40 Days of Discipline

Category Archives: 2021

2021 Posts


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40 Days of Discipline: Day 31 – Creation

26 Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”  27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them;male and female he created them.  28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” 29 Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. 30 And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.” And it was so.  31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.  (Genesis 1:26 – 31)

Theme:  If not You, then Who?

Today and tomorrow we will turn our attention to the Discipline of Creation – the Discipline that calls on us to stop and smell the roses.  Our theme this year encourages each of us to actively engage in advancing God’s kingdom.  Consistent with the theme, it is helpful to reflect on God’s mission, which includes the restoration of His order. God spoke order into existence and gave Adam and Eve the assignment to help to maintain it. This order was corrupted by sin but if we take the time to focus on God’s creation, we can see numerous reminders of the priority God places on order.  Tomorrow we will explore how creation helps to inform our individual missions, but today let’s just bask in the beauty of God’s creation.

Please read the passage above and pursue the requests below.

Requests:

  • Take a few minutes today to focus on aspects of God’s creation. 
  • Meditate on the magnificence of our creator and the order He creates.
  • Please share any thoughts from your meditation that we could all benefit from.


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40 Days of Discipline: Day 30 – Counsel

14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.  (Ephesians 4:14 – 15)

Theme:  If not You, then Who?

Yesterday we discussed the need to create an environment that is conducive to getting advice.  Today, as we conclude our discussion of the Discipline of Counsel, we will focus on creating the right environment to give advice. 

Just as was the case for receiving advice, I learned a powerful lesson about giving advice on a course.  The teacher claimed that if you could convince someone of one important thing, you could deliver positive or negative feedback to that person and they would be likely to accept it.  Having made this claim, the teacher then shared an incident that he was involved in where his advice to a friend was that the friend needed to go to prison for a crime the teacher had seen him commit. The teacher said that because he could convince his friend of this one important thing, the friend took his advice without animosity.  So, what is this one important thing?  Convincing the person you are giving advice to that you genuinely care about them.  This might sound obvious but the truth is it is very hard to convince others that you genuinely care about them. We are often suspicious of motives, for good reason.  We expect that people are looking out for themselves.  If you can create an environment of genuine care and compassion you have created a healthy environment for giving advice.

We shouldn’t be surprised by this lesson because it is Biblical.  Our passage for today includes these powerful words, “speaking the truth in love”.  If we can master this, we have the platform for providing counsel, even if it is not pleasant advice.

Please read the short passage above and the context below and then respond to the question.

Context and Question:

  • Context: There are valid reasons whey we shouldn’t rush to be counsellors. However, the Discipline of Counsel only works for the body of Christ if believers are prepared to give advice. We can’t encourage believers to seek advice if there is no one to provide advice.
  • Question: How would you assess your contribution to advancing God’s kingdom by being a “speak the truth in love” counsellor to others?


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40 Days of Discipline: Day 29 – Counsel

Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.  (Proverbs 19:20)

Theme:  If not You, then Who?

Over the next two days we will turn our attention to the Discipline of Counsel.  Throughout the Bible, there are numerous instances where seeking and giving good advice are encouraged.  To enhance our effectiveness in advancing God’s kingdom we should practice giving and receiving good counsel.  Many of us fall short in this area though because we don’t create the right environment for receiving and giving counsel.  Today, we will consider the right environment for receiving counsel and tomorrow we will consider the right environment for giving good counsel.

Many years ago, I was sent on a course by the company I work for.  One of the exercises on the course was about receiving advice.  Each participant gave a presentation and then received feedback on their performance from the other participants.  However, there was a unique twist to the exercise.  Whatever the feedback or advice was (and sometimes it was harsh), the person receiving advice could only say two words.  Thank you!  In real life, this response will not always be practical because you may need to clarify the advice for example, but the purpose of the exercise was to demonstrate how much more willing others are to give candid advice if the environment is a receptive environment.  I have used this lesson to very good effect in business over many years.  When I apply the lesson, I am openly thankful for even negative feedback. Ultimately, I will benefit from an environment where others know I really want their advice, even if it is something I don’t relish hearing.  To be clear, it doesn’t mean I always have to use the advice I receive, but I must graciously receive it.

The value of this lesson shouldn’t come as a surprise when we consider that the Bible clearly points us in this direction.  In our passage for today, notice the first word, “Listen”.  It is really important and it comes from an attitude of humility.  And, you didn’t even have to pay for an expensive course to hear this lesson 😊.

Please read the short passage above and respond to the question below.

Question:

Do you believe you typically create environments (e.g., at home, church, work or school) that invite advice and feedback?


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40 Days of Discipline: Day 28 – Review

17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. (1 Timothy 6:17 – 19)

Theme:  If not You, then Who?

Today is dedicated to reviewing what we have learned over the past five days.  This is a good time to catch up on the comments if you haven’t had a chance to read them all. 

What can you apply to your life from the discussions related to Service and Stewardship?

Suggestion

Please share any thoughts from your review that you believe others could benefit from. 


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40 Days of Discipline: Day 27 – Stewardship

17 You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” 18 But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.  19 If you ever forget the Lord your God and follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely be destroyed. 20 Like the nations the Lord destroyed before you, so you will be destroyed for not obeying the Lord your God.  (Deuteronomy 8:17 -20)

Theme:  If not You, then Who?

Yesterday, we briefly compared two approaches in the way we handle resources.  One approach views the resources we possess as the product of our work, abilities, heritage or luck (the “owner” approach).  The second approach views the resources we possess as God given resources for us to manage (the “steward” approach).  We are going to spend more time on this comparison today because of the relevance to our theme and because there is a dominant materialistic world view that is very prevalent in our culture. By staying on this topic, we will also be building on the excellent comments posted yesterday.   

The dominant world view glorifies socio-economic power based on the amassing of resources and glorifies the individuals who have the most resources.  The Biblical view recognizes the socio-economic power that comes from resources and acknowledges God as the source.  This Biblical view is clearly illustrated in our passage for today – “remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth”. 

The following table provides a summary of some key distinctions between an owner and a steward.

 OwnerSteward
Relationship to ResourcesOwnsManages
Direction/Rule SettingSets directionSeeks and follows direction
Task executionProvides supportExecutes as directed
Reward DeterminationDetermines rewardEnjoys reward

Based on the table, we can see why many seek to assume the role of owner of their lives.  It gives them/us a sense of power, control, autonomy and independence.  The truth is that this “sense” is fool’s gold because where our lives are concerned God is the real owner. As believers, we should be thrilled with the reality of God’s ownership and committed to being good stewards because God is a loving and perfect owner.

Please read the passage above carefully and answer the questions below.

Questions:

  • Make this personal.  When are you most temped to try to take the reins from God?
  • How have you dealt with these temptations?


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40 Days of Discipline: Day 26 – Stewardship

13 Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”  14 Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?”  15 Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”  16 And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest.  17 He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’  18 “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain.  19 And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’  20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’  21 “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:13 – 21)

Theme:  If not You, then Who?

What a blessing it has been to hear stories of service over the last three days from fellow participants.  I hope we are even more inspired to do our part in advancing God’s kingdom. 

Over the next two days, we will turn our attention to the Discipline of Stewardship.  If the ongoing pandemic has taught us nothing else, I hope it has taught us that our control over our lives has significant limitations.  I also hope that this lesson increases our understanding of our roles as stewards in God’s kingdom.  All the resources we have (not just physical assets), are on loan from God and we should use the resources God has blessed us with in service to Jesus.  That in essence describes the Discipline of Stewardship.

Our passage for today highlights the futility of assuming more ownership and control than we really do have.  The parable in the passage addresses agricultural assets but the application is much broader.  The lessons apply to other resources such as our talents, our vocation, and our very lives.

Please read the passage carefully and answer the question below.

Question:

Why is it important for us to understand our role as stewards if we are going to advance God’s kingdom?


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40 Days of Discipline: Day 25 – Service

9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.  (Galatians 6:9 – 10)

Theme:  If not You, then Who?

As one of our commentators said, James’ story of service to the community is certainly inspirational and so too are the stories shared by others yesterday.  For the record, James is a Deacon at Westside Community Church and not an Elder as I wrote yesterday.  Thanks again to James and all who shared their stories! 

Today we conclude our review of the Discipline of Service by sharing one more story.  This story is about serving others in the household of faith.  I am grateful that Phyllis has allowed me to tell her story. 

Sometimes people in need are right under our noses and we miss them.  Serving people in the church should not be overlooked, so if not you, then who?

Phyllis’ Story of Service

Phyllis manages the administrative affairs of Westside Community Church in Trinidad and keeps everyone organized.  She has been participating in 40 days of Discipline since its inception almost 10 years ago.  For 15 years, Phyllis has been a key contributor to an amazing ministry that caters to believers and has successfully extended its reach to non-believers.  The ministry serves and encourages widows.  They have 150 widows on their contact list and annually they have a Valentine’s Day “high tea” and a Christmas lunch.  Throughout the year they connect widows with other widows that live nearby and they also organize outings. 

One amazing result of this ministry is that the spirit of encouragement displayed, appeals to widows of other religions who end up participating and, in some instances, they decide to follow Jesus.  While the pandemic has prevented the group from meeting physically recently, it hasn’t dampened the spirit of encouragement.  For example, Phyllis is currently co-leading an effort to send out cards with poems to the widows for Easter. 

As our passage for today states, there is a harvest for those who don’t grow weary from doing good.  That “good”, can begin with serving the family of believers.

Please read the passage above and respond to the request and question below.

Request and Question:

  • Please remember Phyllis in prayer. 
  • Do you have any lessons from serving fellow believers that other participants could benefit from?


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40 Days of Discipline: Day 24 – Service

35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’  37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’  40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’  (Matthew 25:35 – 40)

Theme:  If not You, then Who?

Yasmin’s story of service to her family got us off to a great start yesterday.  Thanks again Yasmin!  Today we are going to turn our attention to Christian service in our communities and I am pleased that James has allowed me to tell his story.

I heard a Bible teacher say once that many people are excited about helping the world until they realize they have to deal with people.  Serving people in our communities can be a daunting task but if not you, then who?

James’ Story of Service

James is an elder at Westside Community Church in Trinidad and has been participating in 40 days of Discipline since its inception almost 10 years ago.  For an even longer period (since 2007), he has been volunteering with the St. James Police Youth Club (SJPYC) in Trinidad, including service as a Board member.  The SJPYC serves at-risk and disadvantaged youth between the ages of 5 and 21.  These young people are often forgotten by society until/unless their lives intersect with the criminal justice system.  Without appropriate intervention, statistics say the outcome of their lives will be dismal.  God uses people like James to change the statistics.  James’ decision to serve is driven by a concern for these young people and builds on experience he gained working with at-risk youth in the cities of Oakland, California and New York.  The spiritual dimension of his service is immense, as illustrated in our passage for today. 

Please read the passage above and respond to the request and question below.

Request and Question:

  • Please remember James in prayer. 
  • Do you have any lessons from serving in your community that other participants could benefit from?


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40 Days of Discipline: Day 23 – Service

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.(Colossians 3:12)

Theme:  If not You, then Who?

Today, we begin a 3-day review of the Discipline of Service.  In consideration of our theme, we are going to focus on some practical examples instead of theory.  I have asked three of our fellow participants to allow me to share their stories of Christian service.  None of the three profess to be experts in the area but I know their stories will inspire us.  The examples will come from three broad categories of service:  1) Serving our families; 2) Serving the community; 3) Serving the household of faith.

I am sure most of us will appreciate that serving our family can sometimes be a tremendous challenge.  This is usually service up close where people know each other well, warts and all. 

Yasmin’s Story of Service

I’ve heard people joking that one of the benefits of being a grandparent is that after the grandparents enjoy their time with the grandchildren the parents take them home and the grandparents get to relax.  Yasmin, who has been participating in 40 Days of Discipline for a few years now, decided to pursue a more challenging path.  She left the comfortable confines of her home in Trinidad, quit her job and moved back to the US to live in less comfortable accommodations so that she can help her daughter’s family. Her daughter and son-in-law have 2 young boys, 7 and 3 months old, and the pandemic recently precipitated a stressful move from one coast of the US to the other.  So, as an act of service, Yasmin spends very long days helping the family out by being a nanny, housekeeper and driver at a time of her life when the conventional approach would be to relax.  She understands the spiritual opportunity this challenge presents though.  Her son-in-law is not a believer and she has the opportunity to be a witness to the entire family and expose the boys to the gospel. 

Yasmin’s story is not a unique one, but when I heard her story I was really impressed with her honesty in describing how challenging serving is, the fact that she gets tired and frustrated sometimes, and her reliance on God to help her be a witness.

Our passage today reminds us of the qualities we need to serve others for God’s glory in circumstances like this. Please reflect on the passage and respond to the request and question below.

Request and Question:

  • Please remember Yasmin in prayer. 
  • Do you have any lessons from serving your family that other participants could benefit from?


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40 Days of Discipline: Day 22 – Review

19 “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:19 – 20)

Theme:  If not You, then Who?

Today is dedicated to reviewing what we have learned over the past five days.  This is a good time to catch up on the comments if you haven’t had a chance to read them all. 

What can you apply to your life from the discussions related to Worship and Fellowship?

Suggestion

Please share any thoughts from your review that you believe others could benefit from.