As the new year is upon us, it is commonplace to self-evaluate and vow to make changes, resolutions or promises of improved habits. Old patterns are difficult to shed. In order to achieve our desired results we will need to practice “discipline.” What does discipline mean to you?
I have been told, “Mark, you are so disciplined.” I take it as a compliment because a life of order works for me. The roots of my discipline are found in almost daily exercise which I began over 40 years ago and still adhere to.
As we renew ourselves this month and enter 2026, I challenge all of us to be more spiritually disciplined. Make time every day, even if you must schedule it, to focus on the Goodness and Peace of God.
I once heard it said, “Church is going on all the time (within us) and we can choose to attend anytime we wish.”
The 23rd Psalm affirms this in the words: “He leads me beside still waters and causes me to lay down in green pastures.” Amen — and so it is.
Use a dose of daily discipline to recognize this is our true nature gifted to us by our Gracious, Merciful, Loving God.
Mark Van Klaveren
P.S. – Our current sermon series is a great way to exercise the discipline of inviting others to worship! Who will you invite today?