Spiritual Disciplines: Quotes
Okay, before we get into some specific disciplines, let me give you a few quotes on discipline. I love quotes:
‘First we form habits, then they form us.’ Rob Gilbert
‘No man or woman has achieved an effective personality who is not self-disciplined. Such discipline must not be an end in itself, but must be directed to the development of resolute Christian character.’ John Sutherland Bodell
‘You cannot have freedom without discipline.’ Ricardo Montalban
‘Men are anxious to improve their circumstances but are unwilling to improve themselves, they therefore remain bound. The man who does not shrink from self-crucifixion can never fail to accomplish the object upon which his heart is set. This is true of earthly as well as heavenly things.’ James Allen
‘You shall know the Truth and the Truth shall set you free.’ Jesus
So, here is a taste of what is to come.
STUDY- a setting of the mind or thoughts upon a subject.
The intent of study is to renew or transform our minds. What better to study then the Word of God, but we also study those things God has created including nature and man, to discern who our God is. How do we do that so it isn’t pantheism? Also included will be a reference sheet for many spiritual classics.
PRAYER- ‘Prayer is not merely an occasional impulse to which we respond when we are in trouble. Prayer is a life attitude.’ William Mueller
How do we practice ‘unceasing prayer?’ What prayer forms are there besides petitioner prayer?
What does it mean to pray ‘in the name of Jesus?’
SOLITUDE- Are you kidding me, be all alone and be quiet? ‘Be still and know that I am God.’
‘The essence of meditation is a period of time set aside to contemplate the Lord, LISTEN to Him and allow Him to permeate our hearts.’ Charles Stanley
Yes, meditation is in the bible. It appears over 200 times in the Psalms alone.
SCRIPTURE MEMORIZATION- UGH. ‘Some regard memory as being no more than one of nature’s gifts, and this view is no doubt true to a great extent, but like everything else, memory may be improved by cultivation.’ The Memory Book. So what can we do to cultivate it? Is there a method to memorize scripture that might work best for me?
SIMPLICITY- I wish my life were simpler but it seems impossible. Can I really learn to simplify my life and in the process experience greater joy and freedom then I am now experiencing? YES
WORSHIP- Isn’t that when we sing on Sundays? Partly. But worship is really a lifestyle choice.
‘Worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness’ sounds a little deeper than a song. ‘God is Spirit and his worshippers must worship in spirit and truth.’ John 4:24. Wow. Kind of sounds like prayer, a life attitude. Yup.
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Sandra Bacon on Nov 24, 2009 10:59am
I am absolutely loving these blogs! Thank you Mark for all that you are pouring into us through this. Good stuff!!!
Lon Swanson on Dec 1, 2009 10:43am
When I consider the very demanding practice of Scripture memorization I am reminded of Dallas Willard's instruction in "Renovation of the Heart," that in the moment of choice when moral and spiritual truth hang in the balance, willpower (that is good intentions) are inadequate to counter the default of our emotional needs, desires, and fears. At those times only the pre-determined preparation of the heart, mind and will are sufficient to overcome our fallen nature. It has been true in my life that it was in the times of critical choices that the Spirit used Scripture already embedded in my heart to empower right decisions. The power for right choices must be in force and available long before the necessity arrives to draw on it. The other great benefit is that Scripture memorization having it's potential for success bound up in accountability relationships becomes a motivator for establishing such relationships and enables the discipline to memorize large chunks of the Word, even whole chapters and books of the Bible can be committed to memory. Thanks for the insight and encouragement for disciplined transformative habits.
Mike Baumert on Dec 2, 2009 1:14pm
I agree, Sandy. Thanks, Mark!
Lon, what golden words: "in the moment of choice when moral and spiritual truth hang in the balance, willpower (that is good intentions) are inadequate to counter the DEFAULT of our emotional needs, desires, and fears." How pragmatic, yet poignant. With His truth resting within our hearts, we always will be prepared to give a reason for the hope that we have in Christ. Otherwise, our broken ineptitude and inadequacy shines through which leads to a whole hill of mess which is so typical of our self-righteous default heart.