Ezra 7:10  “For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.”

What type of person are you?  What makes you feel best about yourself?

Since sin is in our lives it’s not possible to have order in all areas of our lives all the time, but there are some things that make us feel more orderly and in control if they are complete.

Some women like a well-made bed, others prefer their floors being swept or toys picked up or the laundry folded or their desk organized or their kitchen/dishes cleaned up etc.

My “thing” is having the dishwasher emptied before I cook another meal, having some make-up on and having my hair combed.  I function better if these three things are done.

But most importantly, I function best if I start my day having spent some time alone with the Lord even if it means getting up early. Mark 1:35 “And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.”

Creation is a perfect example of God’s order.  All things are set in place to perfectly move in harmony with all other things.  Not one alignment or molecule is out of place, otherwise there would be chaos. I Corinthians 14:40 “Let all things be done decently and in order.”

Colossians 2:5 ” Though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.”

Good discipline (good order), the stability of your faith in Christ are all military terms meaning a solid rank of soldiers.  Sounds like battle, right?  Colossians 2:6 “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him.” Your walk, your daily conduct, is a life patterned after Jesus Christ!

It’s good to be focused, but focused on what? Getting what you want, what you think is best?  That creates a negative atmosphere. Lay aside these desires and fill yourself with the Word, so that what comes from us is the love of Christ, encouragement and support. We can’t make someone do something or think like we want them to think or act.  It has to come from the heart and only God can change the heart!

The Better Way:  Purpose and Discipline=Structure and Order=Rest and Strength and Peace in the Lord Jesus Christ