I've been reading this book by Gordon MacDonald recently, it's linked in the books section on this site, and needless to say it has demanded a large slice of reflection and self-analysis. Quoting Thomas Merton, with echoes of Richard Foster's 'Celebration of Discipline', MacDonald contends that "We are most free when we are under discipline"
He tells the story of a friend of his who liked coffee immensely but disciplined himself to not always have a cup when offered. He was learning self-mastery so that by doing so on a seemingly small thing he would be able to say a more serious no to things of greater importance. In other words, the road to self-mastery begins with what we do with our body.
Admitting that it is not always the case, MacDonald indicates that Christians with ill-disciplined eating habits, and poor habits of rest and exercise, also struggle to be disciplined in other areas such as finance, personal devotions, sexual temptation, and so on.
I've a feeling that a major life move is not too far ahead of me, and reading this book only confirms the need for this move and for the freedom and liberty of a more disciplined life.
God's words
- 1Chr. 16:31Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, “The LORD reigns!”
CITY CHURCH CARDIFF, ELIM PENTECOSTAL CHURCH>
- CITY TEMPLE CHURCH CARDIFF
I'm on the pastoral team of this thriving multi-cultural Elim Pentecostal Church in the heart of Cardiff- the capital city of Wales.
THIRD DAY
- THIRD DAY
From 2001-2016 I spent part of my year on the road as pastor to the Christian rock band Third Day.
WALESWIDE
- WALESWIDE
I am part of the church planting and strengthening ministry Waleswide, alongside leaders from across the evangelical spectrum and geographical spread of the nation.
ELIM WALES
- ELIM INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS
Both personally and in my local church role I am pleased to stand with our Elim Missions Dept. - ELIM WALES
I spend part of my time as the regional co-ordinator for Elim in Wales-working with churches and leaders.
GATEWAY MINISTRIES/IGNITE INDIA
- GATEWAY MINISTRIES/IGNITE INDIA
Lots going on in and around Rajahmundry, India- been involved in this work since 2005.
MY PUBLICATIONS
- Lessons From The Road by Nigel James and Third Day.
- Ignite: God's Purpose for This Generation (Paperback) by Nigel James.
- Seven Ways to Ignite Your Life: Life Lessons from 1 Samuel (Paperback) by Nigel James
- Seven Myths of Youth Ministry: How to Re-Ignite Your Passion (Paperback) by Nigel James, Gary Smith
- Seven Ways to Ignite Outrageous Prayer (Paperback) by Carl Brettle, Nigel James
Some of my Sermons
- A Friend Called Grace
- Word and Spirit
- Can We Fix it? Yes We Can?
- I am the Light of the World
- I am the True Vine
- God and the Generations.
- Growing in Grace-Less judgment, more forgiveness, more thankfulness.
- Equipping the Saints-5 fold ministry.
- Led by the Spirit-Paul and Barnabas on Cyprus.
- Unnamed people are vital-the story of Cornelius.
- The Persecuted Church-Stephen the martyr.
- What's the point of Communion?
- Building a healthy future-by putting the right foundations down now.
- Incarnation-short Christmas message.
- Confidence in Uncertain Times.
- Anointed by the Holy Spirit.
- The Holy Spirit-Our director of missions.
- Burden bearers or burden makers?
- Why should I be baptized?
- From the Encounter to the Call.
- Come Over Here And Help Us- The Macedonian Call.
- Rock of Ages.
- People of the Cross- the distinctives of discipleship.
- Samuel-Listen to the Voice of God.
- Kingdom Priorities-Money, Time, and Talents.
- Abraham-Kids, Covenants and Countries.
- Gifted to Lead and Train others.
- Living Tough when things get Rough.
Comments