Celebration of Discipline explores the central spiritual practices of the Christian faith, dividing them into three categories: inward disciplines (meditation, prayer, fasting, and study), outward disciplines (simplicity, solitude, submission, and service), and corporate disciplines (confession, worship, guidance, and celebration). Foster argues that these disciplines are essential for spiritual growth and a balanced spiritual life. He provides practical insights and examples on how these disciplines can be integrated into daily life to bring about personal transformation and a deeper connection with God and others.
The Book of Virtues is a comprehensive anthology edited by William J. Bennett, intended to aid in the moral education of children. The book contains 370 passages across ten chapters, each dedicated to a different virtue, including self-discipline, compassion, responsibility, friendship, work, courage, perseverance, honesty, loyalty, and faith. The selections are drawn from a wide range of sources, including the Bible, Greek mythology, Aesop's Fables, William Shakespeare, and works by authors like Charles Dickens, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Oscar Wilde. The book is designed to be used for browsing and bookmarking, with the aim of teaching children moral literacy and helping them develop good character. The 30th anniversary edition includes new figures such as Mother Teresa, Colin Powell, and heroes of 9/11 and the War in Afghanistan, continuing its legacy of promoting moral education[1][4][3].
In this book, Bruce H. Lipton presents a new understanding of how genes and DNA can be influenced by our beliefs and thoughts. He argues that genes do not control our biology; instead, DNA is controlled by signals from outside the cell, including the energetic messages emanating from our positive and negative thoughts. This synthesis of cell biology and quantum physics shows that our bodies can be changed as we retrain our thinking. Lipton emphasizes the role of the subconscious mind in processing information and how our beliefs shape our health, relationships, and overall success. He also discusses the importance of cooperative living and the potential for transforming our lives by becoming conscious of and reprogramming our limiting beliefs[1][2][5].
Healing and Recovery offers a comprehensive approach to personal growth and recovery, emphasizing the importance of mental, physical, psychological, and spiritual healing. The book provides insights into metaphysics and psychology, along with practical meditation and mindfulness techniques to aid in overcoming addiction and depression.
The Pilgrim's Progress is a Christian allegory that follows the journey of Christian, a man burdened by his sin, as he travels from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City. Along the way, he encounters various characters and obstacles that symbolize spiritual realities. The book is presented as a dream sequence and is divided into two parts, the second part following Christian's wife, Christiana, and her children on a similar journey. The narrative is rich in biblical references and explores themes of redemption, faith, and perseverance.
This handbook provides practical, accessible guidance on various spiritual disciplines, from classical practices like prayer, worship, and scripture study to more contemporary disciplines such as mentoring, journaling, and unplugging. It is designed to help readers transform their spiritual lives by offering clear definitions and practices of these disciplines. The book is structured into several parts, including Worship, Open Myself to God, Relinquish the False Self, Share My Life with Others, Hear God's Word, and Incarnate the Love of Christ. It is highly recommended for both new and seasoned Christians seeking to enhance their spiritual growth and intimacy with Christ.
In 'The Spirit of the Disciplines', Dallas Willard argues that spiritual disciplines are essential for transforming Christians into the character of Christ. He contends that these disciplines, such as solitude, silence, fasting, and prayer, are concrete activities that make us more receptive to God's Kingdom. The book explores the theological foundation of these disciplines, their historical context, and their practical application in everyday life. Willard emphasizes that salvation is a process of transformation worked out through our physical bodies and that these disciplines are crucial for living a life that reflects Christ's teachings[1][2][4].
The Word on Fire Bible is designed to make the Bible more accessible to both believers and non-believers. It includes beautiful artwork, insightful commentary from historical figures like Thomas Aquinas and G.K. Chesterton, and uses the New Revised Standard Version: Catholic Edition (NRSV-CE) translation. The series aims to evangelize through beauty and provide a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith.
In *Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life*, Donald S. Whitney explores various spiritual practices that lead to spiritual growth and godliness. The book covers disciplines like Scripture reading, prayer, worship, evangelism, serving, stewardship, fasting, silence and solitude, journaling, and learning. Whitney draws from Christian history, particularly Puritan teachings, to illustrate how these disciplines are channels of God’s transforming grace. The revised and updated edition includes in-depth discussions on Bible study and prayer methods, making it a valuable resource for both new and seasoned Christians to deepen their spiritual lives.
In this book, Randy Alcorn provides a detailed and scripturally grounded description of Heaven, challenging common misconceptions such as the idea of Heaven as a realm of disembodied spirits or eternal harp strumming. Instead, he portrays Heaven as a vibrant, physical New Earth where real people with real bodies enjoy close relationships with God and each other, engaging in activities like eating, drinking, working, playing, traveling, and worshiping. The book emphasizes the continuity between earthly life and the new creation, highlighting the glorious possibilities of worshiping God through an eternity of exercising dominion over a renewed creation[1][4][5].
Ben Greenfield's "Fit Soul" delves into the concept of identifying one's unique purpose in life. The book guides readers through a process of self-discovery, helping them understand their innate talents and passions. It emphasizes the importance of aligning one's actions with their core values and purpose. The book encourages readers to find activities that bring them joy and fulfillment, leading to a more meaningful and purposeful life. Ultimately, "Fit Soul" aims to help individuals live a life that is both physically and spiritually fulfilling.
The Golden Verses of Pythagoras is a collection of maxims and ethical teachings attributed to the ancient Greek philosopher Pythagoras. These verses offer practical guidance on living a virtuous life, emphasizing self-control, moderation, and the pursuit of wisdom. They promote harmony between body and soul, reason and passion. The verses advocate for daily self-reflection and the cultivation of virtues such as justice, temperance, and courage. Their influence on the Founding Fathers is evident in their emphasis on self-improvement and the pursuit of virtue.
This workbook likely guides individuals through practices and exercises aimed at deepening their spiritual life and fostering personal growth. It may include activities such as prayer, meditation, and journaling to enhance spiritual disciplines.
bengreenfieldfitness.com/spiritualpodcast
I am asked quite often about how I practically weave into my own life so many of the spiritual disciplines and spiritual fitness principles that I discuss in my book Fit Soul, my Spiritual Disciplines Journal and my weekly Sabbath Ramblings posts.
So in this special "solosode" podcast, I describe to you in detail how I practice and practically implement four key spiritual disciplines habits on a daily basis, specifically service, gratitude, purpose and self-examination, and I then turn to listener questions about spirituality, religion, God, reincarnation, my favorite spiritual books and resources and much more, and also include my entire Chapter 10 of my book Fit Soul for your listening pleasure.
In this special solosode, you'll hear: -Chapter 10 of
Fit Soul...7:15 -What to do when your job is crushing your soul...44:25 -What if I can't wrap my head around believing in God or religion?...49:08 -What happens when we die?...56:50 -Is it okay to masturbate?...1:07:15 -What pastors and authors does Ben like to listen to and read...1:12:15 -How to forgive one's self for major sins of the past...1:17:10 -Ben's daily spiritual practices...1:21:45 -And much more! Resources mentioned in this episode:
-Spiritual Disciplines Journal
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