Tag: Discipline

September 2, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Staying Consistent

Opening Verse

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”
1 Corinthians 15:58 (KJV)

Introduction

Consistency is a challenge we all face in our spiritual lives. The ups and downs of life can make it difficult to stay on course. However, God’s Word encourages us to be steadfast and unwavering, knowing that our efforts in the Lord are never wasted.

Devotional Story

In a small town, there was a man named Ben who loved running. Every morning, he would lace up his shoes and hit the pavement, no matter the weather. His neighbors admired his dedication, but they didn’t understand his motivation. One day, a young boy asked him why he never missed a run. Ben smiled and said, “Running keeps me disciplined. If I can stay consistent in this, I can stay consistent in other areas of my life, especially in my walk with God.”

Ben’s words resonated with the boy, who began to notice that Ben was also consistent in attending church, reading his Bible, and helping others. Ben wasn’t just disciplined in running; he was disciplined in his faith. His consistency in one area of life had spilled over into all others, demonstrating how a steadfast heart in small things leads to steadfastness in greater things.

What This Means

Consistency in our spiritual lives is vital. It’s not about perfection but persistence. Like Ben, when we commit to small, daily disciplines—whether it’s prayer, Bible reading, or acts of kindness—we build a foundation of faith that can withstand life’s challenges. Consistency isn’t about never failing; it’s about always getting back up and continuing in the Lord’s work, trusting that He sees and rewards our efforts.

Think About This

Are there areas in your spiritual life where you struggle to stay consistent? What small steps can you take today to build a more steadfast walk with the Lord?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to be steadfast and consistent in my walk with You. Strengthen me in the small things so that I may remain faithful in all areas of my life. When I fall short, remind me of Your grace and help me to rise again, always abounding in Your work. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
Galatians 6:9 (KJV)

August 23, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Walk of the Wise


Opening Verse:

“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.” – Proverbs 12:15 (KJV)

Introduction

Life often presents us with choices that define our future. Some choose the easy road, avoiding the pain of discipline, while others embrace the challenge, knowing that growth comes from it. Today, let’s explore the value of wisdom and the cost of foolishness.

Devotional Story

Imagine two men in a small town. One, named Daniel, took his time with everything. He believed that shortcuts were the best way to avoid hard work. “Why struggle when there’s an easier path?” he often said. But over time, Daniel noticed that while he was stuck in the same place, his peers were moving ahead, achieving more, and becoming wiser. His reluctance to embrace discipline cost him dearly.

On the other hand, Michael chose the path of wisdom. He listened to advice, sought knowledge, and wasn’t afraid to endure the sting of discipline. While others took it easy, Michael was up early, learning and growing. His efforts didn’t go unnoticed; he became known for his wisdom and never got lost, even in the most challenging situations.

What This Means

Fools often think they know best and avoid the effort it takes to grow. They might save themselves from discomfort in the short term, but in the end, they pay the price for their laziness. On the other hand, those who embrace discipline, even when it stings, are on the path to wisdom. Their journey may be tough, but their reward is great—they shine bright, never getting lost in life’s trials.

Think About This

Are there areas in your life where you’ve been taking the easy way out? Consider the long-term cost of these choices. Remember, discipline may sting now, but it leads to growth and wisdom.

Prayer

Lord, help me to choose the path of wisdom, even when it’s difficult. Guide me to embrace discipline and grow through it. May I never be lost, but always shine with the knowledge and wisdom You provide. Amen.

Closing Verse

“He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.”
Proverbs 13:20 (KJV)

May 28, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Unprepared in the Ring

Opening Verse

“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:”
—Psalm 66:18 (KJV)

Introduction

There are moments in life when we feel that our prayers are not being answered. This can be perplexing and disheartening. But have you ever considered that the way we live our lives might be a reason for this silence from God?

Devotional Story

Imagine preparing for a big boxing match. You have ample time to train, eat right, and get in shape. Your coach lays out a perfect plan, designed to ensure you are at your peak performance on the day of the fight. Instead of following the plan, you become lazy. You eat junk food, skip workouts, and ignore all the advice given to you. When the day of the fight arrives, you suddenly realize you’re not ready. In a frantic effort, you try to train and get fit in a few hours, but it’s too late. You step into the ring unprepared, and it becomes painfully clear that you are not equipped to face your opponent.

What This Means

In the same way, our spiritual lives require discipline and dedication. God desires a sincere heart and a life committed to His ways. When we harbor sin and live contrary to His commandments, our connection with Him is disrupted. Just as the unprepared boxer cannot expect to win, we cannot expect God to respond to our prayers if we live in disobedience. Psalm 66:18 tells us that if we hold on to sin, the Lord will not hear us. It’s a sobering reminder that our actions and the state of our hearts matter to God.

Think About This

Are there areas in your life where you have become spiritually lazy? Are you holding onto habits or sins that might be hindering your prayers? Reflect on your daily walk with God and ask for His help in aligning your life with His will.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I come before You acknowledging my need for Your guidance and strength. Forgive me for the times I have strayed and allowed sin to dwell in my heart. Help me to live a life that is pleasing to You, so that my prayers may be heard. Renew my commitment to follow Your ways and draw closer to You each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.”
—John 15:7 (KJV)