A Life of Discipline

The christian life really does require discipline. After all our flesh must be in submission to our spirit. I've been made aware of that more and more as the Holy Spirit calls me more and more to pray, often early in the morning, and I have had a real battle with this flesh. It just does not want to get out of bed as early as it used to. And, I know a lot of the battle comes from me not being disciplined in the way that I eat, and getting to bed too late. I know that when I am eating right and taking care of this temple, I can tell a big difference in the way I feel , and it's easier to get awake. I really have a desire to be obedient to the Holy Spirit, so I am working on getting my fleshly appetite back under control. I have began a 21 day progressive fast this week. Fasting is the best way to get control of your flesh, especially if you are struggling with habits or addictions. These habits or addictions may not necessarily have to do with food, either. Once we let the flesh become strong in one area, it takes control in others. I am sharing this, not to announce to everyone that I am fasting, but, to encourage others. I desire that everyone prosper spiritually and be in good health. I don't want the Lord to tell me to do something someday and because of my lack of discipline, I cannot complete the task.
Time is also an area of discipline in my life that I struggle with. Not only getting to bed at a decent hour, but also how I manage my time during the day. There have been days that I really feel that I need to spend time interceding about something in prayer, and it is a struggle, because I have procrastinated about getting things done that needed to be done. If I would manage my time better, it would free me up to do more things for God without feeling guilty. If I had been disciplined in how I use my time, I would be more obedient to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. The way that I take care of my body also affects this area of my life. If I feel good and have more energy, I get more accomplished when I should. In times past when I have fasted, I remember waking up very alert and with so much energy. Just being able to think clearly is a huge benefit physically a spiritually. Why do I always go back to my bad habits? Thank God for His grace and that today is a new day. His mercy is new every morning. That's why I'm not giving up! Let's continue to pray for and encourage one another!