Mindful Christianity is the spiritual discipline of consciously living a crucified life in Christ. Offering a way of denying self, picking up our cross, and truly following the Savior. (Matthew 16:24)
Whatever you are seeking in the New Year - what is seemingly impossible to you that may require faithful obedience to surrender unto Heavenly Father's will? How are you able to live a mindful and crucified Christian life where your response is that of Mary and living in a manner that is according to God's word?
Imagine standing with the disciples of John the Baptist and hearing this question being asked: What seek ye? (John 1:38). Have you contemplated this question for yourself? Do you know what it is that you are truly seeking after? The response of the disciples may be that of our own response: Where is Christ residing… Continue reading “What Seek Ye?”
The cost of personal discipleship where we come unto Christ and follow Him is a journey that is difficult, rugged, and quite challenging. Yet, there is great abundance of spiritual growth, knowledge, guidance, and wisdom. Strength is drawn from the Savior himself as our sure foundation. A personal discipleship where we come to know, and appreciate, the attributes of our Heavenly Father. Come to know Christ, whom the Father has sent. Being transformed into the image and likeness of Christ. This is because the teachings of Jesus Christ - His Doctrine, His Gospel - requires personal scrutiny of self. It invites careful examination and study. It maintains genuine personal reflection and inspection of our attitude and beliefs necessary for genuine discipleship.
Transforming our lives from a broken and fallen past requires acceptance of what has transpired beforehand through acknowledging our own failings, our own poor choices, and the circumstances that have been out of our own control. It also requires turning to and giving over our own will to the will of a Sovereign God, knowing that through His own power and mercy, we will receive forgiveness and redemption. It then requires our own commitment in walking daily, seeking His guidance, companionship, and nurture for our own development of faith.
Growing in spiritual knowledge and understanding are the foundation toward building faith in Christ (our sure foundation), Ability to invite the Holy Spirit into our hearts and minds to bring about personal revelation, wisdom, counsel, and guidance so that we are able to gain greater insight into the teachings of Christ. And helps us increase in our faith in who Jesus Christ is and what his doctrines are. So that we are able to apply those teachings into our lives and become complete, whole, and blameless as fulfillment of the promises of Christ and our Heavenly Father. All being part of the New and Everlasting Covenant made through the infinite atonement of Jesus Christ.
As you are invited to study the New Testament - make the effort to allow the Holy Spirit to assist in growing in understanding, establishing a firm testimony of who Jesus Christ is, and what He offers each of us individually. Through our own personal study, meditation, and reflection of how to apply the teachings of the Savior and his apostles into our own lives gives us rich experience in joy, healing, and peace.
When it comes to reading the scriptures, we are able to come to know of their worth and truthfulness. By careful study and understanding of the scriptures, we are able to come to know them. How we liken the scriptures unto ourselves is through visualization of the people, the events, and situations. What is the situation? How does it relate to my own circumstance? By likening the scriptures, we grow, learn, and receive personal insight and inspiration. We also learn the principles and truths from our Heavenly Father. Finally, we want to ponder - or meditate - upon those things that are revealed through our scripture study. By meditating, we ask questions, look for the practical applications and solutions. Are we being convicted and need to seek forgiveness? Do we need to develop more of an attitude toward charity in ministering to others? Are we struggling and need assurance that when we submit our cares and worries over to God - he is faithful and just in meeting us where we are?
Mindful Christian Living 