Here it comes…the “D” word…discipline.
A winner builds discipline into his or her life. Nobody ever said that rules, regulations, and training were easy or fun all of the time. But they are necessary.
The famous concert pianist, Vladmir Horowitz, once remarked about practicing the piano each day for several hours: “If I go a day without practice, I can tell the difference. If I go two days without practice, my wife can tell the difference. And if I go three days without practice, everybody can tell the difference!”
As the writer in Hebrews states, we must lay aside the things which will entangle or distract us and follow the course with focus and resolve—and we must play by the rules.
Paul tells his young disciple, Timothy:
If anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.
(2 Tim. 2:5)
Jesus declares a similar truth in John 10:
Most assuredly I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.
(John 10:1)
Jesus warned his disciples that there would come a time when people who were only believers in appearance would find their way into the sheepfold.
A Tragic Awakening
These are people who run a race by another set of rules, playing the religious game so well they even fool themselves. Though they believe they are safely inside, they are in for a tragic awakening one day when Jesus will plainly tell them, “Depart from Me, I never knew you.”
Remember this important principle: Winning is important, but only if we win according to God’s faith principles. If we live by God’s principles, then God will cause us to prosper so that we can help others live the life of a Pacesetter.
I remember several years ago when the Lord prompted me to discipline myself and spend my Friday and Saturday nights seeking Him. So every Friday I was seeking the Lord from nine to twelve midnight in the chapel at First Family Church in Whittier, California.
It started out to be discipline but later turned into a delight. Oh, the intimacy that I experienced those early years I spent seeking the Lord!
It may start with discipline, but it will soon turn to joy—praise God!
Excerpt permission granted by WinePress Publishing
Benny and Wendy Perez are the Lead Pastors of ChurchLV, which they pioneered in 2003. They have been married for 25 years and have three adult children: BJ, Bella, and Benaiah.
Benny began as a Youth Pastor in Southern California and then moved to the Pacific Northwest, leading one of the nation’s greatest youth revivals. This led to an international ministry, Benny Perez Ministries, opening doors for Benny to speak and minister worldwide. Using his 35 years of ministry experience in 2024, Benny launched the Kingdom First Community, embracing abundance & challenging scarcity with a Kingdom First mindset. Benny has a remarkable ability to deliver his message with a blend of humor and power that truly inspires.
Wendy exists to empower women and love life. With over 30 years of experience as a leader, communicator, and coach, she is unique in her ability to combine her powerful communication and wisdom with an authenticity that is refreshing and relatable. In 2023, Wendy and co-founded EquipHer Forward, an organization to encourage, empower and equip Christian women leaders and entrepreneurs.
Together as a team, they have devoted their lives to pursuing God, building the local church, and bringing Jesus to the city of Las Vegas. Passionate for the presence of God, Benny and Wendy have built a church culture that reflects this passion.