Spiritual Disciplines

[Jerm]

What do you guys think of the concept of Spiritual Disciplines?  By Spiritual Disciplines, I mean things like fasting, meditation, journaling, prayer vigils, etc.  I'm not very familiar with this concept so any input would be greatly appreciated  :happygrin:

[martincisneros]

The only way to live, provided it's based on genuine building revelations of the Scriptures and isn't a Colossians 2 "touch not, taste not, handle not" that's for it's own sake or any attempt at winning brownie points with God since Christ has already won those for us for all of eternity, including the cupcake points.  But there are further things to be won and achieved besides God's Heart and our righteousness in Christ Jesus.

[peacemaker]

"You fast when giving to others; and doing without, yourself!"

Isaiah 58:3-10

Why have we fasted,' they say, and you have not seen it?
Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?'
Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers.

Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists.
You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high.

Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for a man to humble himself?
Is it only for bowing one's head like a reed  and for lying on sackcloth and ashes?
Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the LORD?

Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke – to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?

Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter – when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness ONE will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.

Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I – If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed – then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.

peacemaker