Week 12 - Celebration thoughts - by Leisha

Traditional incorporation of joy

Year of Jubilee (freeing of slaves, cancelation of debt)

"Celebration gives strength to life"

Neh 8:10 - Joy of the Lord is our strength

Throughout life, people endure pain for the joy of what lies on the other side. (e.g. mothers through childbirth)

Gal 5:22 - Part of the fruit of the spirit

Joy is the motor, infusing the other disciplines with life

"Path to Joy"

Luke 11:27, 28 - Blessed are those who hear the word of the Lord and keep it"

Foster says that the key to true joy is through obedience, and that joy is the end result of the disciplines functioning in our lives. Does this equate obedience with happiness/joy, and is that the first step toward "only disobedient people are sad or unhappy"? Where do the "seasons of mourning" of Ecclesiates fit with this? How is one motivated to continue obeying in times of sadness, depression, or anxiety without the joy "motor", and if one is experiencing those emotions, is that evidence of disobedience?

"Spirit of Carefree Celebration"

Phil 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord always

We are too often wrapped up in ourselves to participate in celebration (e.g. kids excited for a birthday cake, a costume, etc vs the rest of us being too cool to join in)

Phil 4:8 - lists things worth celebrating

"Practice of Celebration"

Singing, dancing, shouting, etc

Laughter

Accent the creative gifts of fantasy and imagination

Make family events into times of celebration and thanksgiving

Celebrate the festivals of our culture

How do we incorporate joy and celebration into the other disciplines? How can the pursuit of joy motivate us to practice the other disciplines?

Week 11 - Guidance Thoughts - by Dan

I recently got an email from a friend of mine who was working in Sudan. She started the email by stating: “It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us…” (Acts 15:28)

This is not that common of a way to start conversations in my background. We will be looking at guidance today - both corporate and individual.

Question: Where do you receive guidance from? Does your small group, family, or church regularly pause, unite, listen, and then act on the direction of the Holy Spirit?

God guides people individually, and much of that has been talked about over the past several centuries in the body of Christ.

But there is a big vacancy on the discussion on corporate guidance. How does the whole body of Christ follow the promptings and guidance of the Holy Spirit?

God does lead groups. We look at the early nation of Israel to see leading with a pillar of fire and a cloud.

Foster's view: Christians are to live under the immediate, theocratic guidance of the Holy Spirit.

After Christ was taken to Heaven, the Holy Spirit began forming a new people.

Acts 4:32,33 - The Christians were unified and held everything in common.

Acts 15:28 - The group of Christians made a group decision with the leading of the Holy Spirit.

This group had rejected human totalitarianism and total anarchy

They had even rejected democracy.

Some groups (Quakers) have "meetings for clearness" where they together seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Other groups have moments to first "sound the call" - hear from a person on an idea or vision - and then they "test the call" - to see if the Holy Spirit was really moving.

Slavery was originally abolished in 1758 in Philadelphia by the Quakers after one of these meetings. p. 183

Some dangers of misusing Guidance

Guidance is not about manipulation of others - or crushing of the opposition or the weak. It lifts up people and strengthens them.

The Spirit's guidance must also always conform with the Holy Scriptures.

The Bible is in a way corporate guidance as well.

We should also realize that there is a degree of human fallibility and that there will at times be disagreements that lead to separation. Our fears and pride many times will overwhelm the leading of the Spirit. - See the story of Paul & Barnabas regarding Mark.

Putting it into practice:

* Spend 30 minutes praying and listening for the Holy Spirit's guidance. Spend this same amount of time in a group and let God lead the thoughts and discussion.

Week 5 - Simplicity Thoughts - By Mandi

Discussion Questions:

What does simplicity look like as an outward discipline? What does it look like as an inward discipline? Can you have one without the other? What do our lives/hearts look like when we don’t practice simplicity?

“The Christian discipline of simplicity is an inward reality that results in an outward life-style. Both the inward and the outward aspects of simplicity are essential” (Foster, 79).

Inward Simplicity: (Foster, 79-85)

• Gives freedom and liberation
• Brings joy and balance
• Finds security in Christ alone
• “Sets possessions in proper perspective” (Foster, 84)
• “Sets us free to receive the provision of God as a gift that is not ours to keep and can be freely shared with others” (Foster, 85)
• Lives out of “The Divine Center”

Outward Simplicity: (Foster, 90-93)

• Buys things for usefulness rather than status
• Rejects anything that is producing an addiction in us
• Develops a habit of giving things away
• Refuses to be propagandized by the custodians of modern gadgetry
• Learns to enjoy things without owning them
• Develops a deeper appreciation for God’s creation
• Obeys Jesus’ instruction about plain honest speech; “Letting our ‘yes’ be ‘yes’ and ‘no’ be ‘no’
• Lives out of “The Divine Center"

How does God become our Divine Center?

Simplicity is not just doing without, or giving away our money/possessions to the poor; simplicity is about living out “The Divine Center.”

Living out The Divine Center can only be done by seeking FIRST the Kingdom of God (Matt 6:33).

“Everything hinges upon maintaining the “first” thing as first. Nothing must come before the Kingdom of God, including the desire for a simple life-style” (Foster, 86).

“The person who does not seek the Kingdom first does not seek it at all” (Foster, 87).

How do we seek God’s Kingdom first and foremost?

“Become nothing before God, learn to keep silent; in this silence is the beginning, which is, first to seek God’s Kingdom” (Foster, 87)

The evidences of seeking Gods Kingdom first are:

• Joyful unconcern for possessions
• An inward spirit of trust
• Freedom from anxiety

Simplicity According to the Scriptures:

• Matthew 6: 19-34
• Hebrews 13:5-6
• Philippians 4:4-7; 11-13

Practical Application:

• Get rid of duplicate items you own
• Clean out your house and get rid of items you haven’t used in 3-6 months
• Be mindful of impulse spending ; evaluate whether your heart is centered on the Divine or on filling a void
• Meditate on the scripture (Matt 6:19-34) when feeling anxious
• Leave the house without carrying money or a credit card; have a day without spending any money
• Go without a vehicle/electricity/technology/etc for a time; live more freely
• Take a camping trip and bring minimal stuff with you
• Add your own:

“May God give you-and me-the courage, the wisdom, the strength always to hold the kingdom of God as the number one priority of our lives. To do so is to live in simplicity” (Foster, 95).

Next week... Leisha shares on Solitude

Week 4 - Study thoughts - by Lyla

STUDY

Purpose of spiritual disciplines is total transformation of the person—aim at replacing old destructive habits of thought with new life-giving habits

Nowhere is this purpose more clearly seen than in the Discipline of study.

Paul tells us we are transformed by the renewal of the mind Romans 12:2

Phil 4:8 “Finally my brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Many Christians remain in bondage to fears and anxieties simply because they do not avail themselves of the Discipline of study. They may be faithful in church attendance and earnest in fulfilling their religious duties and still they are not changed………

Because they have never taken up one of the central ways God uses to change us, study.

Without a knowledge of the truth we will not be free.

Many have been brought into the most cruel bondage by false teaching.

Matt 23:15 “You traverse sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes a proselyte, you make him twice as much a child of hell as yourselves.”

What is Study?

A specific kind of experience in which through careful attention to reality the mind is enabled to move in a certain direction.

Remember the mind will always take on an order conforming to the order upon which it concentrates. Perhaps we observe a tree or read a book. We see it, feel it, understand it, draw conclusions from it. What we study determines the kind of habits that are formed.

Meditation is devotional, study is analytical. The two “books” are verbal and nonverbal.

Four steps: repetition, concentration, comprehension and reflection

Study is dependent on humility—we must come as a student, not a teacher

Vast difference between study of scripture and devotional reading of scripture

We are seeking to be controlled by the intent of the author, not spiritual ecstasy. We want life transforming truth, not ecstasy

Average Sunday School class is too superficial and devotional to help us study the Bible

Audit classes at seminary, serious Bible courses, 2 to 3 day retreat or reading same passage every day for a month. In addition to Bible some experiential classics in Christian literature: “Confessions of St Augustine”, “Imitation of Christ” by Thomas a Kempis---many other suggestions

Remember the key to discipline of study is not reading many books, but experiencing what we do read.

Another section on nonverbal study such as study of flowers or birds. The handiwork of the Creator can speak to us and teach us, if we will listen

Study involves four steps

1. Repetition channels the mind, even if it is without understanding it For example, regular rehearsal of the deeds of God, inner mind thus trained Ie psychocybernetics---affirmations, ie I am a good person etc science has found changes the mind over time

2. Concentration learning is vastly increased. We are a distracted society—ie TV or Radio on while we do something else. The natural ability of brain is enhanced when focused

3. Comprehension focuses on knowledge of the truth (Jesus said it is the Knowledge of the truth that sets us free. That “eureka” experience when we suddenly understand what something means

4. Reflection defines significance of what we are studying. Brings us to see something from God’s perspective. When we ponder the meaning of what we study, we come to hear and see in a new ay. Demands also humility, we must come as a student not a teacher

Next week... Mandi shares on Simplicity

Week 3 - Fasting thoughts - by Mandi

Reflection: Growing up what were you taught about fasting?

Has fasting been a regular part of your Christian walk? How is fasting different than prayer alone?

What is fasting? By definition fasting is: an abstinence from food, or limiting of one’s food, esp. when voluntary as a religious observation.

(http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/fasting).

Fasting today: In our culture today, fasting has been confused with mortification. Fasting is done out of guilt, not out of freedom. Fasting is designed for those longing for a more intimate relationship with God….

Fasting throughout the Bible:

• Deuteronomy 9:9
• Isaiah 58- Fasting that pleases God
• Daniel 9:1-23 Pleading with God for Mercy
• Matthew 4:12- Jesus fasted in the Garden
• Matthew 6:6- Sermon on the mount
• Mark 2:18-28- The call to fast
• Acts 13:2 & 3- The disciples fasted after the feast when the bridegroom was no longer present.

Is fasting a commandment?

Jesus never demanded that the disciples fast only instructed that they would fast as He did. In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches on fasting as part Christian devotion just as giving and praying. Fasting is an invitation not a commandment.

Foster’s Thoughts on Fasting:

1. Fasting centers ones self on God, not God centering Himself on us. If our fasting is not unto God, we have failed. “First let it (fasting) be done in unto the Lord with our eyes singly fixed on Him. Let our intention here in be this, and this alone, to glorify our father which is in Heaven.” John Wesley (Foster 55)
2. Fasting reveals the things that control us. It makes us humble. Ps 69:10- I humbled my soul with fasting
3. Fasting reminds us that God is the only one who can truly sustain us. Fasting is feasting on God alone. Matt 4:4- “Man shall not live on bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
4. Fasting helps us keep a balanced life. “Our human cravings and desires are like rivers that tend to over flow their banks, fasting helps to keep them in their proper channels.” (Foster 56)
5. Fasting brings breakthroughs in the spiritual realm. 2 Corinthians 10:4- "For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the casting down of strongholds."

Application:

• Walk before running; start with moderate fasts before extensive fasts
• Monitor inner attitude of the heart while fasting.
• Be in prayer, adoration, song, and worship to God.
• Don’t give into the grumbling stomach~ be a master not a slave to your cravings.
• Be equipped with the armor you need to fight a spiritual battle (Eph. 6:10-20).
• Continually seek the Lord about increasing your fast.
• Journal as you grow in the discipline of fasting.

Next week... Lyla shares on Study

Week 2 – Prayer thoughts – by Leisha

• Reflection: What is your experience with prayer and teachings about prayer?  How have these experiences encouraged or discouraged the practice of prayer?
  
• “Prayer is the central avenue God uses to transform us…In prayer, real prayer, we begin to think God’s thoughts after him: to desire the things he desires, to love the things he loves, to will the things he wills.  Progressively we are taught to see things from his point of view.” P.33 (Celebration of Discipline)

Two concepts of prayer emphasized by Foster:

• Ability to actually effect change in the world through prayer (It is not a Biblical view to believe that we live in a “closed” universe in which pre-determined outcomes cannot be changed.  Luke 18:1-8)
• Compassion essential to prayer for others, only as we develop God’s heart are we charged with compassion and passion in prayer for other.

Practical advice:

• Assess the passion and desire of your heart in determining the priorities of your prayers, the things that you are most passionate about are easier to pray for and evidence God’s leading.
  
• Make prayer conversational, including time for listening.
  
• Use imagination and mental images as part of prayer communication (God doesn’t need me to vocalize the dreams I have for myself and other people.)
  
• “Flash” prayer for strangers (asking for God’s heart for the people around you and praying “micro” prayers for them)
  
• Praying confidently God’s heart and Kingdom values even when you don’t know what to pray specifically (requires knowledge of Scripture)
  

Next week... Mandi shares on Fasting

Week 1 - Meditation thoughts - by Dan

Initial discussion on Meditation

• Reflection: Have you mediated before? Has your church or community been involved in meditation?
• "Christian meditation, very simply, is the ability to hear God's voice and obey his word." - p17 (Celebration of Discipline)
  
• People often can be worried about meditation because of connections to Eastern religious experiences.
  
• It can just be a "terminology" issue. Many protestant Christians use the words - "being one with the Lord" "surrendered to God" or "being consumed with God's love." 
• Biblical & historical Christian meditating is filling our minds with God and his words. Eastern religions encourage an attempt to empty our minds, losing personhood, and merge with the cosmic mind. Christian meditation has a small degree of detachment, (an idea of Sabbath, removal from the regular day-to-day) but mostly it is about attachment to God that brings inner wholeness and Shalom.
  
• Our team has had a variety of different experiences from life. Leisha as a child in church was encouraged to ponder over a verse. Later she spent time in pentecostal churches and experienced moments with of filling with the Holy Spirit. Lyla said she went to a seminar once where they spent time thinking about Jesus dwelling in each of the members of the audience. Nickson told us about times of meditation in the Quaker church where the whole body would be silent and think on the things of God.

Some Scriptures on Meditating

• Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the evening. He lifted up his eyes, and saw, and, behold, there were camels coming. Gen 24:63
  
• "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:2-3
  
• Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8
  
• "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer." - Psalm 19:14
• "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." - Colossians 3:2
  

Dan's personal thoughts from a week of Meditating

• Unfortunately there is a tendency to perform when I know I am going to present on these topics. I'm looking forward to more of meditation when I'm not reporting to the group.
  
• On the other hand it is good to be accountable and know I am being held to putting these disciplines into practice.
• I spent time mediating in the mornings, generally for 15 min to ½ hour
  
• I would start with a time of prayer, read a scripture passage, quiet myself for a few moments, and then think over the scripture and commune with God for the rest of the time.
  
• I found there was a tendency to evaluate the time as “how it benefits me”. How does it make me happier, more content, less stressed? These can all be great side effects – but I realized I need to shift that focus from an internal idolatry to focusing on God’s amazing person and his movement in the world.
  
• I didn’t have any moments of emotional highs
  
• I realize that I need a much better system of reminding myself and making things a priority. I missed 2 days due to "hoping" things will come together". I must make time even in my evenings to go to bed at a good time - in order to wake up and be able to start my day with a time of meditation.
  

Experiential Application

• Spend 20 minutes each day over this next week in meditation. For starters you can choose a short passage of scripture to "meditate" over - a story from the gospels or elsewhere works well. 
• Preferably go somewhere where there is quiet. A garden, a quiet room, or a forest works well.
• Turn off phones, and other distractions if possible.

Next week... Leisha shares on Prayer.