Self-Discipline

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

Luke 9:23

Well here we are again, another New Year. I never look forward to the first two weeks of the New Year. Why? Because it’s the time when people make those New Year’s resolutions to lose weight and get in shape. Now don’t get me wrong I think that’s a great resolution but the problem for me is the gym will be so crowded that you can hardly get on any of the machines or use the equipment. However, after two weeks the gym will look like it did back before Christmas.

Why is so hard for us to stick to something that is so beneficial for us? The answer is simple, it is hard and it takes discipline. The same can be said about our Christian walk. It may seem that every year you resolve to be a more committed Christian (read your Bible more, pray more, serve more, etc…) but by the end of January your back to the same old person you were before January.

Can I challenge you to follow the words of Jesus? Don’t worry what your life will look like in two weeks, two months or two years, live this day for Christ. Each morning that you wake remind yourself of the words that Jesus spoke in Luke 9:23. “This day I will deny myself, this day I will be willing to die for you, and this day I will be obey your commands and follow you”.

If you can do this tomorrow and live that day for Him you will find that you will read your Bible more, pray more, serve more, forgive more, and love more. Take one day at a time and remember that we are to live a live that is holy and pleasing to Him.   

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.  And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Ephesians 5:1

Your shepherd,

Pastor Mark