“The Christian Discipline of simplicity is an inward reality that results in an outward life-style.” So writes Richard Foster about the spiritual discipline of simplicity. Over the years calls to live simpler lifestyles have challenged us to give up all attachments to this world whether they be possessions, relationships, or some other things. Is that surrender of worldly things the key to sim…
Perhaps, it is that unplanned moment that best describes the true spiritual discipline of study. It is the heart inclined toward God saying: "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." (Brad Dudley, 3, “The Spiritual Discipline of Study”) For many the idea of study conjures up unpleasant and boring things like slo…
Last week’s post explored our need to be transformed by God’s love, and the ways in which spiritual disciplines are avenues that lead to this transformation. For the next several weeks we will delve into several specific disciplines. Today: the spiritual discipline of prayer. Consider something that Frederick Buechner wrote: We all pray whether we think of it as praying or not. The odd silence we fal…
“Our world is hungry for genuinely changed people. Leo Tolstoy observes, ‘Everybody thinks of changing humanity and nobody thinks of changing himself.’ Let us be among those who believe that the inner transformation of our lives is a goal worthy of our best effort.” (Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline, p. 11) Throughout his ministry Richard Foster has cared deeply about helping Christians to enha…
