Holistic Spirituality

purple1In  Freedom of Simplicity Foster gently encourages us to see that our identity, our sense of comfort and security must be dependent on Christ and Christ alone if we are to honestly seek first the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God is not for each of us separately, but for us as a community. Foster notes that Shalom is a full-bodied concept resonates with wholesomeness, unity, balance—a harmonious, caring community with God at its center.” Interestingly, he notes that the “promised blessings [of God] are for the community rather than the individual.” Foster recognizes that “something beyond good intentions and will-power is needed to transform our ego-centric, greed-captivated personalities into an all-inclusive community of loving, sharing persons.”

Simplicity is:

  • a return to the posture of dependency.
  • a grace given by God, it is also a discipline.
  • a consciously chosen course of action involving both group and individual life.
  • sets our lives before God in such a way that he can work into us the grace of simplicity.
  • its outer expression must flow from the inner resources.
  • is rooted in solitude.
  • means a return to the posture of dependency.
  • a cultivation of the soil, a sowing to the Spirit.

Discipline

  • We have 1 thing to focus on: to be attentive to the voice of the true Shepherd.
  • We have one 1 decision to make: seek first his kingdom and righteousness.
  • We have one task: obey him.
  • We are yoked to the one who is trained. Our only task is to keep in step with him. He chooses the direction and leads the way.
  • Creation story is central—radical dependence of the entire creation upon God.
  • True self-fulfillment comes only through self-denial. Christ emptied himself, taking the form of a servant. Philippians 2:7-8
  • Ask for an increase of the light of Christ. Ask that the Shekinah, the glorious radiant presence of God, which once filled the mercy seat, fill your heart. In every task of your day seek to live in utter surrender, listening and obedient.
  • We have no independent existence, no self-sustaining ability. All we are and all we possess is derived from God.
  • Radical obedience possible when God has our supreme allegiance.

Humility

  • Change the image flow—God coming into us to our coming into God.
  • Way into humility is through holy obedience.
  • We need the oil of the Spirit to heal wounded relationships. Surrender our rights for the good of others.
  • Meister Eckart: There are plenty to follow our Lord half way, but not the other half. They will give up their possessions, friends and honors, but it touches them to closely to disown themselves.
  • Prayer is the first step in relinquishing our control to Christ.
  • Prayer frees us from anxiety because it teaches us trust And the result is peace.
  • According to Martin Luther, a Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none. A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject to all.

Holistic Audio & Video

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Reflections to Consider

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Holistic Publications

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Publications

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Holistic Music

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Music

  • Jesus be the centre

    Center is a song that speaks of the essence of our life in Christ, and echoes the words the Christ Read More
  • I Lift My Hands

    A powerful hymn of adoration and praise Arkansas Gospel Mass Choir. This succinctly captures the joy of knowing our savior. Read More
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Holistic Reflection

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Audio & Video

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Favorites

  • Transforming this World: The Hope of Glory by NT Wright +

    Wright confronts the perspective that this world doesn’t matter, and that we live only to be in heaven. He shows Read More
  • What is Good in a World that Defies Hope: a talk by NT Wright +

    This is the second part of three talks by NT Wright at Harvard University in November, 2008 on the topic Read More
  • The Stream, the Lake and the River: NT Wright +

      Acts 2.1-21; John 7.37-39; a sermon at the Eucharist on the Feast of Pentecost, 11 May 2008, by the Read More
  • Jesus in the Perfect Storm by NT Wright +

    Zechariah 9.9-17; Luke 19.28-48; A sermon for Palm Sunday, April 17, 2011, In the University Chapel of St Salvator, St Read More
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Hidden Blessings

  • Christ is a Great Savior: a review of the movie Amazing Grace +

    Amazing Grace is a historical drama about William Wilberforce who was elected to British Parliament at the age of 21 Read More
  • Wilberforce, Hollywood's Amazing Grace, Charlotte Allen +

    William Wilberforce's relentless campaign eventually led the British Parliament to ban the slave trade, in 1807, and to pass a Read More
  • Making Beauty out of Ugly Things: Grace by U2 +

    Grace, she takes the blame She covers the shame Removes the stain It could be her name Grace, she carries Read More
  • The True Nature of Grace and Love: a movie review of the Soloist +

    The 2009 movie The Soloist is based on a book by the same name, written by Los Angeles Times columnist Read More
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