Discipline is the Way of Life

I’ve been incorporating daily reading of proverbs and psalms into my quest to complete the bible again, the word “discipline” keeps coming up, especially as it correlates with one that possesses wisdom. When we practice discipline as to pursue righteousness and purity, we begin to see people, situations and even ourselves differently.  Purification enables us to represent the kingdom in a more favorable light. 

Father often will send messengers to warn us and correct us when we are on destructive paths. The problem is that we stubbornly fail to heed the warning or redirection. Criticism and correction is not always easy, but remember an undisciplined child is no child of mine. The question is,  will we become complacent, ignore the doctors, ignore our conscious or concerned friends/family?  One of the best qualities a person can have is that they have the ability to stand outside their self and see what needs improving, then have the will power to change. 

Let’s take a look at a few bible verses on discipline: 

Proverbs 10:17 Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads
others astray.

Proverbs 12:1  Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid. 

Proverbs 5: 23 For lack of discipline they will die, led astray by their own great folly.

Titus 1:7- 9 states : As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach—not self-absorbed, not quick tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money. 8Instead, he must be hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it was taught, so that by sound teaching he will be able to encourage others and refute those who contradict this message.…

To live a life that is pure, righteous and pleasing, we must lean on the Holy Spirit for strength.  The bible states that to have a fear of  YHWH is the beginning of wisdom. What I believe that to mean is that we must be motivated in thought and action by our deep desire to please Abba Daddy. We cannot become complacent or desensitized because that is exactly what the enemy wants. We have to put selfishness and pleasure aside at times. We have to be in this world but not of this world. Making righteous choices, following Yahshua ( Jesus) is not always received well or understood by others. You may be deemed self-righteous, religious or even a prude. Being good is not always considered cool. 

Here are a few areas where we should consider practicing self-discipline: 

Personal time to read, listen and pray. (especially interceding for others) 
Boldness to share the love of YHWH (G-d), openly pray for people, talk about faith w/out shame.
Avoiding the ungodly: movies, games, magazines, tv shows, bad influencers, parties                                              Avoiding unhealthy: food, drink, prescriptions, drugs, processed foods, sweets, or any addiction. 
Discipline with lusts and desires: living a sexually moral life.
Discipline with finances: fighting greed , over spending, misuse of funds)                                                                                Avoiding or limiting: cell phones, lap tops, computers, social media. 
Listening more, talking less-not defaming, gossiping, lying, scheming, foul language

Bottom line is that if we claim it, we must represent it. We cannot claim to be believers but have actions and habits that represent the enemy. 

The practice of self-discipline and self-control, is a life long quest to keep our cloaks white, so that we are ready for the bride-groom. In the arena of food, drink and habits, we can have much control over our way of life and longevity. 

Reflection:

What areas do you need to be more disciplined?  Pick an accountability partner to work on those areas where development is needed. Suggest repenting before you start practicing in those weak areas. Check in once a week to brief each other on how you are doing in the area of discipline. 

Herb of the Day: Lemon Balm has been used for more than 2,000 years. This herb has been cultivated as a culinary and medicinal plant. It is regarded as a “calming” herb and traditionally used to combat anxiety, stress and insomnia, to treat wounds, ease indigestion and to stimulate the appetite. The herb has been known to help with herpes virus, detoxify the liver, support normal blood sugar, sharpens mind and soften fine lines. I have personally drank Lemon Balm tea, which brought down my blood pressure before a doctor’s appointment. I also drop a few drops under my tongue to help my nervous system. 

Vegetarian Recipe of the Day:

A lot of people have asked me about my vegetarian “NO Chicken” salad. I’ve been plant based for a year and half. I have had no sinus infections from allergies! Praise the Father. The Holy Spirit led me to a vegetarian diet, and I’m amazed that after 10 years of extreme allergies, they are virtually gone.  I can once again enjoy walks and bike rides without severe punishment. Yes, going plant based takes tremendous discipline- so in that arena I’m succeeding. I always tell people, if you get sick enough you will usually  try anything to get better- well at least some do. It amazes me that so many get real sick but cannot seem to give up foods that irritate or cause their diseases. 

“The wolf and the lamb shall feed together; the lion shall eat straw like an ox; but the serpent—its food shall be dust! They shall not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain.” —Isaiah 65:25

 No “Chicken” Salad

• 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 3 tablespoons tahini
• 1 teaspoon Dijon or spicy brown mustard
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave nectar
• ¼ cup diced red onion
• ¼ cup diced celery
• ¼ cup diced pickle
• 1 teaspoon capers, drained and loosely chopped
• Healthy pinch each sea salt and black pepper
• Add unsalted sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, chia seeds, walnuts (optional)

 Instructions:

1. Place the chickpeas in a mixing bowl and mash with a fork, leaving only a few beans whole.
2. Add tahini, mustard, maple syrup, red onion, celery, pickle, capers, salt and pepper, and sunflower seeds (if using) to mixing bowl. Mix to incorporate. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Whatever you usually put in tuna or chicken salad, you can add such as cut grapes.
3. It’s great on sandwiches or salads.
4. Mixture will keep covered in refrigerator for 4-5 days