[We go] into strict training to get a crown that will last forever.--1 Corinthians 9:25

The mere thought of discipline is not very popular today. We are impulsive pleasure seekers, living for the moment, looking for instant gratification without any restraints. Discipline has become a dirty word.
But as Harry Emerson Fosdick maintained, No horse gets anywhere until it is harnessed; no Niagara is ever turned into light and power until it is tunneled; no life ever grows great until it is focused, dedicated, and disciplined.
The alternative to discipline is disaster. Living without disciplines is like living without exercise. In fact, from the Greek word for discipline, we derive our English word gymnasium, the place where exercise happens. Just as we need physical exercise to maintain our physical bodies, so we need spiritual exercises such as prayer, study, solitude, and simplicity to keep in shape spiritually.
Discipline and training stretch us to overcome obstacles. What would a violin sound like if its strings were not stretched tight and exercised? Discipline and training produce results that will last (see John 15:16).
What spiritual exercise program do you need to join? What entangling sin do you need to throw off?
Only disciplined training in God's gymnasium will prepare us for the challenges ahead.

REFLECTION

How important is leading a disciplined life to you? Do you know what spiritual disciplines are and how they can be used by the Holy Spirit to transform you in the renewing of your mind? If you need some information about spiritual disciplines a classic book on the subject is Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth by Richard J. Foster.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, show us the spiritual exercises we need to develop to be fit for your service. Help us to train faithfully so that we are in tune with your design for our lives. Amen!

PRAYER REQUESTS FOR THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 2, 2011

FOR THOSE IN NEED OF THE LORD'S HEALING
Declan Green [infant grandson of Ken and Pam Green] continued healing from heart surgery

FOR THOSE IN NEED OF THE LORDS COMFORT
Dorothy Wolter; [mother of Sue and Pam] who was called home on Saturday September, 24th.
Woldehanna Family:  whose house burned down a few weeks ago.

All people will fear; they will proclaim the works of God and ponder what he has done. The righteous will rejoice in the LORD and take refuge in him; all the upright in heart will glory in him! - Psalm 64:9-10

All For Jesus
Paul Nickel
Director of Christian Education
Our Savior Lutheran Church