The challenge of our era:
disciplined use of social media.
Chirps and beeps and links call to me.
They disrupt my focus and waste my time.
This bit of Scripture speaks to my problem:
Psalm 19:12b
May they not rule over me.
Day 32 – I rule over my phone. My phone does not rule over me.
I bring my requests to God, And all too often, I don’t listen to His answer.
When I want a yes, I don’t hear God’s no or not yet.
Philippians 4:19 (GNT)
And with all his abundant wealth through Christ Jesus,
my God will supply all your needs.
Who knows my needs better than God?
Day 31 – Trust God’s answer.
“Thanks for prayers that Thou hast answered,
Thanks for what Thou dost deny!”
August L. Storm, 1891
Translated by Carl E. Backstrom, 1931
Stewardship –
the careful management of something entrusted to one’s care.
God has entrusted me with resources: time, talent and property. My job is to manage them well.
Jesus told a parable about a steward. This phrase was included:
Luke 16:2b (NIV)
Give an account of your management.
I owe God an accounting.
Day 30 – It’s Thine, Lord. Not mine.
Our word “enthusiasm” is rooted in the Greek words en and theos. It means “in God” or “full of God.”
Colossians 3:23 (ESV)
Whatever you do, work heartily,
as for the Lord and not for men.
Day 29 – hearty discipline, in God, full of God.
The story of Mary and Martha is familiar. Busy Martha resents the time Mary spends at the feet of Jesus:
Luke 10:41-42 (NIV)
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Day 28 – make it a Mary Sunday.
Hebrews 12:10b (NIV)
God disciplines us for our good,
in order that we may share in his holiness.
This old hymn explains it well:
“Make me a temple meet for Thy dwelling,
Fit me for life and Heaven above.”
Oh! To Be Like Thee
Thomas O. Chisholm, 1897
Day 27 – Oh, to be like Thee!
The easy discipline rests on actions you see.
The hard discipline rests on what you don’t see.
Day 26 – Disciplined thoughts, there’s the real challenge.
Psalm 19:14 (VOICE)
May . . . the musings of my heart
meet with Your gracious approval,
O Eternal, my Rock, O Eternal,
my Redeemer.
Day 25 —
Do you wonder how it’s going?
I’m connecting with God over my first cup of coffee.
I’ve dropped a few pounds.
My flower beds are all presentable
— but —
My desk is a disaster.
10 AM and I’m still in my PJs.
My schedule is . . . in truth, it isn’t.
George Herbert (1593-1633) sums it up:
“I will complain, yet praise;
I will bewail, approve;
And all my sour-sweet days
I will lament, and love.”
Poet George Herbert went from politics to priesthood (Church of England), from parliament to country parish.
I’m partway through my 40 days of discipline.
What happens on the 41st day?
Discipline continues.
Philippians 1:6
He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Day 24 – God is not finished with me yet.
Is discipline a do-it-yourself project?
Not spiritual disciplines.
Spiritual disciplines let God shape us into the image of Christ.
Isaiah 64:8 (ESV)
But now, O Lord, you are our Father;
we are the clay, and you are our potter;
we are all the work of your hand.
Day 23 – Let God work.
All too often, Lord, I’m a runaway pot, trying to spin myself into what I want to be. Teach me to wait on You.
