Practical Suggestions for the Christian Walk

[LamorakDesGalis]

What practices or disciplines do you pursue in your Christian walk?

And what practices or disciplines do you want to pursue in your Christian walk?

And what positive suggestions would you give other Christians for the Christian walk?

And - if you dare - what do you find difficult in your Christian walk? What struggles are you currently going through?

I'm defining the Christian walk as sanctification or as progressive sanctification. And sure, its fine to answer with the obvious practices such as prayer and reading Scripture. Its an encouragement to know Christians are doing those things. But it would even more encouraging to see the details of your practice - how often you pray, when, where, etc. I'll be answering my own questions a bit later, after I think about them....


LDG

 

[Ormly]

Make sure you have established, the proper starting point for your Christian life. If your idea of the Christian walk is the 'white knuckle club', as most concerned seem to see it, then you will have lots of company walking with concerned 'white knucklers'.

 

[Van]

Know what you believe, do not use terms that you do not understand. Do not always follow in the footsteps of others, accepting the traditions of men, but study scripture for yourself and decide what you think it actually teaches.

Remember your greatest gift is not knowledge, but compassion.

 

[LamorakDesGalis]

Now that I've had nearly two months to think about it...

What practices or disciplines do you pursue in your Christian walk?

Bible reading, prayer, meditation, and study.

For daily reading, I like to read 4 sections of Scripture in "parallel" - a couple of Psalms, a section of Proverbs, 5-10 chapters of the OT and 2-4 chapters in the NT. The Psalms are very helpful emotionally as well as for prayer and praising God. Proverbs are meant to be chewed and digested slowly, with reflection on life. The OT/NT is read at a faster clip so I can read through the entire Bible 2-4 times a year. Although sometimes, I like to slow the reading down in smaller sections.

I basically use 4 different forms of prayer: praying for others, praising God, "watch and pray" (warding temptation) and "from the heart." The "from the heart" is a kind of gut-level speak freely response to God, about anything, just like the Psalmists often did. It helps me get in touch with my own feelings and to be honest with God.

I divide the readings and prayers over 3 different sessions during the day. Psalms/Proverbs are in the morning, NT reading is in the afternoon and OT reading along with a Bible study session is in the evening. If I miss a session, I either roll the readings to the next session or just let it go until next time.

And what practices or disciplines do you want to pursue in your Christian walk?

Fasting. I used to fast more often in the past, and would like to pick it up again. I think I need to re-read sections of Richard Foster's Celebration of Discipline and Donald Whitney's Disciplines of the Christian Life. That and I want to look more deeply and seriously at Lectio Divina.

And what positive suggestions would you give other Christians for the Christian walk?

I advise not to be satisfied with the status quo, but to push yourself to do better. However permit yourself to fail - and learn from it. There is nothing "new" is what I suggest - setup a personal Bible reading program, engage in prayer and seek fellowship with other Christians on a regular basis. Reading the Bible is listening to God, prayer is talking with God, and fellowshipping with others engages one to love their neighbor. Love God and love your neighbor - that is the key.

And - if you dare - what do you find difficult in your Christian walk? What struggles are you currently going through?

Lately I have been struggling with consistency. The mornings are especially tough. A few months ago I was doing great with praying for others, and now I am lacking in prayer.


LDG

 

[Ormly]

What is the goal of the Christian?

 

[nobdysfool]

The chief aim of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.