Time For Discipline
by Minister Richard Hagans Discipline means, a branch of learning, training that develops self-control, efficiency, strict control to enforce obedience, a system of rules as for a church, treatment that corrects or punishes. One thing that I have come to realize is that we need to bring our mind, heart and soul to a place of discipline. We are people that don’t like to be told what to do, nor how to do things. But this is a season that God is calling all of his chosen ones to a place of discipline and obedience. Discipline is a path to spiritual growth, spiritual practices of Christian faith. The Bible says without faith it is impossible to please God, because He works by our faith in Him. We are looking for people to be so deep but God intends for the disciplines of the spiritual life to be for ordinary human beings: people who have jobs, who care for children, who wash dishes, mow lawns; etc. In fact, disciplines are best exercised in the midst of our relationships with our husband or wife, brother or sister, our friends, neighbors & co-workers. Joy is the keynote of all disciplines. The purpose of disciplines are the liberation from the stifling slavery to self interest and fear. When the inner spirit is liberated from all that weighs it down, it can hardly be described as dull singing, dancing, & even shouting may characterize the disciplines of the spiritual life. Spiritual discipline are not hard, the main requirement is a longing after God. As a heart longs for flowing streams, so longs my soul for thee, o God, my soul thirst for God, for the living God, (Psalm 42:1-2). I used to be one that was very comfortable just sitting in the pew but God called me into the deep. Psalm 42:7 says ‘deep calls unto deep’. Perhaps somewhere in life you have heard a call to a deeper fuller life. You have become weary, and tired of the same things all the time. Every now and then you have caught glimpses, hints of something more than you have known. The inward you longs to launch out into the deep. I have learned in life that it’s not about me, but all about God and His purpose in and for my life. It may not feel right nor look right according to our own mind, but it’s all in God plans. The Bible let’s us know that our thoughts and ways are not like His, so we need to forget our ways and follow Him all the way. So people of God, let us put away all childish things and begin to discipline ourselves in the things of God. I love you & there’s nothing you can do about it. Until the next time, may peace be with you.
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