Celebration.Intro

My wonderful friend Will purchased me a copy of Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster for my birthday. I started it this evening, going through the introduction slowly and surely, armed with a pen, underlining text left-and-right. I aim to be slow and methodical with my study of this book, hoping to foster in my life the "classic Disciplines" it speaks of. I will, Lord-willing, feature some sort of post on each portion as I am able to devour it. Below marks some quick notes, as well as my overall reaction to the themes outlined in the Introduction:

. "The finished product is the outcome of wide reading and careful thinking." -- (D. Elton Trueblood)

. "God intends the Disciplines of the spiritual life to be for ordinary human beings...[therefore] we need not be well advanced in matters of theology to practice the Disciplines...The primary requirement is a longing after God."

. "We simply do not know how to go about exploring the inward life."

. "The life that is pleasing to God is not a series of religious duties."

. "...inner righteousness is a gift from God to be graciously received. The needed change within us is God's work, not ours."

. "God has given us the Disciplines of the spiritual life as a means of receiving his grace. The Disciplines allow us to place ourselves before God so that he can transform us." -- He gives us a gift and tells us to use it.

. "The path is fraught with severe difficulties, but also with incredible joys. As we travel on this path, the blessing of God will come upon us and reconstruct us into the image of Jesus Christ."

. "[The Spiritual Disciplines] are meant to bring the abundance of God into our lives."

. "Jesus Christ has promised to be our ever-present Teacher and Guide. His voice is not hard to hear. His direction is not hard to understand...We can trust his teaching...If we are willing to listen to the Heavenly Monitor, we will receive the instruction we need." -- 1 Samuel 3:9-10

Final Thoughts:

* Our central goal must always be the presence of the Lord - in our hearts, minds, and actions. He is the destination, to which the greatest path (journey) leads. Our focus must always be towards Him. Our affections for Him. Our allegiance to Him. Our success by Him. He is our great centrality.