DISCIPLE

John 8:31b and 32

"If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed.  

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

A disciple is a disciplined one. 

Know-to know by experience or EFFORT

 In order to enjoy the freedom that comes with knowing the Word, 

we actually need to be disciplined to the Word.  

Since Brent and I started our Way Corps program, we have been memorizing different scriptures that correlate to the Way Corps principles (there are five principles and 5-6 verses for each one).  The third Corps principle is "Utilize physical discipline making your physical body the "vehicle" of communication of the Word, as vital as possible."  Throughout my life I have known about Corps principle 3 (aka CP3) because my parents are Way Corps minsters.  I've heard them talk about it often in regards to setting time aside to fulfill their CP3 for the week.  Well, now that I am going through the same leadership program, I am experiencing the practicality of this principle.

 

During our candidate year, a Way Corps minister told me the physical discipline required in this principle carries over to daily life--being in control of your body, your words and your actions.  Very quickly after hearing this enlightening statement, I got more disciplined with my exercising.  I would plan out my distance to run and even though many times I wanted to stop I would tell myself "Way Corps don't do something because they 'feel like it.'  I can do this, so I'm going to do it!"  My endurance grew by leaps and bounds.  Even though I gained distance in running, I mainly noticed my endurance in daily life.  Particularly after very long and busy days, when I didn't want to do anything for anyone else, something would come up requiring more energy (often it had to do with my little guy).   It's so important to remember that our potential is Christ's potential.  When I can't do something, the Christ in me can.  God gives us what we can handle and we can do it with a thankful heart and perseverance to see the goal accomplished.   

So there have been different things in my life that haven't been a blessing to me.  I kept taking in this negativity until one day I thought, "What am I doing??  How is this helping me focus on Way Disciple??"  The answer is...it wasn't!  I cut out numerous distractions that were adding negativity to my life or that were simply taking up too many thoughts in my mind.  I can't say this has been the easiest thing to do but because I have spent so much time disciplining my mind in other areas of life (exercise and CP3), it isn't the hardest thing in the world.  It is so cool to see these Way Corps principles come to life and benefit different areas of need.  

Proverbs 13:19 says, "The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul."

I have certainly experienced that sweet victory as I continue to discipline my mind to the Word of God and the framework of this awesome program!