”7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
2 Timothy 1:7
Let’s face it, discipline sucks.
For starters, the word itself makes most folks cringe a bit.
When I think of discipline, I revert back to childhood and remember my father’s leather belt. I also remember the belt’s steel buckle, which hurt a whole lot more…
I was an average kid. I reckon I received a fair amount of discipline, based on my misbehaving.
Looking back, I have to say my parents did their best with the tools they had. They raised a God fearing young man, that’s for certain.
The same with my sister. She was raised to respect her parents, and others. Like me, she was disciplined plenty.
But, there’s another type of discipline… Self-discipline, to be exact.
Yes, there are two meanings to the word discipline. One meaning is “the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior, using punishment to correct disobedience.”
Another meaning of the word discipline is, “a branch of knowledge, typically one studied in higher education.”
This is where self-discipline comes in to play.
And this self-discipline is at the root of a whole lot, not only in our lives, but the lives of those around us.
I am blessed to have disciplined folks around me. For over a decade, I witnessed my ex-wife go for a run every single morning. For years, I heard my daughter Grace’s alarm go off hours I got up. these days, I watch my boss redefine his body through mind blowing physical challenges…
As for yours truly, for the past 2 months, over 66 consecutive mornings, my self-discipline took me into the book of First Kings in the Old testament.
Yes, every single morning, I sat on my bed, or a hotel room bed, or at a park or on the beach, where ever I was, I started the day in 1st Kings.
I read sections of each chapter every morning, even though the scriptures were repetitive, poorly written and focused on God’s wrath. Seriously, have you ever read First Kings from start to finish?
Not many cliffhangers there; Not quite popcorn material if you know what I mean…
I don’t see myself sharing much scripture from 1st Kings, unless I want to instill fear into someone.
Why did I read First Kings, from start to finish in my daily quiet time?
It was an exercise in discipline. It was sacrificial, and I give praise to God for the tremendous feeling of accomplishment I experienced when I completed the work He gave me to do.
When I finished the biblical marathon, God was glorified!
How do I know?
I gave Him the glory!!!
I praised Him for the strength and determination I needed to overcome the challenge.
I praised God for the amazing locations where I was able to serve Him each morning.
I praise Him for being my God, the light at my feet…
It is my hope that you will strive to implement self-discipline in your life, so you can also be victorious in Christ!
Were you able to glean and grow from this message so God can be further glorified and His Kingdom magnified? If so, I would love to hear from you. Follow this link to get in touch… Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your presence in our lives,
We praise you Lord for the wisdom bestowed upon Paul,
And we ask you Lord to help us find joy in your perfect plan.
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through your Word, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by the truth as we spread the good news to one and all,
And lead the lost to You.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us,
To bless our lives and fill us with hope.
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and our place with you in Heaven
According to your ways, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done, here on Earth and through the vast Universe,
May our hearts be filled with your everlasting love and grace.
Praises to You God, Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
