ministries since 5th grade, and says, "I love the community here. Many of my important memories have been because of this community." He says Downtown Student Ministries are in full swing for the summer!
© 2026 Resurrection: A United Methodist Church. All Rights Reserved.
Scripture quotations are taken from The Common English Bible ©2011. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
References
* Hamilton, Adam, The Walk: Five Essential Practices of the Christian Life (p. 8). Abingdon Press. Kindle Edition.
** John Goldingay, Psalms for Everyone, Part 1: Psalms 1–72. Westminster John Knox Press, p. 53.
