[Editor’s Note: This post is part of a series on the Spiritual Disciplines.] In talking about the Spirit of the Disciplines, we are talking about how we should view and approach them. So, I would like to offer a few clarifications on what they are and what they are not. They are practices, not prerequisites. Whitney notes, “It’s crucial - crucial - to … [Read more...] about Spirit of the Disciplines
Who Redeems Your Life from the Pit
Psalm 103:4 who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, The Lord can redeem your life. “Redeem” carries with it the idea of rescuing and restoring. The way a car enthusiast might rescue a car from the dump and restore it to “new,” or even better than new, so the Lord can and will rescue and restore you. Even from pits. A … [Read more...] about Who Redeems Your Life from the Pit
Promise of the Disciplines
[Editor’s Note: This post is part of a series on the Spiritual Disciplines.] Let's talk briefly about the motivation for engaging in the Spiritual Disciplines. Why engage in these practices? What do they promise or offer? Donald Whitney (2014) begins his book with this reminder: “Discipline without direction is drudgery” (p. 1). He gives the illustration … [Read more...] about Promise of the Disciplines
Who Forgives All Your Iniquity
Psalm 103:3 who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases What wonderful news! The Lord forgives and heals. Forgiveness If you turn to him, confess your sin, and request His help, He will grant it to you gladly! He will forgive all your iniquity. “Iniquity” is not a word we use much in everyday speech, but its use here is important because it … [Read more...] about Who Forgives All Your Iniquity
Origin of the Disciplines
[Editor's Note: This post is part of a series on the Spiritual Disciplines.] In a previous post, we listed the spiritual disciplines as they have been presented by others. But where did these various practices come from? Are they just good ideas from modern pastors and authors? Or are their origins more significant than that? The short answer is that the spiritual … [Read more...] about Origin of the Disciplines