Monday, Feb. 4th - "Discipline"

Greetings Internet Campus,

This week we are going to look at rhythm...how important it is for our lives...and how we can get in sync with God's heartbeat.

Hebrews 12:11 (NLT2) No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.

If we're going to get our lives in sync with God's rhythm, we have to be willing to discipline ourselves. I know...Monday morning is not the best time to talk about discipline and hard work...you've got enough of that ahead of you...but bear with me. The big question this morning is...what are the benefits of disciplining ourselves?

Let's look at both halves of today's verse. The first half tells us that discipline isn't fun...in fact it hurts sometimes! But look at the second half....a "peaceful harvest" of right living comes to those that are disciplined. What does that mean? Simple.

You have to prepare AHEAD of time for what is coming. Trying to train yourself in the middle of the race doesn't work. Trying to eat right in the middle of a heart attack isn't going to help you. Ever try to learn how to swim after you fall out of the boat? Doesn't work real well, does it? Understand my point? We've got to prepare for things before they happen...with discipline.

If we're going to be ready to find God's timing...sync up to it...we've got to prepare our lives through the discipline that we all know we need. We've got to do those things like eat right, exercise, read, think, develop good relationships...and many more! When we discipline ourselves we will be ready for whatever comes our way...and live a life that is indeed peaceful.

Write it Down:
Today in your journal list 3 areas of your life that could use a little bit more discipline. Keep track of those three things and commit to changing one of them this week. What do you predict will happen when you are able to discipline yourself in that area? (Hint....the verse from today....)

See you in the morning...
Pastor Brian