Happy New Year again!
2024 is a brand-new chapter waiting to be written in the book of our journey. Just like a farmer diligently tends to his crops, we too must nurture the fields of our lives to bring forth a bountiful harvest.
Remember the story of Noah in the Bible? When he built the ark, it wasn’t just about a structure; it was a deliberate act of obedience and a willingness to embrace change. Similarly, as we step into this new year, let’s be like Noah, ready to build our metaphorical arks of growth and positive transformation.
The Bible reminds us in Proverbs 16:3, “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” This encourages us to set our intentions with purpose, acknowledging that our efforts are guided and supported from above.
To break free from the familiar patterns of the past, we must lace up our spiritual sneakers and sprint towards personal development. Just as a runner trains with discipline, we too can cultivate habits and routines that propel us forward.
Consider the story of David and Goliath. David faced a giant with just a sling and five stones, but his courage and faith in the face of adversity led to a triumphant victory. In the same way, let’s face our challenges head-on, armed with the stones of determination, courage, and faith, ready to conquer the giants that may stand in our way.
Let intentionality be our compass, discipline be our guiding star, and faith be the wind beneath our wings. Break free from the old patterns, embrace change, and set sail towards the uncharted waters of a brighter, more fulfilling future. The canvas of our life is blank, and it’s time to paint a masterpiece with the vibrant colours of intention and discipline.
When we talk about spiritual growth, discipline takes centre stage. Imagine our spiritual journey as a magnificent garden, with discipline acting as the gardener carefully tending to the seeds of transformation and cultivating a deeper connection with God. Picture spiritual disciplines as the vibrant flowers that bloom in this garden, each one holding a unique purpose and beauty. A book that I would urge you to read is Richard Foster’s book, “Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth,”
Sticking to the analogy of the garden and the tree, I would like to remind you that there are inward disciplines, similar to the roots that anchor a tree and draw nourishment from the soil. Through meditation, we can still our hearts and minds, creating a quiet space to hear the whispers of the divine. Prayer becomes the sweet fragrance that fills the air, a constant conversation with God, sharing our hopes, fears, and gratitude. Fasting, like pruning away unnecessary branches, allows us to strip away distractions and focus on the essential. Study, acts as the sunlight, illuminating our understanding of God’s Word and cultivating wisdom.
Then, venture into the outward disciplines – the branches reaching out towards the sky. Simplicity trims away the excess, leaving room for the blossoms of contentment and gratitude. Solitude becomes a sacred space, a quiet retreat where we can commune with God away from the noise of the world. Submission, like the gentle bending of a tree in the wind, aligns our will with God’s, fostering humility. Service, the blooming flower of compassion, allows us to extend love to others.
Lastly, corporate disciplines–the garden, as a whole, thrive in unity. Confession is the cleansing rain that washes away impurities, bringing honesty and accountability. Worship is the joyful song that echoes through the garden, connecting hearts in adoration. Guidance, like the well-tended path, provides direction through the twists and turns of life. Celebration, the grand festival, marks the milestones of our spiritual journey with joy and thanksgiving.
As we engage in these spiritual exercises regularly, we become like skilled gardeners, nurturing a flourishing landscape of spiritual abundance. The impact of these disciplines is not only personal but ripples through the entire garden of our lives, transforming it into a sanctuary of growth, peace, and divine connection. So, let us tend to our spiritual garden with intention and discipline, cultivating a haven where the fruits of God’s love and grace abound.
In 1 Timothy 4:7–8, we find a call to action, an encouragement to train ourselves for godliness. Like athletes preparing for a race, we recognize the value of physical training, yet we are reminded that the pursuit of godliness holds a promise that extends beyond the boundaries of our present existence, reaching into the eternity that awaits us.
Let’s look at this journey of ‘change’ as a quest, and in Joshua 1:8, we discover a treasure map guiding us towards prosperity and success. The key, it says, is to meditate on God’s Word day and night, allowing its truths to shape our thoughts, actions, and destinies. Just as a compass points true north, the Scriptures provide a reliable guide, steering us towards the abundant life that awaits those who walk in the footsteps of divine wisdom.
So, this year, let’s be purposefully disciplined in our hearts. When we make spiritual habits a natural part of our daily lives and put our connection with God first, we open the door to big, meaningful changes. It’s like holding the key to a door that leads to something truly amazing – a transformation that goes deep within us.
| Consider this A formula I want you to remember this year is: Intentionality + Discipline = Positive CHANGE |