For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7)
No matter where you are in your relationship with God, your love can grow deeper. What if we were so consumed by the love of God that it permeated every area of our lives? Wouldn’t our families, communities and other institutions and relationships be radically different? Please pause and pray that God will use this journey to make this more of a reality. I hope you have already started to review the information on the Disciplines (www.40daysofdiscipline.com). Remember, we are using the rest of this week to prepare for the activities starting next week. Also remember that our overriding theme for the study of the Disciplines this year is Love. So, as you read about the Disciplines, consider the relationship they have to love.
While we are in preparation mode, I know some of you are rearing to go. If you are in that category it just means you can spend more time on the question of the day below. Please consider today’s questions and share your thoughts if you feel led to do so. Many thanks to those who shared their comments yesterday!
Today’s Question for comments:
When you think about love and the Disciplines are you inclined to think:
a. If I really love Jesus, I will practice the Disciplines
b. If I practice the Disciplines I will love Jesus more
c. Both of the above
d. None of the above
Please explain your choice.
February 19, 2015 at 1:17 am
Both a & b. Loving Jesus, to me, means wanting to spend time with Him, through His Word and prayer. Also, wanting to know how to live on a daily basis, not our way, but His; to bring Him glory and not shame, through our thoughts, words and actions, to be transformed, which takes time and for which His Word is needed.
Time with God is refreshing and strengthening, which I need, like the air I breathe.
February 19, 2015 at 9:46 pm
Toni your response brings John 14:23 (NIV) to mind:
Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.
February 19, 2015 at 5:52 am
My answer is a – if I really love Jesus, I will practice the Disciplines. From my experience, I think if you have the right relationship with Jesus, you will be able to practice the disciplines and you will learn from it as well. I may not be 100 % perfectly practicing the disciplines but at least I am trying and from there I would grow as a Christian. If we love the Lord and we call on him, He sends his Holy Spirit to help us at all times. Deuteronomy 6:3 says, “Love the Lord with all your heart, all your soul and all your strength.” this is a good reminder as we practice the disciplines.
Aurora Murabayashi
February 19, 2015 at 9:48 pm
Great verse as a reminder Aurora. Interestingly these words will feature extensively in our Bible Study next week.
February 19, 2015 at 10:07 am
Reblogged this on dwilliams1301 and commented:
Both a and b As if you love Jesus you will want to please Him by doing what He says and in so doing your intimacy and fellowship grows as you see Him fulfilling His promises through His word (show me your company and I’ll tell who you are)
February 19, 2015 at 9:53 pm
Your comments bring Psalm 34:8 (NIV) to mind:
Taste and see that the Lord is good;
blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
February 19, 2015 at 7:15 pm
My answer is C. I believe that if I love God then I will want to spend time with Him, getting to know Him better and learning His ways. Similar to a relationship with a spouse or friend. Practicing the disciplines is one way by which we can spend time with God, grow closer to Him and be transformed. It was the love that God had for us that compelled Him to gave His Son for us, that we might have life. I believe also that at the end of this adventure we will all grow to not only Love God more but also have a better relationship with Him and love ourselves and others the way He love us.
February 19, 2015 at 9:54 pm
Kimmy, your statement of belief in you your last sentence should be our prayer.
February 19, 2015 at 9:21 pm
Sigh … I am retyping my response because I lost it when I hit post. I think my page was expired. Ok here goes I choose – b. Because I believe you cannot truly love someone you do not know. Therefore for me, it is love for Christ that motivates me to pursue the Disciplines in the first place. Some of the Disciplines are downright overwhelming and self sacrificial. What other than the desire to be near to God will motivate a sane person to do some of those Disciplines?? And as you draw closer, based on my experience thus far you love HIM more. I don’t think there is any one right answer, I imagine its different for different people.
February 19, 2015 at 9:57 pm
What a great experience – to know Him is truly to love Him.
February 19, 2015 at 9:32 pm
C. Because of my love for God I want to participate in ways that build on our relationship. By His gracious design regardless of where I start; obedience or a sense obligation, if my ultimate desire is to increase my love for Him I believe He honors that. It’s like the works and salvation conundrum. Out of my gratitude I work. Salvation isn’t works but works is evidence of salvation.
February 19, 2015 at 9:58 pm
Amen!
February 19, 2015 at 11:31 pm
I really think the disciplines will result in our transformation. Practicing the disciplines will not only result in us loving Jesus more, but also allowing others to witness the impact of Jesus in our lives. I recall a statement made by someone ” Don’t tell me what Jesus can do for me, show me what he has done for you”. This is one case where action is better than theory (head knowledge).