Topic: A Life of Discipline Will Bring God’s Peace [Sunday December 17, 2017]
For the time being no discipline brings joy, but seems grievous and painful; but afterwards it yields a peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it [a harvest of fruit which consists in righteousness–in conformity to God’s will in purpose, thought, and action, resulting in right living and right standing with God]. — Hebrews 12:11
Too many things compete for our limited resources of attention, energy and time.
I used to complain to God about my schedule being overwhelming. I’d cry, “God, how could anyone be expected to do all that I have to do?”
Then it hit me: I was the one who made my schedule, and nobody could change it but me! I could no longer spend time wishing things were different because wishing wouldn’t change anything.
God showed me that I had to discipline myself in order to simplify my life.
You’ll have to do that too if you want life to slow down. Ask the Holy Spirit for help. He can guide you, showing you what commitments to make and which ones to turn down.
It may be tough at first, especially if you haven’t been disciplined in the past, but the rewards of discipline and self-control are worth the effort. The Bible says that discipline brings peaceable fruit. Begin disciplining yourself today, and you can begin to enjoy the peaceful life that God has waiting for you.
Prayer Starter: Lord, I want to experience the peaceful fruit of a well-disciplined life. When I’m tempted to over-commit and stretch myself too far, help me to slow down and only do the things You want me to do.
From Joyce Meyer’s Ministries