Disciplined... By Self Or Others?

First of all, let me say this...

You are reading the 500th post, to pray for our pastors and church leaders, since I relaunched this project on June 1, 2015. I don't know that I even considered or counted out, when such milestones would occur... I simply knew God kept tugging on my heart, saying, "you can't have a page on that site, called daily prayers, then NOT write a prayer every day."

It's mind-blowing to me still, but I thank you for joining with me and liking, sharing and re-tweeting posts along the way.

So with that PSA issued...

I've shared before and firmly believe, one is never done learning. Never. And after a conversation yesterday, I got to thinking...

Self-discipline is better than discipline from authority.

It's almost comical to me, the timing of this concept, although I'm not going in details as to why. But seriously. Consider how much things would be different or how much less stress would exist in our lives, if we took the time to do what we know to do, did them right, followed our gut instinct and perhaps, most importantly, followed the prompting of the Holy Spirit, as to how we might handle situations before they became "situations".

We are all subject to authority of some kind and how much better with the people in those places, would we be, if there were less things for them to engage in conversation with the opening remarks of "we need to do something about this...", if only we took care of matters before they escalate.

This can be a hard lesson, for kids and youth, as well as adults. We all make mistakes, we all drop the ball. People will always find something they don't agree and perhaps speak out; that one particular item or action is problematic. We may not what that is, but we can certainly take care to avoid potential problems by being more self-disciplined in the management of our own lives and the responsibilities which are under our purview.  
As a Father, I continually hear the words of my Dad ringing in my ear... learn the lessons now, rather than later, like I did. It pains me to still be learning and dealing with some of the things I am at this juncture in my life, so I find myself hoping and praying the same for my kids... learn this earlier than I.

I pray, this #youthPastorWednesday, for the pastors and teachers, influences and mentors that will speak into the lives of today's youth and young people; both yours and mine. Pray with me that they will help us to establish and build foundations of self-discipline; not they will never be reprimanded, but that they would lead lives that would bring glory and honor to God. Pray for Godly principles and the Word of God to guide and direct them as they grow and make decisions. Pray that pastors and people of influence would help us, as parents, to lead by example. Pray for a grace and a covering over our lives, for when we drop that example... may they be profound moments of teaching and instruction for the grace of God to transpire; that we may know and better understand the purpose God has for us as He works ALL things together, for our good.

Disciplined...
That we may be more like Christ;
Relying less on ourselves.
For the glory and honor of God.

- PNC