… 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2, New International Version)
Theme: Rejoicing and Thanksgiving
Context
Today, we conclude our 40 Days of Discipline journey with our final day of review. We annually promote the practice of Spiritual Disciplines to encourage a deeper relationship with God. Thank you for being a part of the journey!
Our focus on Rejoicing and Thanksgiving this year has hopefully encouraged you to use the Disciplines to make rejoicing in God and giving thanks to God a constant part of your life. The comments we have received over the 40 days have made an enormous difference, and we are truly grateful to those who posted on the blog.
Tomorrow is a wonderful day to rejoice and give thanks as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. Hopefully your reflection on the 40 Days of Discipline journey will add to your celebration.
Question
How has your commitment to rejoice and give thanks been impacted by your consideration of the Disciplines over the last few weeks?
Please leave a comment. We would love to hear from you.
April 8, 2023 at 6:23 am
The 40 Days of Discipline have definitely reminded and encouraged me to rejoice and be thankful. It’s reminded and encouraged me to not take God’s love, care and mercy for granted. Thank you Norman for this time of growth and sharing. Your commitment to our spiritual growth was truly appreciated.
April 8, 2023 at 7:53 am
To me the 40 days of Discipline study is an integral part of my life ever since I participated on it from the year 2013/14 when we got posted in Trinidad and Tobago . Norman was one of the deacons in the church I attended, Westside Community Church. Since then, I always look forward to joining ievery lent season , learning and growing from each lesson presented daily for 40 days. I am truly encouraged from all the comments and lessons. It helps me to grow my faith as well as my relationship with the Lord. Most of all, it gives me joy to study with you all, and in turn making me thankful for all the blessings, one of them is being a part of the study. In the ups and downs of life, this study helps me to remain triumphant with the Lord even though I know there were times I made mistakes or fail the Lord. The Spiritual Disciplines was a humbling experience, preparing my heart for 40 days to reflect on God’s love for me and see to it that whatever issues or problems/ situations I may have will be tackled and resolved by applying what I’ve learned from the study. I am not perfect and I must say I am growing each day , but having this kind of study every lent season was indeed very helpful for me, I appreciate everything Norman has been doing for many years and all the comments , conclusions at the end of each lesson motivate me, making me understand how precious I am in the eyes of God , and that the hope we have in Him is the core of our faith, giving us victory in our journey to life. Thank you so much. We are victorious because of what Jesus did on the cross. To God , all glory and honor! I will see you all again next year and let’s enjoy tomorrow , the very reason for our hope and trriumph-the resurrection of Jesus! Our God is alive, mighty and poweful!
April 8, 2023 at 7:53 am
These disciplines have now become a highlighted reminder in my daily activities in situations, to identify and practice rejoicing and thanksgiving. I pray as time goes on they’ll become like second nature in my Christian walk. Thanks Norm for your hard work and diligence in helping us grow in our relationship with Christ 😘
April 8, 2023 at 8:21 am
Although I never write a comment I look forward to reading the daily scripture readings & the comments that are written. They help me in my walk with God. Jesus is truly my Lord & Saviour & I rejoice & am so grateful for all He has done & still does for me. Thank you Norman for your commitment to do this every year. I look forward to it each year as Lent approaches. God bless you.
April 8, 2023 at 9:30 am
This study has helped me tremendously. Having an attitude of rejoicing and thanksgiving in all circumstances is not intuitive even to the seasoned believer. Norman along with a bible study by Dr Charles Stanley came together at the right time to help me see that the correct posture for the believer is rejoicing and thanksgiving in all circumstances. Prior to understanding this, I lived in dread of the next trial. It seems as one trial ends, another one takes it place. And so, I have learned the believer faces many trials which helps conforms us to the likeness of Christ. With the understanding I have received from these Bible studies, I no longer live in fear of trouble overtaking me. This new knowledge gives me liberty to become more childlike. Truly, my only responsibility is to obey Jesus Christ. Obedience allows Jesus to live thru me producing rejoicing and thanksgiving in all circumstances. As an obedient child I take God at his word that he will supply all my needs in Jesus Christ. Here is what my Heavenly Father has to say in Matt. 6:26 “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” I can leave off the life of the stressed and live the life of the truly blessed. Thanks to you my brothers and sisters for helping to illuminate my understanding. May the peace of Christ be with you.
April 8, 2023 at 11:04 am
I definitely “check myself” and find the positive aspect of my situation, and thank God. There is a certain peace that comes with it.
Even though I may still be in a situation I would rather not be in, I try to get out of my feeling of sadness by focusing on God.
This 40 Day Journey has been a blessing.
April 8, 2023 at 7:30 pm
Thank you Norman,
This journey was encouraging and ended well – with Thanksgiving. I have been enriched with the days that I read and the disciplines compliment the current study I am doing in our women’s ministry. God knows that I need and loves that He gives it in repetitions.
Thanks again!
April 9, 2023 at 1:42 pm
Thank you Norman for your time in leading us.
I like reading all the comments.