“For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.”
– Colossians 2:5
Let’s not quit praying this last week just as passionately as we did the first week. God has big things in store, and days 21-25 will prove it. This week is all about self-discipline, why it matters, and what it produces.
There are two types of discipline. The first type is God’s way of correcting us when we get off track, like when we discipline our kids when they disobey. He corrects us because He loves us and wants the best for us, not because he is angry with us. The second type of discipline is SELF-discipline, a gift of the Holy Spirit that gives us the ability to make good choices and create healthy patterns that lead to godly living.
Some people wonder what the first type of discipline looks like. For example– if we are not living a godly life but continue to lead in our church, God made allow the leadership of the church to remove you from your position. You may feel it is an “attack from the enemy,” but it is actually God disciplining you. God’s discipline is not punishment (Christ already took your punishment upon Himself at the cross), nor is His discipline intended to inflict pain. It is for our good that He steps in and redirects our course.
Let’s Pray:
1.) Read Hebrews 12:5-11 and Galatians 5:22-23. What do these verses say about discipline and self-control (self-discipline)? How have you believed incorrectly concerning either of these?
2.) Look back over the past five weeks. What patterns emerged in your life that drew you away from God? When did you find yourself struggling to make the right choice? Has there been a time you felt you were being attacked by the enemy that God is now revealing was His gentle discipline? Sit and really reflect on these questions and let the Holy Spirit speak to you.
3.) Journal about the areas in which you are disciplined (guess what? Praying at 5am is one of them!). What makes those areas successful? How do you stay disciplined even when it gets tough? Ask God how He can keep you on track, even in hard times.
Self discipline is probably the hardest action i have struggled with! It is the root of everything i have to do! In my walk with Christ, and in my health & weight loss journey. I still have self defeating thoughts. It is a struggle everyday! But i guess that is how i learn… right ? So i have developed routines that I consciously make efforts to complete,as small as making coffee and breakfast for my family, to more importantly, my prayer time. Satan tries to step in my every day , and I rebuke him. He he attempts to put doubt and fear in me….. that aint happing! I have “PROMISES”…most importantly I have my rule book ,The Holy Bible!God tells us
“4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. 9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. – Philippians 4:4-9