Notes from class...

Some folks have kindly requested that I post notes from class.

Other folks have asked me to consider writing. I am enjoying catching up on a few things around the house and in the community, but I may add future thoughts to these pages maybe on a weekly basis.

Thanks so much. I learned so much through writing and processing thoughts down on this blog.

Here are the notes...


Spiritual Practices
Lesson 4: Simplicity
March 18, 2012
Salem Presbyterian Church
Lenten “Get Going” Sunday School Series

In The Pursuit of God, A.W. Tozer writes,
“Every age has its own characteristics. Right now we are in an age of religious complexity. The simplicity, which is in Christ, is rarely found among us. In its stead are programs, methods, organizations, and a world of nervous activities, which occupy time and attention but can never satisfy the longing of the heart.
“The shallowness of our inner experience, the hollowness of our worship, and that servile imitation of the world which marks our promotional methods all testify that we, in this day, know God only imperfectly, and the peace of God scarcely at all.”

Simplicity
Richard Foster, author of Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth points to these aspects of simplicity as a discipline in his chapter on simplicity as a discipline, he mentions "shunning anything that distracts you from seeking the kingdom of God."

• speak in simple truths that are easy for us to live by
• constantly being better than others.
• temporal, impermanent things
• giving to others out of a place of joy and willingness in our hearts
• sense of gratitude for everything we have.

Mind clutter/ house clutter
Notes based on Charles R. Swindoll’s book – So You Want To Be Like Christ

• We live with far too many things
• Most of us don’t plan for leisure or reflection time
• Most lack joy in important accomplishments – Rich’s reading
• Many of us owe more than we can repay
• Do our modern gadgets really save us time?

The Bible says:

i. “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.” Phil. 4:11

ii. “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business”
I Thess. 4:11

iii. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

Sources
Quaker Book of Wisdom: Life Lessons In Simplicity, Service and Common Sense
Robert Lawrence Smith

So You Want to Be Like Christ: Eight Essentials to Get You There
Charles R. Swindoll

Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth
Richard Foster

The Ragamuffin Gospel: Good News for the Bedraggled, Beat-Up, and Burnt Out
Brennan Manning

Rich Mullins: An Arrow Pointing to Heaven
James Bryan Smith

Homework
Take time to pray, meditate, to be silent and to relax. Use the word “no,” even if you are “multitalented.” And remember “No room, no quiet space, no time for God.” Swindoll

"Our life is frittered away by detail... simplify, simplify."
Henry David Thoreau

"Money never made a man happy yet, nor will it. There is nothing in its nature to produce happiness. The more a man has, the more he wants. Instead of its filling a vacuum, it makes one. If it satisfies one want, it doubles and trebles that want another way. That was a true proverb of the wise man, rely upon it; "Better is little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasure, and trouble therewith." Ben Franklin

"We are joined in a responsibility together make this world a good one for all of us. Each of us warms the world or chills it inasmuch as we offer or withhold respect, hospitality, encouragement, love or truth." Rich Mullins

France Fénelon wrote: “Your mind is too much taken up with your circumstances, and this hinders you from understanding the mind of God . . . I think it is such a hindrance to the kind of quiet meditation in which God reveals Himself. You must learn to be humble and simple . . . Be content with leading a simple life.”

"If thou art absolutely obedient to God, then there is no ambiguity in thee and... thou art mere simplicity before God." Soren Kierkegaard

"There is the danger and the temptation to you, of drawing your minds into your business, and clogging them with it; so that ye can hardly do anything to the service of God." George Fox

"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself." ~Leo Tolstoy

"A crust eaten in peace is better than a banquet partaken in anxiety." Aesop, Fables

“We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature - trees, flowers, grass- grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence... We need silence to be able to touch souls.” Mother Teresa

"The true way to gain much is never to desire to gain too much. He is not rich that possesses much but he that covets no more; and he is not poor that enjoys little but he that wants too much." Francis Beaumont

"I neglect God and his angels for the noise of a fly, for the rattling of a coach, for the whining of a door." John Donne

“Humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less.” C.S. Lewis

"If it's your job to eat a frog, it's best to do it first thing in the morning. And If it's your job to eat two frogs, it's best to eat the biggest one first." Mark Twain

“So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear? Your heavenly Father knows that you need them. Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all its righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.” Matthew 6:21-23