Day 2: Discipline...

I can't help but think that this morning definitely came early! One of our Hello Mornings groups has already been up for an hour, though! Way to go, ladies!! I am jamming to "It's Your Life" by Francesca Battistelli over on our playlist, and I am encouraged by the reminder that the world is watching us as women of the Living God. So as we become disciplined in this routine and it becomes second nature, it helps to have a reminder from the Word about why we need to have this. Melody, a teacher and groupie in the 5 a.m. crew, shared a verse she felt led to memorize just a week ago that discusses discipline.

"No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening -- it's painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way." ~Hebrews 12:11 (NLT)

Now, I don't want to be a "totally out of context Scripture" kinda gal, so keep in mind that this is talking about the discipline we receive as children of God, and it is an analogy of our relationship with him. Just like we as parents use discipline, so does he. The commentary in my Bible says, "Who loves his child more - the father who allows his child to do what will harm him or the one who corrects, trains, and even punishes the child to help him learn what is right?" So welcome to training! For those adding exercise into this program ( I am not quite there yet!), this may hit home a bit more for you! My body is not used to this early rising, but it will come...one day!! Listen to the next 2 verses in Hebrews and BE ENCOURAGED!!

"So take a new grip with your tired hands and your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fail but become strong." ~ Hebrews 12:12-13 (NLT)

No if that doesn't make you want to rise up like Rocky IV this morning, we may need to bust out some bootcamp!! Seriously, though, God is allowing us to be with him this morning and calling us to encourage one another. As my group wakes and is sending confirmation texts, I am praying that these determined gals down here in South Georgia will continue on this path, and as the world watches, they will see a bond deeper than we could fathom being formed amongst these daughters of the Living God. This relationship with our Father will pour out and overflow into our daily lives. So RISE UP, and run to Him this morning. Even you weak-kneed and heavy burdened! He just wants your heart this morning! 

Don't forget to saying a prayer for those beautiful youngins this morning. Mine is currently sitting in my lap since it didn't take him long to set his Mommy-is-up internal alarm! Today's verse from 2 Peter 3:18 is a prayer for "growth in the grace and knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ". What better way to start a day than with the picture of hope that paints for them. 

Hello Tuesday morning!