A true pilgrimage begins long before the plane leaves the runway and continues long after the traveler
returns home. The land of the Bible is holy ground, but the prepared heart is holy soil. These twelve
holy habits help align the pilgrim’s heart with what God desires to do before, during, and after the
journey. They also reflect the steady disciplines required for faithful kingdom stewardship.
These are not tourist principles. These are pilgrim disciplines.
Before Departure — Preparing the Heart
Habit 1 — Remember Your True Identity
Genesis 1:27 (NASB) “God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male
and female He created them.”
Pilgrim Insight: You are not coming to the land to become someone new; you are coming as one
already known and loved by God. The journey deepens what Christ has already begun.
Pilgrim Practice: Begin daily thanking the Lord that you belong to Him before you ever step on the
plane.
Reflection: Kingdom impact always begins with secure identity in Christ, not human achievement.
Habit 2 — Practice Daily Repentance
1 John 1:9 (NASB) “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins…”
Pilgrim Insight: A clean heart sees the land more clearly. Unconfessed sin dulls spiritual sensitivity.
Pilgrim Practice: Spend a few quiet minutes each evening in honest confession before the Lord.
Reflection: Healthy ministry flows from leaders who keep short accounts with God.
Habit 3 — Guard Your Inner Life
Proverbs 4:23 (NASB) “Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.”
Pilgrim Insight: The greatest distractions on pilgrimage are often internal, not external.
Pilgrim Practice: Reduce unnecessary noise and media in the days leading up to departure.
Reflection: Sustainable kingdom work requires vigilant heart stewardship.
Habit 4 — Establish Christ-Honoring Boundaries
Galatians 1:10 (NASB) “…If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of
Christ.”
Pilgrim Insight: A crowded, hurried heart misses holy moments.
Pilgrim Practice: Simplify your schedule before the trip to arrive spiritually attentive.
Reflection: Clear priorities protect long-term ministry effectiveness.
During the Pilgrimage — Walking the Land with God
Habit 5 — Live Wholeheartedly Each Day
Colossians 3:23 (NASB) “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for
men.”
Pilgrim Insight: Every site visit is an opportunity for worship, not merely observation.
Pilgrim Practice: Consciously offer each day’s experiences to the Lord as they unfold.
Reflection: Excellence in ministry grows from wholehearted daily faithfulness.12 HOLY HABITS FOR THE JOURNEY 2
Habit 6 — Step Out in Faith
Hebrews 11:6 (NASB) “And without faith it is impossible to please Him…”
Pilgrim Insight: Expect God to meet you personally during the journey.
Pilgrim Practice: Pray daily, “Lord, what are You showing me today?”
Reflection: Kingdom expansion always requires faith beyond comfort.
Habit 7 — Renew Your Mind Continually
Romans 12:2 (NASB) “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”
Pilgrim Insight: Let Scripture interpret the land, not the land replace Scripture.
Pilgrim Practice: Read the related Bible passages at each site slowly and prayerfully.
Reflection: Word-centered thinking keeps ministry grounded and healthy.
Habit 8 — Walk in the Spirit Moment by Moment
Galatians 5:16 (NASB) “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.”
Pilgrim Insight: The schedule may be full, but the Spirit’s leading is never rushed.
Pilgrim Practice: Build in quiet moments each day to listen to the Lord.
Reflection: Spirit-sensitive leadership produces lasting fruit.
After Returning Home — Protecting the Fruit
Habit 9 — Practice Persistent Gratitude
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NASB) “In everything give thanks…”
Pilgrim Insight: Gratitude preserves what God began on the journey.
Pilgrim Practice: Regularly thank God for specific moments from the pilgrimage.
Reflection: Gratitude culture strengthens long-term kingdom partnerships.
Habit 10 — Love Others Practically
John 13:34–35 (NASB) “Love one another, even as I have loved you…”
Pilgrim Insight: The truest evidence of a meaningful pilgrimage is changed relationships.
Pilgrim Practice: Ask, “Who can I serve differently because of what God showed me?”
Reflection: Love in action validates the message we proclaim.
Habit 11 — Persevere in What God Started
James 1:2–4 (NASB) “…the testing of your faith produces endurance.”
Pilgrim Insight: Spiritual momentum often faces resistance after returning home.
Pilgrim Practice: Maintain at least one new spiritual habit formed during the trip.
Reflection: Enduring ministry impact requires long obedience.
Habit 12 — Live with Eternal Perspective
Colossians 3:2 (NASB) “Set your mind on the things above…”
Pilgrim Insight: The land points beyond itself to the coming kingdom of Christ.
Pilgrim Practice: Regularly revisit your pilgrimage notes and prayers.
Reflection: The strongest kingdom partners think in decades and eternity.
Closing Exhortation
A pilgrimage is not measured by miles traveled but by hearts transformed. The land may stir you for a
moment, but disciplined walking with Christ will sustain you for a lifetime. Guard what God begins.
Walk steadily forward. Keep your eyes on Jesus.