Thursday, October 5, 2017 The Outer Manifestation of Simplicity: The Discipline of Simplicity, Part 5 of 5 (Inspired by Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster)

Thursday, October 5, 2017

The Outer Manifestation of Simplicity: The Discipline of Simplicity, Part 5 of 5 (Inspired by Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster)

Devotional:
When the inner life is centered around the Kingdom of God, we begin to see the outward working of simplicity in our lives. Some practical areas to help our minds to focus on simplicity are listed in this final section on simplicity. We are encouraged to remember not to make a legalistic idol of this list, but reminded that we can use these as a litmus test and prayer focus for our pursuit.

  1. Buy things for their usefulness rather than their status
  2. Reject anything that is producing an addiction in you
  3. Develop a habit of giving things away
  4. Refuse to be propagandized by the custodians of modern gadgetry
  5. Learn to enjoy things without owning them
  6. Develop a deeper appreciation for the creation
  7. Look with a healthy skepticism at all “buy now, pay later” schemes
  8. Obey Jesus’ instructions about plain, honest speech
  9. Reject anything that breeds the oppression of others
  10. Shun anything that distracts you from seeking first the kingdom of God

There is always more God can do to grow us into His best life, and perhaps this is an area that will be a lifelong quest. In the words of Pastor Foster, “May God give you—and me—the courage, the wisdom, the strength always to hold the kingdom of God as the number-one priority of our lives. To do so is to live in simplicity.”

Prayer:
Thanksgiving:
God, I love You! My heart overflows with love and gratitude. Thank You for always opening new doors to Your kingdom to me.

Confession:
Lord, I bring my heart to You and ask You to search me and know me. Reveal struggles and sin so that I might release them to You for healing and cleansing. (Mine today: I confess that I care too much what others think about my clothing and my car. I ask You to remove this from me, and not to judge others for their struggle in this area.)

Supplication:
God, I truly desire to live the best life for You I possibly can. Plant simplicity into my heart and teach me to live this way and to train our children in this.

Intercession:
I lift my children to You today. I ask that You guide me to guide them. Parenting children in this culture can be so difficult. This way of life is countercultural, and kids don’t always understand why we are saying no or setting limits when they are surrounded by kids whose families don’t subscribe to these principles. I ask that You will help my children to have a healthy view of simplicity, and desire You more than things. (Journal and spend time interceding for each child. Chloe today: She is taking a step back in disobedience. I need patience to handle it consistently. Christian today: He is still darting into traffic without regards for his safety. Please help him. Toileting is an ongoing struggle. Help him, help us.)

Thanksgiving and Consecration:

God, I give these needs to You for Your work. I love You and worship You for Who You are. Thank You for this time together. Thank You that You go with me through my day. In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.

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