Discipline ~ Love in motion

Discipline evokes transformation... life-changing, heart~posture transformation that is not a light hearted outcome. No, rather discipline is the stewarded passion stemming from the desire to follow the Lord closely. You're not born with or without it, however, through the choices you make each day, you either plant the seed for it to grow or you don’t. Discipline is the drive in ones heart to follow the call of the Lord no matter what it brings or where it takes you requires discipline to stay the course.

You’re blessed when you stay on course,
walking steadily on the road revealed by God.
You’re blessed when you follow his directions,
doing your best to find him.
That’s right—you don’t go off on your own;
you walk straight along the road he set.

Psalm 119vs1~4 MSG

The Lord does indeed plant all sorts of hopes and dreams, aspirations and wishes on our hearts. All of our lives echo the desire for achievement, we just need to establish the desire for eternal success and not that which fades alongside the fixation of our attention on the one who graciously gifts us with our internal longings. Without our eyes on the author of our desires, we’re just searching for that which will one day fade in the flesh.

So prepare your minds for action, be completely sober [in spirit—steadfast, self-disciplined, spiritually and morally alert], fix your hope completely on the grace [of God] that is coming to you when Jesus Christ is revealed.

1 Peter 1vs13 AMP

Our world is infiltrated with attraction to strive for that which results in visible and tangible outcomes. Which is not the direction of our intention when we are searching out the things of the Lord. When we follow our design of falling in love with Him and His plan, the design of our lives to become firmly rooted in His Kingdom will prioritize our days. It is, however, a journey that swims upstream from the world. But simply because it might not mirror the fleeting fantasy of culture, doesn't mean it's not an abundant life ~ quite the contrary, it's a life full of trials and tribulations yet steeped in undeniable and unquestionable joy.

For the time being no discipline brings joy, but seems sad and painful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness [right standing with God and a lifestyle and attitude that seeks conformity to God’s will and purpose].

Hebrews 12vs11 AMP

So we must not lose sight of the dedication, discipline and desire to stay the path with the Lord. As each day presents the opportunity, fix your eyes on Jesus who is both the author and perfecter of your faith and the source of your discipline to keep the faith.

The [reverent] fear of the Lord [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence]; But arrogant fools despise [skillful and godly] wisdom and instruction and self-discipline.

Proverbs 1vs7 AMP

It’s not for my own gratification, but because of His great love that my heart burns for the discipline to cultivate a faith filled life. To unveil what I was made for and stick with it, to posture my heart, mind, soul, body and spirit that overflows with gratitude that inspires me daily. And to live in the understanding that it’s not my effort but my surrender. It’s my loving of Him and loving of others that I put my head down and work hard for the prize of that which is unseen to me, but fully seen in the eyes of Jesus.

In a race everyone runs, but only one person gets first prize. So run your race to win. To win the contest you must deny yourselves many things that would keep you from doing your best. An athlete goes to all this trouble just to win a blue ribbon or a silver cup, but we do it for a heavenly reward that never disappears.26 So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. I fight to win. I’m not just shadow-boxing or playing around.

1 Corinthians 9vs24~26 TLB

God gave us his Spirit. And the Spirit doesn’t make us weak and fearful. Instead, the Spirit gives us power and love. He helps us control ourselves. 

2 Timothy 1vs6~8 NIRV

"So roll up your sleeves, get your head in the game, be totally ready to receive the gift that’s coming when Jesus arrives. Don’t lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn’t know any better then; you do now. As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God’s life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, “I am holy; you be holy.”

1 Peter 1vs13 MSG

THAT'S WHY DISCIPLINE IS LOVE IN MOTION

Because it's a journey towards love, out of love, for love and by love.

Discipline cultivates the intention to do the hard work and without discipline, there is no incentive to build God's Kingdom. Because working towards the fulfillment of something that's not yourself is not satisfying to the world, you have got to find your 'why' and that 'why' is Jesus! He ignites the passion to do the hard work of following His call. Just as no athlete skips practice because they're tired or dancer misses rehearsal because they're stiff or musician skips their scales because they're bored....! No they press in especially when it gets tough.

"You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally. I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No lazy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself."

1 Corinthians 9vs24~27 MSG

And the most beautiful thing about discipline is that we can wholeheartedly put our trust in the Bible when it tells us that God will reveal His plans through our hearts. With our eyes fixed on Him, we can believe that walking in pursuit of excellence to the Kingdom of God through the passion in our hearts, our daily walk will blossom in beauty as we simply focus on the God of all creation. And as we focus on Him, our discipline will take root in our walk of life.

DISCIPLINE IS LOVE IN MOTION

(God is Love)

DISCIPLINE IS GOD IN MOTION

"Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."

Psalm 37vs4 NIV

~ X ~