Wednesday, 18^th January, 2023

Bible Reading: Proverbs 12:1, Hebrews 12:11

Memory Verse: But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.1 Corinthians 9:27 (ESV)

Benjamin and Tommy are both equally qualified for a job but there was only one vacancy. While Benjamin was a pious Christian, the boss wanted him to proof himself to be business conscious and time disciplined, a virtue he perceives many Christians lack. Tommy on the other side had an edge because he is a relative to the boss. So, the boss decided to break the dice by asking both of them to see him by 16:00hrs on a particular day at home. Guess what happened? Tommy was the first person to knock on the gate of the boss. He was ushered in.

Few minutes later, Benjamin came in. Amazingly, when the boss opened the door of his sitting room when he heard a knock on the door, it was Benjamin who greeted him. Right there he gave him an appointment letter with all the largesse of the office which include a company car and house inclusive. All these after 7 years of joblessness. But, what happened to Tommy? He was the first person to enter through the gate. No wonder the Bible says the first shall be the last on the judgement day. It is not all those who entered through the gate who are quick to enter through the door.

Tommy in his unwatchfulness and carelessness received a call as he was about to knock on the door to the entrance door of the boss while Benjamin whom he did not know came for the same job knocked on the door before him. Friends, learn to be disciplined. Discipline is the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behaviour, using punishment to correct disobedience.

Below are few quotes on discipline especially as it relates to work ethics:

1. The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails – William Arthur Ward.

2. Talent is never enough. With few exceptions the best players are the hardest workers – Magic Johnson

3. Apply yourself at whatever you do, whether you’re a janitor or taking your first summer job, because that work ethic will be reflected in everything you do in life – Tyler Perry

4.  I am just an average man, but by God I work harder than the average man – Winston Churchill

5. Today I will do what others won’t, so tomorrow I can do what others can’t – Jerry Rice

Prophetic Decree: This Year, by the virtue of God’s grace and deep personal discipline, nothing shall be impossible for you, in Jesus’ name.

Prayer Focus

1. Thank you Father because I will not lose my place, in Jesus’ name.

2. I pull down the wall of pride, and I embrace humility, in Jesus’ name.

3. Holy Spirit, please baptize me with the Oil of personal discipline and self-control, in Jesus’ name.

4. I will not lose my Promised land to indiscipline, in Jesus’ name.

5. This Year, I refuse to be my own problem. I shall mount new heights, in Jesus name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Genesis 19-21