The Practice Of Self-Discipline

But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

1 Corinthians 9:27 ESV

The experts say it takes twenty one days to form a habit.

After reading this, you may think, “Just 21 days of waking up early to read my Bible and then it will be easy!” Many others have thought that way too, but it doesn’t work like that.

Spiritual self-discipline isn’t a pursuit that we simply force into habit; for if that were the case, there would be little need for the Holy Spirit in our lives. Remember Galatians 5 then, self-control is a fruit of the Spirit.

We wouldn’t have it without the Spirit as it His gifting and work in us. This realization begs the question then: How do we become more self-disciplined in our spiritual lives?

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Refresh to be Refreshed

“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”

Proverbs 11:25

There have been some sad and difficult things happen in my family over the last few weeks.

When stress is high and life is overwhelming, it can be easy to just wish for a way out, a shortcut to feeling better, or gaining instant peace.

However, this may direct the way we start to live and pray in negative ways.

We can become insular, focused only on our own difficulties, pains, and problems. We turn inward. Our cries to God are simply for escape routes.

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Jesus’ Yoke Is Easy And Light

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30 ESV

The word “yoke” can be foreign to those of us living in an industrialized nation.

Basically, a yoke is a piece of wood that is used to hold two animals together, usually oxen, to help them share the load in pulling a till or a buggy of some sort.

The key here is that the yoke allows the animals to support each other in pulling the heavy weight.

As we live our lives, we are often times yoked by many things.

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