Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Scripture Thursday Linky Party #11 ~ DISCIPLINE

Like a city whose walls are broken down
is a man who lacks self-control. 
Proverbs 25:28


This new year brings a new attitude in me.  I’m tired of feeling like my “walls are broken down” and I want to do something about it.  This is somewhat of a long post, but I feel it’s necessary, so please bear with me.  It is my hope and prayer that you will benefit from my short-comings.

In one of the women’s groups I attend, we were asked to come prepared with a word that we would focus on this coming year.  It took me about 30 seconds for the word DISCIPLINE to pop into my head.

There are a number of definitions, and the one that speaks to me is defined as follows:
  •  control gained by enforcing obedience or order
  •  orderly or prescribed conduct or pattern of behavior
  • self-control

I told someone recently that I was a very disorganized person.  She looked at me in stunned disbelief.  Evidently I have given her the appearance that I have it all together (NOT).  

I am WEAK and unable to have the discipline I need in my own accord.  

Self-control is a work of the Holy Spirit,
not a work of the individual.

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

Without self-discipline, our comforts and laziness can easily become our master and hinder our spiritual walk. 

If the spiritual does not control the physical, it’s easier to fall into sin because of our lack of self-discipline or self-control.  Self-control is needed to win the race that is before us and to live the life that is pleasing to God.


WHAT DO I NEED DISCIPLINE IN?

Prayer and Time in the WORD

Developing daily spiritual disciplines transforms how we think, act, and believe.

Making room for time with God requires us to reorder our priorities.

Spending time with God WILL change you and cause everything else to fall into place

  • Determine a time
  • Determine a place
  • Determine a plan
But seek ye FIRST the kingdom of God,
and his righteousness;
and ALL these things shall be added unto you.
Matthew 6:33



Food ~ Exercise ~ Health

As adults we have a choice as to the foods we consume.  Make changes if you need to, start small, little changes can lead to big results.  Ask for help, educate yourself on nutrition.

I am overweight!  My medical records say “OBESE”.  I have met numerous times with a dietitian and am keeping a food log of everything that goes into my mouth.  With God's help, I am going to try and overcome this.

Everything is permissible”
—but not everything is beneficial.
I Corinthians 10:23

…..let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.
2 Corinthians 7:1

…… offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.  Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world…..
Romans 12:1-2


Are you sedentary?  Get up…MOVE…something is better than nothing, so…
do something!  Start slow, and add a little more each day.

I have started an exercise class that meets once/week for support and weigh-ins.  I am committed to exercising ½ hour to 1 hour each day.  

….. forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14


Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20


 Organization
 
  • Put it where it goes!!! 
  • Clean out the clutter
  • Give away what you don’t use or need
  • Clean up when you’re done with a task

For God is not a God of disorder
but of peace.
I Corinthians 14:33a

But everything should be done 
in a fitting and orderly way.
I Corinthians 14:40


Time Management

  • Prioritize, do first things first
  • Close the cover on your laptop, or shut your computer off
  • shut off the television
  • finish a task before starting another one

Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
preserve my life according to your word.
Psalm 119:37


=================
Like a city whose walls are broken down
is a man who lacks self-control. 
Proverbs 25:28 

Regain control, build up your walls. 
Victory is the fruit of 
dedication and discipline.

But seek ye FIRST the kingdom of God,
and his righteousness;
and ALL these things shall be added unto you.
Matthew 6:33


The vintage images included in this post are free for you.  Please do not sell the actual image or sell them in collage sheets. 

This post is a linky party for your scripture projects.  You may link up any project that has scripture from the Bible.  I reserve the right to remove any link I feel is not beneficial to this blog, or does not have scripture on it.  Thanks so much for stopping by today.  ~ ABBY





14 comments:

  1. Abby,
    Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful post. You shared so many beautiful scriptures and so many great ideas. I shall print this out so I can refer to it often!

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  2. I'm wiping my tears away so I can speak. Humbling-everything you said is the way I feel. You put it beautifully and God's word backs it up perfectly. I have a HARD time with discipline.
    Thank you for sharing your heart & I'm definitely going to be praying for you-and me!
    Self Control in all those areas plus I need it for my attitude & mouth! Thinking before I speak.
    I love all your vintage sayings & pictures. Your blog makes me feel all warm & cozy. :o)

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  3. I have been working on these areas too, Abby, although I need to work more on organization and time management. As I have mentioned in our conversations, I'm focusing more on the Word on a regular basis. Almost 2 years ago I started a daily walking plan and have only missed very few days. I find that I feel better and it gives me time to talk with the Lord. If I don't walk on a given day, I just don't feel my day is complete. Your post has inspired me even more to focus on all these areas. You have certainly started off the New Year in a very positive way - it's gonna be a good year, I know!

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  4. Thank you, thank you for your honesty and sincerity..most of us can relate to your post in one or two ways or in many ways. God will strengthen you in your endeavor. Please don't tire of being such a wonderful inspiration to others!

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  5. Abby,
    What a thought-provoking, honest post! I really like how you tied Scripture in with your thoughts -- and as always, thank you for the beautiful images!
    This is only the second time I've heard of picking a word for the year.....and after the first time, God gave me the word "Faithful." It covers every area of life (like yours does), and has already made a difference in my life.
    I'll be praying for you.....

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  6. What a beautiful and honest post, Abby. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and the wonderful Word. My goal this year is certainly to be more diciplined in so many of the areas you mdentioned. I stand in faith believing, that with our God, all things are possible. Blessings on your New Year. Bernadette

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  7. It is so different when your spiritual life is leading the rest! I find that when I pray for self-control I often fail, but when I pray to live filled with the Holy Spirit and that His power would enable me to say no when I need to, it's a whole different result! May you find success as you dig into these resolutions.
    Visiting from Proverbs 31 Thursdays today. Peace.

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  8. Thank you for your wonderful scriptural reminders! Isn't God great?! He gives us all the tools we need to succeed--we just have to trust in Him, and he'll make up the rest! :)

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  9. Dear Abby, I am walking on the same path. Your heart is so open to relate such personal things on your blog. I didn't want to write anything about it in "comments" -- until I read those already posted! It's true, "you'll never walk alone..." Heartfelt thanks, Abbey. God bless you and all who have intimate knowledge of what you post.

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  10. Happy New Year to you my friend! What an inspirational post. I need to get organized myself, and so much more this year too. I've been sick with bronchitis since New Year's Eve :( I am looking forward to taking better care of myself this year. Thanks again for always sharing yourself with us, in such a personal way. -Al

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  11. What a wonderful post, and thank you for the applicable scripture! I think many of us can relate to so much of what you have written.

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  12. I appreciated this post and the effort to write it. I love how God gives us "our" word for the year. My word is "healthy" and I've already needed the discipline you've talked about. Thank you for the encouragement to keep trusting. I'm seeing God work in my life!

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  13. Beautifully said Abby! May God give you His strength and desire each day to be disciplined for Him. Your post is beautiful and a great reminder for all of us! Blessings to you!

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  14. What a needed refresher on what is really important in this life! I especially liked Psalm 119:37. Time is a precious thing to waste and we are accountable to God for the minutes in our day. Keep walking in the Spirit!

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Your comments are blessings to my day.