Spiritual Disciplines Messages

Spiritual Practices: Introduction

Richard Foster writes, “The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for deep people.” What do you think about his observation?  Reflect on the twelve spiritual disciplines.  Inward: meditation, prayer, fasting, and study Outward: simplicity, solitude, submission, and service Corporate: confession, worship, guidance, and celebration Any thoughts? Something you’re familiar with? Something completely new? Questions?  What do you think of the canoe trip metaphor? What might be another picture of how the spiritual ...

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Spiritual Practices: Simplicity

In what ways do you think you need to simplify your lifeHow does the practice of simplicity affect how we spend our money?In the story of Mary and Martha, Martha was busy serving Jesus, but Jesus implies that this "serving Jesus" was actually distracting Martha from what was most important.  Can you relate?  How can doing good things for Jesus be a distraction.Picture Jesus as your King sitting down on the throne of your life.  What does He say to you as he seeks to bring order to the "kingdom of your life"?  What is Jesus saying to you right now?

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Spiritual Practices: Solitude

Do you like to be alone or is solitude hard for you?  Why?Read 1 Kings 19:11-13a.  How did the Lord speak to Elijah?If one of the ways God speaks to us is in a gentle whisper, what would you do if you were Satan and wanted to prevent God's people from hearing His voice?If having a consistent "quiet time" with the Lord has been a practice of yours, share with the group what has worked for you and what hasn't.  (Note to Leader:  if you have new Christians in your group, explain what the term "quiet time" means and make note of other phrases used (i.e. like "morning devotions", etc)).If you have never had a consistent ...

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