Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.  They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.  Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.  No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. (1 Corinthians 9:25-27)

This is our final day of preparation.  I hope you have completed your review of the background information on the 40 Days of Discipline website (www.40daysofdiscipline.com).  We will start with the Discipline of Bible Study next week. I know that God has something special in store for us.

For many of us, being really disciplined about anything healthy is a struggle.  In the passage above, Paul comes across as a pretty determined and disciplined individual.  Please pause and talk to God about where you are in the matter of discipline.  I would encourage you to give Him thanks for the strength He already provides, and be specific in any request you make for help.

There is, of course, nothing magical about the 40 days journey.  If you miss a day, just catch back up. This journey should not include a guilt trip.  That being said, I hope you will partner with God to show the kind of resolve demonstrated by Paul.   One way to demonstrate this resolve is to schedule specific time in your calendar for the 40 Days of Discipline journey.

Today’s Questions for comments:

• What are your thoughts on mixing Disciplines and Love?
• Do you find the practice of the Disciplines liberating or restricting?

Please share your thoughts if you feel led and read the comments left by others.

Talk to you on Monday.

And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. (Romans 5:5)

I hope you have completed or are completing your preparation by reading the background information on the 40 Days of Discipline (www.40daysofdiscipline.com).  As a reminder, we are using these first few days to lay the foundation for our journey.  Remember also that our theme is Love.

If you have trusted Jesus for your salvation, God’s flame of love has already been lit in your heart (see Romans 5:5 above).  Practicing the Disciplines is about fanning the flames not starting it.  Please pause and thank God for pouring his love into your heart through the Holy Spirit.

The Disciplines are means to an end, not the end.  As with any tool, misapplication can result in undesirable outcomes.  Today, think about how the Disciplines can be misused.

Question for comments:

• How do you believe the Disciplines can be misused?
• What potential pitfalls do you personally want to avoid as you study the Disciplines?

Please share your thoughts so others can benefit.  Thank you very much to those who have been sharing.  Yesterday, almost all commentators believed that we both practice the Disciplines because we love Jesus, and increase our love for Jesus by practicing the Disciplines.  Please take the time to read the comments.

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.

I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13)

You are at the start of journey that may seem daunting but know that you can do this with God’s help.  What is this journey about?  Well, you will learn more about certain activities called Disciplines that can significantly strengthen your relationship with God.  You will use the next four days to familiarize yourself with the 40 Days of Discipline journey.  A website has been created to provide you with the background information you need (link provided below).  On the website you will find background information, a calendar showing what Disciplines we will consider each day, and important information on the Disciplines that we will focus on.

Our overriding theme for this year is Love – God’s love for us, our love for God and our love for others.  We will use our study of the Disciplines to intensify our focus on Love.

So, let’s get started. First, pray and ask God to be your guide.   After reading today’s blog, visit the 40 Days of Discipline website to read background information.  If you participated last year this should only require minimal time to refresh your memory.   If this is your first year you should be able to get through most of the website by allocating about 15 minutes per day for the next four days. The most important thing for you to read is the information on the Disciplines. You will find this information in a tab called Disciplines.

Each daily blog will have a question for comments (see below).  If you feel led, please share your comments.

Here is the link to the website: www.40daysofdiscipline.com.  Start reading the background information as soon as possible.

Today’s Questions for comments:

Do you find it difficult to stick to a consistent quiet time with God?  Have you utilized any successful strategies to be more disciplined?