Years ago the band Chicago sang a song asking " Does anyone really know what time it is?"  Time change Sunday is a day that question comes to my mind.  Falling back is not too hard since we gain that extra hour.  Springing forward never was one of my favorite things to do.  Age doesn't seem to help matters any.  Between the time change and spring break we did not have anywhere near a full house.  I actually made it on time despite moving slow this morning.  Now comes the adjustment to the new time.  Maybe trying a bit more discipline will move matters along.  Going to bed early tonight and then getting up early would be a nice start for a change.  Time will tell if actions follow my intent to adjust.

Discipline comes easy to some people.  I realize they improve on that natural disposition but a few are prone to self regulation.  Nothing really comes natural to me.  Any athletic success of mine took place after hours of practice at home with no one around.  Doing the research for studies is still fun but being creative doesn't happen by itself.  Now there are a few things where discipline works for me.  Exercise is one of those places that develops with an intention to make it so.  Missing a few days of exercise makes a big difference for me.  Working in the yard or mowing is another spot where being disciplined comes through.  I am not quite as serious in taking care of my grass.  Years ago it would kill me to not mow every few days.  I can appreciate a nice growth of the yard now. 

Paul will write to Timothy on the need to have a grasp of discipline for life.  His advice revolves around becoming determined to seek out a godly depth of character.  Part of this lifestyle means knowing what not to pursue along with having priorities.  Far too many believers end up giving their life to the wrong things.  Some may have this idea that becoming godly will happen by osmosis or by simply hanging around.  Neither one of those approaches lead to the desired outcome.  One of our people here will be running at the Boston Marathon in a few weeks.  She is training to prepare.  No one wants to attempt a 26 mile trek without being disciplined to get ready.  Such a reality would be foolish.  Yet there are still believers who equate showing up for church as active discipline.  It just isn't so.

What we do as well as what we avoid goes into spiritual training.  Most know of the basics of such a lifestyle by now.  We pray, study, worship, give of ourselves in order to grow or mature in the faith.  We learn more, feel more, do more as we become increasingly confident in maturity.  But we also realize how much grace plays a role in this.  Faith cannot be limited to our mechanics.  Our ultimate hope is in God responding in His blessing while we make room for Him.  Too many believers think they can run the church without digging deep with God.  They may not do much in the way of training but they imagine the marathon is theirs to win.  No wonder we wind up in a mess.  Discipline is hard.  Paul says the results are blessing, character and faith.  Having those three elements will let you know you are on the right track.

Bro. Trey