Weekend Prayers and Links

Happy Friday, friends! There’s some great reads this week for Weekend Prayers and Links, but first for the prayer part.

I haven’t written about it yet, but my One Word for 2015 is discipline. And to be honest, I already want to change it. I pretty much hate it because, of course, who likes discipline. But I’m not going to change it. Obviously God wants to show me something with it, and He’s already given me a glimpse of that.

I came across this verse recently, “The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers” (1 Peter 4:7), and it really spoke to me about the real reason I need discipline in my life. Now don’t get hung up on “the end of all things is at hand” part because I know sometimes when the Bible talks about the end we check out. That just seems too fatalistic or depressing for our minds. Instead let’s look at the other part, “be self-controlled and sober-minded”, in other words be disciplined, “for the sake of your prayers.”

At the first of each year I use Lara Casey’s Powersheets to set goals. I highly recommend them, and no, that’s not an affiliate link. I just love them and think you will too. One of my goals for 2015 is to learn to pray more often and more effectively.

So when God tied my goal for bettering my prayer life right with my One Word of discipline, I got it. Discipline brings all of myself under God’s authority so that I can experience Him better. That’s why it’s important.

So this weekend, think about discipline in your own life. Where could you be more disciplined? Where are you maybe disciplined, but in a self-righteous or legalistic way instead of with the intent to know God better?

Some Great Links and Reads

Some of these are a few months ago. I saved them to share with you while I was on my quasi blogging break.

BrendaHRodgers.com – This is my new website for everything else that doesn’t fit here, but you may like it too.

What I Learned about God from Nicole and Jimmy by Annie Downs – READ THIS ONE! It’s filled with so much truth!

Love, Sex, and Dating by Andy Stanley – This is a book that was first a sermon series. I have recommended this series to so many women and can’t wait to read the book!

You and Me Forever: Marriage in Light of Eternity by Francis Chan – Another book I just learned about by Francis Chan. Can’t wait to read this one either.

Save the Date on Relevant.com – Relationship experts talk about dating in today’s culture.

Single and the Church: An Interview with Lore Ferguson on The Council for Biblical Manhood and Womanhood

A Prayer When You’re Feeling Convicted about Decisions on The Gospel Coalition

Also, there’s new contributors coming to Triple Braided! Be sure to check back Monday to meet them!

**There are affiliate links in this post. Please see the disclosure policy.