I remember when I was in grade school and my parents sent me to piano lessons twice a week.  I hated it because I wanted to do things after school like my friends did – the piano always took precedence.  I had to practice two hours a day when I didn't have a lesson.  The only way I could be excused from practicing was if I was dying, and even then I believe I would have had to have a note from the doctor.

In spite of what I considered misery at that time, I loved playing the piano and have become quite an accomplished musician.  I learned that "practice makes perfect," and excelled in music contests and eventually college.  Although I was doing as what was expected of me, my knowledge of music grew and does to this day.  My music became what is a very important part of my life.  I continue this day to thank God for my talent and give it back to Him as often as I can.

The same principle is true for all of us.  The way we learn what God expects of us is by reading His Word.  We can't begin to make the right moves if we don't know what they are.  We can walk with Christ through the Scriptures and learn to do as He did; but the proof of our sincerity is in the doing, not just the knowing.  It is one thing to read about life – it's another to live it.  We must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. ~ Hebrews 2:1  We know a lot about what we are supposed to be doing, but we often have a hard time doing it.  We must pray that God will enable us to be disciplined enough to do what we need to do.

I always thought that I was a fairly disciplined person – for the most part.  I haven't always been.  There have been times in my life – with practicing music as being a good example – that I fought discipline.  When I started truly learning to pray about every aspect of my life, I asked our Heavenly Father to help me to be disciplined enough to read His Word daily – and live it.