So, if I mentioned anything in my latest rant on the NBA about Lebron James, I stand corrected. This guy is amazing and can definitely take the CAVS to the Finals, by himself. Although I do think that a team like the Spurs can stop Lebron in his tracks and win the championship.
But, Lebron surprised me and probably put up the greatest performance in NBA playoff history last night....(although my NBA playoff history knowledge is not that great).
I tend to resonate with the idea of being clay in the Potter's Hand (Jer.18:6) as well as living life set on pilgrimage (Ps.84:5 niv). Hence the title for my blog, Clay Pilgrim. I strive to live my life simply, authentically, intentionally, and missionally. My desire is to live life proclaiming the One who gave LIFE. I write about things that come to my mind at any given time. My posts may be thought provoking, spiritually edifying, or just plain musings about sports. Either way: Engage!
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Friday, June 1, 2007
Disciplines
A couple weeks ago I finished reading a book called "Celebration of Disciplines" by Richard J. Foster. Pondering the book before I began to read I was at the point where I just wanted to dig deeper into my relationship with Christ. I wanted to read something that would totally challenge my way of life and my lack of spiritual discipline. I thought that "Celebration of Disciplines" would be a good place to start.
As I mulled over the book and jotted down notes, I began to think about my own life and how bad I was at these disciplines. Since reading it, I haven't been any better but I'm definitely thinking about them a lot more. My prayer now is not that I become good at the disciplines for my own sake, but that God would give me His grace to grow in my faith and my relationship with Christ in these disciplines so that He would be exalted through the way I live my life.
Foster develops three categories of disciplines: Inward, Outward, and Corporate.
Inward Disciplines
As I mulled over the book and jotted down notes, I began to think about my own life and how bad I was at these disciplines. Since reading it, I haven't been any better but I'm definitely thinking about them a lot more. My prayer now is not that I become good at the disciplines for my own sake, but that God would give me His grace to grow in my faith and my relationship with Christ in these disciplines so that He would be exalted through the way I live my life.
Foster develops three categories of disciplines: Inward, Outward, and Corporate.
Inward Disciplines
- Meditation - Listening to God's Word, reflecting on God's works, rehearsing God's deeds, ruminating on God's law.
- Prayer - "prayer is listening"..boy this was challenging. How seldom I do this.
- Fasting - centered on God, God initiated. Fasting is feasting, feasting on the Word of God.
- Study - Repetition, concentration, comprehension, reflection.
Outward Disciplines
- Simplicity - Inward reality, outward lifestyle. "seek first the kingdom of God"
- Solitude - inner fulfillment.
- Submission - focuses on the spirit of how we view other people.
- Service - service = humility (Jn. 13:14-15)
Corporate Disciplines
- Confession - brothers & sisters make God's presence and forgiveness real.
- Worship - (Isa. 6) See who YHWH is brings us to confession. Service flows from worship.
- Guidance - Scripture muse penetrate all our thinking and acting.
- Celebration - path to joy is obedience.
God, may these disciplines be a part of my life for your glory and your fame!
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