Trained by Discipline for Life

Nobody enjoys seeing a child out of control, screaming "I hate you!", and throwing a fit until he gets his own way.  

Proverbs 30 talks about a generation "that curses its father, and does not bless its mother, that is pure in its own eyes...whose teeth are like swords, and whose fangs are like knives."  Likewise, 2 Timothy 3 describes a time coming when men will be "lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good...." There is a reason Revelation states that the wicked will get worse.  Sin and rebellion never stand still but continue to increase unless dealt with and corrected.  Lack of discipline allows our fallen nature to manifest.

  

Proverbs states that discipline or correction is a way of life. It is necessary.  Hebrews 12 even suggests an attitude shift toward discipline, "My son, do not despise the discipline of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; for whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives."  Discipline is revealed as an act of love in order to change behavior and produce desirable character.  

Often, we associate discipline with children.   Since God instructs us to raise up children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, discipline is a natural part of parenting.  Proverbs 13:24 further declares that "He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly."  Perhaps the explanation in Hebrews 12:11 summarizes this procedure and goal best, "Now no discipline seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it."  Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.  Something happens inside when a child is spanked because "blows that sting cleanse the soul."  Discipline sets the child free in their mind and heart so they can receive the love and acceptance to start new.    

Just as we respected our human fathers who disciplined and corrected us, "Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live?  For they (our fathers) indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He (God) for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness."  God has an effective way of discipline for His children in order to produces holiness and life.

Obviously, just as the external actions of the Old Testament may parallel the internal changes of the New Testament, the physical discipline of a child is replaced by an interior pressure that produces change as we mature.  God disciplines through His Word.  As 2 Timothy 3:16 states, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."  The Word can penetrate our hearts to reprove our wrong thoughts, to correct our negative emotions, and to instruct us to make righteous choices. 

One excellent example is found in 2 Corinthians 7:8-11 where Paul writes a word to the Corinthians.  "For even if I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it.  For I perceive that the same epistle made you sorry, though only for a while.  Now I rejoice...that your sorrow led to repentance.  For you were made sorry in a godly manner.  For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted."  Then notice the fruit this produced, "What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication!"  When received in a humble attitude, correction produces wonderful life. 

God does not discipline with sickness, poverty, or torment.  It states in James, God cannot tempt with evil.  We should never fight a battle that Jesus has already won for us.  These attacks of the devil were completely eradicated when Jesus declared from the cross, "It is finished."  Nevertheless, He does discipline and correct with internal conviction so we can repent and be right with Him and align with His ways.

 

Being corrected removes anxiety and allows peace to be restored.  Scripture instructs us to "strive to enter His rest."  Furthermore, in Psalm 23, there is an amazing promise, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me.  Your staff and rod they comfort me."  There is comfort in His rod and staff.  We can have peace and assurance that if we get off the beaten path, He will correct us.  

God works all things for good, even when His Word reproves or corrects us.  Therefore, we encourage you to receive His correction in a right attitude, let the godly sorrow produce repentance.  As our thoughts and ways are corrected to His thoughts and ways, we will delight to do His will.  His discipline trains us for life, even the desired peaceful abundant life.

  

  

Do you Write?

 Teach me Your way, O Lord, that I may walk and live in Your truth; unite my heart to fear Your name. Psalm 86:11   Added to this request is the result that flows from God doing this good work in us.  "I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and I will glorify Your name forevermore. For great is Your mercy toward me."

When we let God teach us and we choose to receive His Word with meekness, our hearts are transformed or "healed" to realize He is worthy of all our affection.  Sometimes we let other things in our minds and hearts and simply forget what we read and how good He is. Therefore, it is necessary for God to unite the various desires of our heart, or at least refocus on what really matters, so we can praise Him with all our heart. 

Which brings me to my question for the day: Do you write?  God told Moses to write a book of remembrance.   In Habakkuk 2:2 God instructs the prophet to "Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it."  Likewise, Psalm 103 reminds us to "forget not His benefits."  I suggest the reason God's Word tells us to "write" and "forget not" is because in the fallen human condition we do forget.  We can look in the mirror of God's perfect law of liberty and forget what we look like, according to James.

Here are two suggestions and my reasons for establishing this practice.  First, whenever I sit down to write this blog, it forces me to seek God and decide in my heart what I believe He is saying.  Writing it down and sharing with you actually settles the truth for me!  Secondly, as a high school teacher, I require my students to take notes rather than just think they are going to remember what is said.  Therefore, I suggest that having a notebook and jotting down the key points that the Holy Spirit is giving you is a powerful way to not only hear God, but then to "walk and live in Your truth."   This is also a helpful way to "let the Word dwell in you richly," as instructed in Colossians 3:16.

God's voice is so much closer than we think.  He lives in us and prompts our every thought and desire.  "In Him we live and move and have our being," according to Acts.  However, we are required to take every thought captive to obey Christ, because Jesus stated that we know the Shepherd's voice but do not know the voice of strangers.  This suggests discernment or choosing the right one and rejecting the wrong one.  Rather than just having a myriad of different thoughts or voices, writing, to the best of our discernment what we believe or determine is God's voice, helps us focus on the truth.  Writing this message down also reinforces our thought process to remember and think about what He is saying to us. 

 

Humble man asks and depends upon God to teach us.  However, we also want to be faithful like Mary "treasuring the word" and like Samuel who "didn't let a word from God drop to the ground."  Receive the Word, write it down, and let the Word dwell in you richly.  These simple steps will cause you to grow in wisdom, understanding, and especially in bearing fruit. 

Challenges

 "It'll heal up before you get married.  Get back in there." was the uncompassionate response my basketball coach usually gave me if I complained about getting hit in a game.  Even though I may be tempted to say something similar to my basketball players now, the truth is that there are always challenges and the attitude we have toward them makes all the difference.  Notice how Jesus completely changes the normal viewpoint in His first beatitude, "Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God." 

In James 1, the Word reminds us to "Count it all joy" when trials come.  While this sounds completely opposite to our feelings, he then points out why, that the testing of your faith produces patience and if we allow patience to complete its work, we will lack nothing.  There is not only light at the end of the tunnel, but a right attitude will cause the very trial to produce qualities that ensure growth.  In fact, growth only comes through overcoming adversity by depending on God.  

After being stoned by the religious mob (in Acts 14), Paul returns to the believers in Antioch, Lystra, and Iconium to reassure them that "we must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God."  

Likewise Paul, in Romans 5, makes his case even stronger.  Our hearts easily agree with his first comments of how blessed we are through faith in Jesus to have peace with God and to rejoice in the hope of sharing the glory of God.  But getting the whole picture requires hearing what Paul then declares, "we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.  Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."  To glory in tribulations means we treat them as a positive opportunity to enjoy God.

The key "because" is the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit.  When we know and trust the Holy Spirit, who fills our hearts with the love of God, there is overwhelming hope, or know-so confidence, that He will make all things work together for good to those who know Him and are called according to His purpose.  He always leads us in triumph.  

Therefore, challenges or trials are merely "steppingstones" to trust God and allow His transforming power to work in us and through us as we overcome every challenge of sin, the world, and the devil.   We are the bride of Christ, and it is essential that the bride have every spot and wrinkle removed to become an "equally yoked" partner for the Lord Jesus.  We are destined to be conformed to the image of Christ.  

Many know that the world is in a great time of upheaval, an Isaiah 60 time of "darkness covering the earth and gross darkness the people."  Therefore, challenges are sure to come.  Rather than curse the darkness, God calls us to receive His light and let His glory shine in and on us.  Having a right attitude toward trials and challenges allows us to look forward to what God is doing and to rejoice in the hope of sharing His glory through them.  Challenges will allow us to know and experience God.  Fight the good fight of faith that overcomes the world.  Our coach, the Holy Spirit, says, "Get back in there."

Ready for What is Coming

Everything will be shaken that can be shaken. Hebrews 12 openly declares this truth, "now He has promised, saying, 'Yet once more I will shake not only the earth, but also heaven."  However, the Word reassures us, "Thanks be to God we have received a kingdom that cannot be shaken."  In addition, Isaiah 60 promises that as darkness covers the earth, His light will come upon believers and His glory will be seen upon them.  So, the critical question remains, will men turn from the darkness that is being shaken and turn to the unshakeable kingdom of Jesus, the light of the world?    

As we begin the new year, the world cries out for psychics and fortunetellers to predict what is going to happen.  Yet few turn to God's Word or even consider listening to God.  However, God has been speaking by His prophets and the plan spelled out in His Word is sure to happen.  This is consistent with Amos 3:7, which states, "Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.  One example of the testimony of prophets speaking about the end-times is found in www.givehim15.com   Also there are over 150 chapters of Scripture that have reference to events of the end-time (See www.www.mikebickle.com from the International House of Prayer in Kansas City to learn more.)  It is time for the church to get her head out of the sand and rise up to be the light God desires the world to see.  

God has two important instructions in Revelation for the church to obey in order to walk in triumph during the completion of prophetic events on earth.  Revelation 22:11 basically states the unjust will get worse and the holy are called to be holy.  There will be a sharp divide between good and evil, just as the Gospels show the complete division between Jesus and the world.  

Therefore, the first essential quality for the church, the body of believers, is to have the fear of the Lord, which is defined in Proverbs 8:13 as hatred of evil.  God Himself calls His children to come to Him and He will teach us the fear of the Lord (Psalm 34:11-13).  Fear of the Lord produces humble obedience.  We must learn to be instant in obeying the Holy Spirit.  

Secondly, the Kingdom of God is always advancing.  The life of God in us will continue to grow, of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end.  Believers are called to stir up the supernatural gifts and authority God has entrusted to us.  His glory will be seen on us as we speak words of life, execute the judgments of God, and see God confirm His Word with signs and wonders beyond what is recorded in the Acts.  In short, we must allow the Holy Spirit to teach us how to be instruments of divine power and love.  Jesus promised we would do the works He did, and greater ones.  Earnestly desire the spiritual gifts.  

We have an unshakeable kingdom and will not be shaken.  Not only will we be protected, but beyond our imagination, we will be a glorious witness of the life and power of God.  Many, maybe millions or billions, will see our light and turn to the Lord during the coming events.  It is not a time to dread, but rather the greatest time in the history of the world to see every evil ended and every good powerfully confirmed.  Jesus will be a very present help in trouble and constantly show Himself superior to all the powers of darkness.  We shall overcome by the blood of the Lamb, the word of our testimony (declaring what God has done for us), and we love not our lives even unto death (Revelation 12:11).  We will have such an overwhelming taste of His glory that the words of Psalm 63:3, "Thy loving kindness is better than life." will be reality and we simply won't fear death or going home to glory.  Everyone born of God will overcome.  (1 John 5:4)  Praise God for giving us His ever increasing faith, unshakeable hope, and everlasting love.   

Fear not, for I am with you.  I will prepare you to arise and shine!   

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How Start, How Finish

Life is filled with starts and finishes.  How we start the day, how we finish the day.  How we start the job, how we finish the job.  How we start the marriage, how we finish the marriage. There are seasons, times to sow and times to reap, according to Ecclesiastes.  The difference maker is how we start and how we finish.  Consider Jesus in how we start this new year.

Jesus became a baby in the midst of physical humbleness but with heavenly glory, angels appearing, shepherds responding to the message that a savior has been born, and three kings from the east recognizing the supreme ruler of the universe.  He began with the witness of God. 

Jesus finished strong by freely laying His life down for mankind in the midst of extreme physical torment and ridicule, but with the witness of the prophetic Word of God.  He fulfilled the Scriptures and trusted God to raise Him up.  He descended into hell, but the devil had nothing in Him to hold Him, so by the power of the Spirit He was able to take the keys (authority over mankind) from Satan and demonstrate God's triumphant victory over sin, sickness, and death by His resurrection.  He finished with the witness of God.  

Jesus, who now lives in us by the power of the Holy Spirit, enables us to demonstrate this same triumphant victory in our daily lives.  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  We can start the day (Psalm 92:2) declaring that by the fresh mercy of God we stand whole and complete in Him.  Likewise, at the end of the day, we can finish by acknowledging the faithfulness of God in helping us through the day. Psalm 92:4 continues with the promise "I will triumph in the work of Your hands."  All that is needed to walk together with God is to agree with Him (Amos 3:3) in our heart and by our words. 

As we began the new year, many people make resolutions and wishful plans; however, the truth is these only prove that we know changes are needed and rarely produce results.  God has a better way to start the year that does glorify Him and produce lasting results.  

God does honor, according to His Word, two specific resolutions.  One is a commitment, that whether we live or die, we aim to be well pleasing to Him (2 Corinthians 5:9).  It is a heart desire and a fresh dependence upon the Spirit "to will and to work for His pleasure" as we obey His promptings.  In short, to obey what He tells you to do. 

Secondly, we commit, as Paul prayed in Philippians 3, to press on to the goal of knowing God, "that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead."  The challenge is to die to fleshly desires of the old man and put on the new man created in His image and holiness.  As we allow the Spirit to establish His truth and a greater desire to know Him in our hearts, we can fulfill 2 Corinthians 4:11, "For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh."  Each situation provides an opportunity to know God and the power of His resurrection as we choose life in obeying His way and put to death our selfish desires of the flesh.  

Therefore, how we start the day, start the relationship, start the job, start the year, depends upon our humble attitude.  We acknowledge our need to trust and depend upon God to help us walk in the Spirit and to give us strength to obey.  Just as Jesus, because of the joy set before Him willingly endured the cross," we purpose to put the joy of knowing Him and pleasing Him greater treasure than doing things our own way.    

All Will Know Me

The Word from heaven about the birth of Jesus is "Glory to God in the highest and peace to men of goodwill."  Jesus' purpose in coming to earth as a man was to give peace by reconciling sinful man with a holy God. In short, He came to save all mankind.  1 Timothy 2:4 declares "who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth."  

When Jesus confronted Saul on his way to persecute Christians in Damascus, He stated His intent openly, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. but rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose....to open their eyes (Jews and Gentiles) in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me."  Acts 26:15-18  

God desires all men taste and see the goodness of the Lord.  Those who come to know Jesus not only experience His peace and forgiveness, but also enjoy sharing the fullness of His life in us.  Just as the angel announced the coming child shall be called, "Emmanuel, God with us," Paul further reveals that as a born-again child of God, we experience "Christ in you, the hope of glory,"   This abundant life empowers believers to overcome on earth and to have sure promise of eternal joy with God forever.  

However, there is more.  Psalm 62:1-2 explains "God be merciful and gracious to us that your way may be known in all the earth."  The Lord clearly wants us to be a light in this world so others may see His light in us and come to know Him.

In other words, what He has done for us makes us able to do the same for others.  He loves us so we can love others with His love.  Just as He forgives us so are we commanded and enabled to forgive others.  Everyone born of God overcomes according to 1 John 5:4, so we can give testimony to the world that Jesus has overcome and now is King of kings.  As He is, so are we in this world, (1 John 4:17)

This is eternal life, that they know Me and know the Father, according to Jesus in John 17.  Jesus came and clearly desires all men to know Him.  We are now His ambassadors by walking in the light of His life and sharing the message of our saving God.  May the Lord draw all people to Him as they see our good works and hear our sharing of His gracious plan.  Let the Lord be magnified, as every knee bows and every tongue humbly confesses, "Jesus is Lord."    

 

Love to vs Have to

The question is why do we obey God?  Love to or have to?  Wanting to please God, rather than having to keep a list of laws in order to satisfy God's demands, sets one free.  Our motivation is that we, as receivers of His grace, aim to be well-pleasing to Him, according to 2 Corinthians 5:9. 

 A teen-age boy may not listen to his mother to clean up. dress neat, or practice certain manners.  However, when he falls in love and wishes to please a certain girl those seemingly impossible chores instantly are automatically done out of love and desire to please the object of his affections.  The point is the new motivation. 

This is the essential difference between the law and grace, or more specifically religion and relationship.  Most religions are similar to the Law with a list of "things" that one has to do in order to be in God's favor.  The Gospel is exactly the opposite.  Jesus loves us even when we are sinners, enough to die for us.  One simply has to admit that he has failed or sinned and accepts that Jesus loves him so much that He willingly paid for all our sin consequences through His death and resurrection.  

Accepting this infinite love transforms the human heart, allows the Holy Spirit to make one a new creation, and plants a fresh desire, a "I delight to do thy will" in the believer.  This love relationship motivates more out of wanting to respond to God's infinite love than having to obey a set of rules ever could. Paul explains that the love of Christ constrains us.  

The challenge, according to Romans, is whether this grace allows us to keep sinning.  No, the difference is that now we want to obey out of love, not out of fear of rejection.  

How can one walk with God unless he agrees with Him?  Man's thoughts and ways are totally opposite of God's thoughts and ways.  Therefore, as the believer presents his body as a living sacrifice and chooses to let God's thoughts and ways (expressed in His Word) dwell in him richly, he is transformed and demonstrates the perfect will of God (Romans 12:1-2).  When man's heart is to please God, he freely chooses to lay down his old fleshly ways and to grow in walking according to the characteristics of the new man God has recreated him to be.  

Jesus stated in John 14:15, "if you love me, you will keep my commandments." The indwelling presence of God in the new man produces joy and strength to obey His commands.  And then, the very act of obeying God, produces newness of life, (Romans 6) which encourages more love and obedience.  The more we know Him, the more we want to love Him by obeying.  This new loving way of life continues until man is transformed into the image of Jesus Christ. 

God is not interested in a group of robots who are forced to submit and have to do what He wants.  Rather man is created in God's own image and likeness so he can freely choose to respond to the Father's love expressed in Jesus Christ.  Being a cheerful giver, even a giver of our very life, pleases God.  Believers who are born again into this new creation, are empowered with the Spirit to love and actually delight in serving God and pleasing Him.   God shows his pleasure with the infinite rewarding words, "Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of Your Father.'