Posted on 01/12/2020 6:58:26 AM PST by Kaslin
With the new year and decade off to a chaotic start, here are four “Godly exercises” that can help reduce stress but don’t require working out. Instead, you exercise your mind and soul with thinking beyond yourself — beyond the world, into the heavenly realm, and back down again with a new perspective.
Now, let’s get real. Any talk of “God” can be threatening, especially if you are not a churchgoer — and part of a growing trend. According to the Pew Research Center, church attendance and Christianity is on the decline in the U.S — especially among the largest population group known as Millennials, born between 1981 and 1996.
Alternatively, instead of participating in any traditional Judeo/Christian religion, characterizing oneself as “spiritual” is popular, non-threatening, and culturally acceptable. Subsequently, if “spiritual” means that you believe in a universal power greater than yourself — or not sure exactly what you believe, but like the moniker — you are cordially invited to begin “exercising.”
Finding God in Mother Nature
Truthfully, I despise the term “Mother Nature.” Surely it was invented by atheists reluctant to acknowledge that nature is God’s handiwork. Therefore, let’s state the obvious: “Nature is God and God is Nature.” More specifically, God’s awesomeness is continuously on display. For example, when I see the sun rise out of the ocean with the most magnificent color pallet, I am left with only one thought, “Praise Be To God.”
Finding God in nature is obvious because He is everywhere. Thus, the next time you are surrounded by mountains; forest; in the sky; on the ocean or scuba-diving under; watching the sunrise or set; gazing at the moon and the stars —looking at anything not made by man — concentrate on feeling His presence. Talk to him. Seriously, it’s as elementary as, “Hi God, thanks for creating this beautiful scene.”
Conversely, if you don’t believe He is the Creator, be bold enough to tell Him. (He might “answer” you in a profound way, so be prepared.) If you are interested in reading what the Bible says about God in nature, here is a link to 100 short passages.
Thanking God for nature brings us to exercise No. 2:
Thanking Him in General
Thanking God for the many blessings in your life is easy, and He appreciates it. All you have to say is, “Thank you, Lord, for (fill in the blank).” However, you should say it often, humbly, and with the utmost sincerity.
The “One” with the most awesome power expects you to thank Him. He wants you to acknowledge Him. He never gets tired of you thanking Him for the people you love in addition to all the gifts, talents, success, financial resources, and good health that you might take for granted because life is fragile — and you never know what tomorrow will bring. Then, when days turn dark, I firmly believe that adverse occurrences are also from God. He utilizes both good and bad to advance, sharpen and often “break” us so that He can use us for His greater glory. But granted, understanding tragedy in one's life is very difficult, and people often grow closer to Him during those times.
One of my favorite and famous Bible passages addresses that topic with “all things” as the operative phrase: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).
If the concept of thanking God resonates with you, here are 100 Bible passages you might enjoy browsing.
Seeking Him/Asking Him
Our third exercise invokes a concept that has preoccupied great religious and scholarly minds for centuries — and to this day. For the record, I am neither a great religious or scholarly mind. However, through my faith journey from Judaism by birth, to Christianity at age 20 — I know the following is true: God is around 24/7. He is eternal. He is always there for you. The problem is you don’t think He is, or you don’t think about Him at all.
The beauty of this exercise is that you can practice it anywhere, at any time. Seek God in your mind and heart. Ask Him into your life. Ask Him a question about an issue that is troubling you. It’s called prayer. But if that word sounds too “religious,” call this exercise a “conversation with God.”
God is not confined within the walls of a church. (Although that is always a good place to find Him.) Seeking Him is like opening a window, but you must first do the opening.
Here is a popular Bible passage on this topic: "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7).
Are you motivated to seek and ask? Check out these Bible verses for inspiration.
Praising and Glorifying Him
Our last exercise encompasses all of the above. After you “practice” finding God in nature, thanking Him, seeking and asking Him — the more compelled you will be to praise and glorify Him in your life with words and deeds. That is because He will make His presence known to you. I have no idea how or when, only that He will.
Once again, here are Bible passages to assist you with praising and glorifying God.
Finally, it is important to note that for the purpose of these exercises, you can either contemplate God or Jesus. I will leave identity in HIS hands
Ya. Well it was He who said it is not good for man to be alone.
The Hipshot Option has been controversial for many years. Freepers of a certain age can relate.
. Yes. I am RC, but find that reading The Word and testifying is more important than attending mass.
I was just wondering you basis for saying not attending a roman catholic service every Sunday is a sin. There is none.
Ok. and correct. I attended services and took communion today and am greatly blessed by doing so. That does not mean that those that did not attend a Roman Catholic service today and every Sunday are sinning. Big difference.
“ But it is Catholic
Exactly. Not Christian.
Best
OH, absolutely right. There is no schedule set in scripture and we all have weeks when we can’t make it, but for those who would say there is no requirement to attend church at all, I think Hebrews would disagree with them.
I would think when I go to meet my maker he will never ask me if I went to church.
It will go more like this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iaZp3CzUXk
This is probably the best video I have ever seen about anything....ever.
Good thing because there is nothing we can do to save our souls. Nothing. Christ has to do it for us. Thank God He did!
Wow- you have no idea how much I needed this! My family and I are in what I call a “Crisis of Faith”, not because of doubting Him, but because we have stopped going to our church because of the way our daughter was treated (long story in and of itself). We are lost in that we do not have a church home and I really want one. However, for various reasons we have yet to visit other churches in our area. I was just speaking to God about my hurt in not having a church home when I clicked on FR and here your post is!! Thank you!!!!
i would agree. the Christian life is not meant to be lived in seclusion. There are those for one reason or another don’t currently have a congregation, but it is best for Christians to have a body to worship with and share teaching and fellowship
Don’t leave the Mass and the Sacraments though. There is power in them to help us do God’s will.
Catholics are instructed to attend Mass and enjoy adequate rest on Sundays (see Catechism of the Catholic Church 2180-2188).
Simple google search.
I’ve had to switch churches for various reasons due to people’s offenses. We Just made sure to put it across to the kids that mean people are everywhere - and when they got older- that it was especially so- as the enemy will do anything to keep us out of Church and away from God. It’s target is primarily young people in formation.
OK. I asked your basis for calling it a sin to not attend every Sunday. Sin is breaking Gods rules not the catholic churches instructions.
Amazing Grace 40 Treasured Hymns Tennessee Ernie Ford
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDBNGuODNlg
Again, I am not calling it a sin. The catechism states that it is
And two, if you want to argue then read what I said. Numerous posts
Specific to Catholics is the tenet to attend Mass every Sunday (unless a legitimate reason)
Catholics do not tell other denominations what to do. In the time you’re taking to argue with me you could have been to service or to mass and back. Jesus loves you
I am so sorry. If you haven’t gone to one already, a grief support group might help.
I went to service foday and even received the Body and Blood of my Lord. I am blessed thank you.
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