Discipline

So sorry I've been silent for two months! I feel like I have not stopped since the new year started. I think things are starting to slow down a little and I'm able to catch my breath and regain some composure. Whew!

I entitled this post "Discipline" because I've been thinking about it quite a bit lateley. I've been blessed to be a part of a women's systematic theology class with my best friends from Sojourn. I'm learning the doctrines that I've "known" for so long and it's been hard and rewarding. I'm also reading Practical Theology for Women by Wendy Horger Alsup. I mostly wanted it because the cover is so cute:

It has been the perfect read to go along with our systematic theology study. Alsup states in her book that "theology is the root, foundation, and framework for practical living that reflects wisdom and understanding." I've always enjoyed knowing tidbits of theology but it was just knowledge for a long time. Kind of like the random trivia that I pick up from nowhere but remember just in time to answer a question in Cranium. By no means is theology trivial, but I seemed to have used it the same way I use trivia.....by rembering it just in time to answer someone's question. I know a lot of answers but what does that mean?

Let me answer that with another chunk from Alsup:

"Theology, at its most basic sense is the study of God. Proper theology is not complex, but is fundamentally important for all believers, because knowing our God and understanding his character are essential tools that enable us to exercise wisdom in our daily lives. As we study who God is and what he does, we are equipped to deal with the big and small issues of life. Knowing God and acting in faith in light of those beliefs is key to a life that is pleasing to God. Know him, and then act like you know him. That is faith."

I love that last line. True faith comes through truly believing God's words through our actions. Do I really believe that God is soverign if I'm worried about when I'll have a baby? Why don't I pray if I know that Jesus is my intercessor? Why do I ignore the Holy Spirit when I know he is my counselor and is working for my good because he loves me? I don't have any faith in Him. I don't allow myself to be disciplined. I act like a spoiled child when trials come my way and throw a fit instead of trusting my heavenly Father.

Ryan is in a Personal Spiritual Disciplines class this semster. Praise the soverign God above that he is so that I can also glean wisdom through it. Ryan is teaching me about meditation and prayer and how to really read the Word of God. Things I knew, but never practiced. I pray with all that is in me that the Holy Spirit will give me strength to endure through the times that suck so that He can transform my heart to be more like Christ's. The reason I quit is the same as the reason I quit exercising or eating right....because it's easy. I don't see the effects right away when I stop working out or eat junk most meals, but they show up later when I'm fat and out of energy. The same will happen when I'm not spiritually disciplined...I'll be a crazy wife and mother full sin and empty of love.

Jesus, save me from myself daily.

I hope that you are encouraged. Praise God that there is grace and he loves us too much to let us stay as we are. I can't wait for the day that we are free from sin's effects for good! Come, Lord Jesus!