Week 5

DISCIPLINE: THE PATH TO JOY (Part 1)

By Sandra Clifton, D.Min.

 

Begin your study by reading “Discipline: The Path to Joy” by R.T. Kendall (SpiritLed Woman magazine, Oct/Nov 2006).

 

Introduction

God’s Word gives us special insight into the trial we go through. It gives us His assurance that we are to “count it all joy”—and to view things from His perspective, not our own. In times of trial, if we rely on God’s Word, we will emerge not only victoriously, but in peace, with greater strength.

 

What God Says

Read James 1:2-3.

 

Write it out.

 

Deeper Insight

Read the following Scriptures (in New King James Version, as the exercises to follow will be based on that). Make a brief note from each passage on what God might be telling you living God’s way.

 

James 1:2-3: _____________________________________________________

 

Luke 16:10: ______________________________________________________

 

Heb. 11:24-26: ____________________________________________________

 

Phil. 3:7: ________________________________________________________

 

Application

Fill in the blanks of the three Scriptures below (NKJV) taken from the previous Deeper Insight section. Check afterward to see how you did by looking up each one. Memorize each one as a guide to living God’s Way. This will enhance your walk in Christ and help you to minister to others, with God’s “way of living” deep within you.

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James 1:2: “My brethren, count it all ___ when you fall into various ____.”

 

Luke 16:10: “He who is ________ in what is ______ is ________ also in _____.”

 

Phil. 3:7: “But what things were _____ to me, these I have counted ____ for _____.”

 

For Group Study

Begin your group time by reading aloud Luke 16:10 and discuss its significance and why being faithful in the things that are the “least” help equip and prepare you for greater things. Encourage testimonies.

End the meeting by praying thanks to God for giving ideas and projects to pursue for Him and His kingdom. Thank Him that His empowerment for us to be a success with these ideas and projects is greater than any trials we come up against.

 

Prayer

Memorize Luke 16:10, and thank the Lord that there are things that you are doing (and hoping to do) for the Lord that, no matter how small they appear today, they will grow and flourish in time, no matter what you face! Give Him praise that He is faithful to protect what He has started in you and your life—and that despite the trials, you will always be victorious through Him!