Category: Spirituality

Many years ago, not long after moving to Chicago into a new fairly high pressured ministry position, John Ortberg asked his mentor, Dallas Willard, “What do I need to do to stay healthy and alive spiritually?” Long pause. “You must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life”, he said at last. Another long pause. “Okay, I’ve … Continue reading Is it time to SLOW DOWN a little?

A Few Important Qualifications Here are a few important truths about ‘spiritual disciplines’ (from John Ortberg): “Spiritual disciplines are not the barometer of spirituality”. The true indicator of spiritual well-being is growth in the ability to love God and people (see 2 Thess.1:3). The real issue is what kind of people were becoming NOT the … Continue reading Spiritual Disciplines – Growing Spiritually (Part 8)

Today we will look at three final spiritual disciplines or exercises: 8. Fasting. In fasting we choose to intentionally go without something for a period of time (usually something pleasurable but not necessarily sinful). It could be food (in a variety of forms) or some other activity (TV, music, etc). Jesus assumed that his disciples … Continue reading Spiritual Disciplines – Growing Spiritually (Part 7)

Here are some more spiritual disciplines ... 6. Solitude. Solitude is intentionally spending time alone with God away from people and from busyness or distractions. We choose to be alone. It is one of the most important and fundamental of the spiritual disciplines, especially if we are to do some of the other disciplines well. … Continue reading Spiritual Disciplines – Growing Spiritually (Part 6)

Another spiritual discipline ... 5. Serving. A very important discipline is the discipline of ‘serving’. It helps us to work hard against our ingrained bent towards self-centredness. Naturally, we’d all prefer to ‘be served’ than to ‘serve’. However, in the kingdom of God, God calls us all to be servants – to take on the nature … Continue reading Spiritual Disciplines – Growing Spiritually (Part 5)

Some more spiritual disciplines ... 3. The Bible. The Bible is the Word of God. It contains his thoughts about life. It is our guidebook for life – how we are meant to live in the kingdom of God here and now (2 Tim.3:16-17). God’s Word is given to us not just to give us ‘information’ … Continue reading Spiritual Disciplines – Growing Spiritually (Part 4)

Spiritual Disciplines Spiritual disciplines are like ‘habits of effectiveness’ for the spiritual life, much like exercises, are used to develop habits of effectiveness for other areas of life (sport, music or language). Richard Foster says, “The disciplines place us before God so that God can transform us.” They get us in God’s presence so he … Continue reading Spiritual Disciplines – Growing Spiritually (Part 3)

Spiritual Growth is a Process When we commit our lives to Christ, a new life begins (2 Cor.5:17). We are “born again” or have a chance to start over. It’s not just turning over a new leaf. It’s getting a new life and a fresh start. We now have a new nature and the indwelling Holy … Continue reading Spiritual Disciplines – Growing Spiritually (Part 2)

This term we are doing some training with our staff on genuine spirituality. I'd thought I'd put a summary of our teaching up on the BLOG for everyone's benefit.  Spiritual Growth As we get to know God, his desire is to transform and change us to be like him. We were created in God’s image … Continue reading Spiritual Disciplines – Growing Spiritually (Part 1)

Jesus told his disciples to “abide” in him (John 15:5). They were to stay “connected” at all times. The apostle Paul’s one goal in life was to “know God” (Philippians 3:7-11). His prayer for the church at Ephesus was that they might “know Him better” (Ephesians 1:15-17). But how do we get closer to God? … Continue reading How to Connect with God (re-post)