Undisciplined Celebration

Undisciplined Celebration

Revelation 11: ⁷ When they finish proclaiming their message, the beast that comes up out of the abyss will fight against them. He will defeat them and kill them, ⁸ and their bodies will lie in the street of the great city, where their Lord was crucified. The symbolic name of that city is Sodom, or Egypt. ⁹ People from all nations, tribes, languages, and races will look at their bodies for three and a half days and will not allow them to be buried. ¹⁰ The people of the earth will be happy because of the death of these two. They will celebrate and send presents to each other, because those two prophets brought much suffering upon the whole human race. ¹¹ After three and a half days a life-giving breath came from God and entered them, and they stood up; and all who saw them were terrified. ¹² Then the two prophets heard a loud voice say to them from heaven, “Come up here!” As their enemies watched, they went up into heaven in a cloud. ¹³ At that very moment there was a violent earthquake; a tenth of the city was destroyed, and seven thousand people were killed. The rest of the people were terrified and praised the greatness of the God of heaven. 

¹⁴ The second horror is over, but the third horror will come soon!

 

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“No talking during library time” were the words of doom. Who wants to spend 30 minutes being quiet? First a note was passed, then a giggle would happen. Soon a word or two would come out, then full conversations. The battle of quiet to noise went on. Months later, the library teacher left and we celebrated! But another was put in place. This one was more strict and would enforce discipline.

 

• We wanted to do what we wanted to do!
• We wanted the teacher to be stopped by any means necessary.
• We celebrated the teacher’s abrupt departure, only to be met with a more strict teacher.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw the “beast” rise from the abyss. This being was able to kill the two prophets of GOD. People around the world celebrated, unknowingly siding with the beast, who could be classified as the second part of the unholy trinity with Satan. All seemed lost, BUT GOD intervened.

 

My Observations:

• GOD has total power over life and death.
• GOD has a specific time in which HE does everything.
• GOD has a plan to tear down Satan’s kingdom, so celebrating against GOD would not be wise.

 

Getting my way may not be good for me. I mean, when I want something that is not good for me, I may put my desires over GOD’s. HE may even allow me to get my way, but I may not want what I get. Trouble follows a celebration of my being undisciplined. BUT GOD has a remedy.

 

“Surrender” is something I need to do in order to truly change. HE wants me to surrender my life to HIM by believing in HIS SON, JESUS, who died for humanity and was raised from the dead. Only JESUS can cure the mess humans have made.

 

Challenge

• Does the writer seem as if he was writing a horror movie of today?
• Have you ever celebrated something you were clearly doing wrong?
• Will you ask GOD to guide you away from the things you were or are doing, that are against HIM, so you can have a loving relationship with HIM today?

Something to look forward to

Something to look forward to

Hebrews 12: ⁷ Endure what you suffer as being a father's punishment; your suffering shows that God is treating you as his children. Was there ever a child who was not punished by his father? ⁸ If you are not punished, as all his children are, it means you are not real children, but bastards. ⁹ In the case of our human fathers, they punished us and we respected them. How much more, then, should we submit to our spiritual Father and live! ¹⁰ Our human fathers punished us for a short time, as it seemed right to them; but God does it for our own good, so that we may share his holiness. ¹¹ When we are punished, it seems to us at the time something to make us sad, not glad. Later, however, those who have been disciplined by such punishment reap the peaceful reward of a righteous life.

 

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Ugh! “Punishment!? Really LORD?” was my first reaction when I read this. I cringed to think of GOD’s punishment. Who can withstand it? But as I read a little more I noticed what it was for.

 

• GOD could crush me, BUT HE chooses to lightly correct me when HE wants me to do something for HIM.
• GOD could make me suffer or allow pain in my life, BUT HE guides me back to HIM when I go astray.
• GOD could leave me forever, BUT HE chose to live with me and walk with me forever.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, continues to discuss punishment. Someone may have asked “Why does GOD allow difficulties?’ and he wanted to provide an answer. Or perhaps people felt discouraged and needed an answer. He gives one word, “Endure.”

 

My Observations:

• GOD loves me too much to let me sin without boundaries.
• GOD wants me to be successful rather than forgiven without change.
• GOD wants me to do some big things so HE corrects me to not besmudge HIS name.

 

When HE wants to do something big in your life, HE cannot couple HIMSELF to something that would allow others to ignore HIS SON. I mean, HE will correct those who HE invites into HIS family so they too can see what grace is really about.

 

Allowing us to do anything is not grace, rather gentle correction to guide us to HIS reward is true grace. I am glad GOD corrects me and guides me back to HIS way so HE can use me and provide peace.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer talk about GOD’s punishment?
• When you hear punishment, what do you think of?
• Will you look to be corrected and allow GOD to guide you back to HIS path of peace today?

Expected to be Corrected

Expected to be Corrected

Hebrews 12: ³ Think of what he went through; how he put up with so much hatred from sinners! So do not let yourselves become discouraged and give up. ⁴ For in your struggle against sin you have not yet had to resist to the point of being killed. ⁵ Have you forgotten the encouraging words which God speaks to you as his children?

 

“My child, pay attention when the Lord corrects you,
    and do not be discouraged when he rebukes you.
⁶ Because the Lord corrects everyone he loves,
    and punishes everyone he accepts as a child.”

 

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Hearing “No” as the final answer, I dreamed of ways to sneak out of the house. “Maybe I can leave out the back door while everyone was sleeping.” I thought to myself. But for some reason. Everyone stayed awake this particular night. My plans failed. Next I actually got the car and drove all over the city. The radiator leaked and I spent all my time and money repairing the car. “I can’t catch a break!”

 

• I was trying to be sneaky and my plans failed.
• I was trying to do something I was told not to do, yet I did it anyway.
• I was trying to get my way but “something” kept me from doing wrong.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, talks about a difficult subject, namely sin. He addresses the “struggle” all humans face. He reminds everyone that GOD will correct HIS children through punishment that is meant to be a guide back to the right path.

 

My Observations:

• GOD knows there is a part of me that does not like HIS way, BUT HE gently corrects me to follow HIM.
• GOD sees when I do not want to be like HIM or follow HIM, AND HE corrects me when I rebel against HIM.
• GOD says to me “You are now in MY family so some of the things you do act against what I am trying to do.”

 

I can tell that GOD is speaking to me when I hear something I am supposed to do that would benefit HIS kingdom, yet I do not want to do it. I mean, when “that” person makes me mad and GOD says “reconcile even though it’s not your fault” I don’t want to do it. When I get punished for not reconciling, I question GOD.

 

HE then replies, “Because you are MINE and I expect you to act like you are in MY family.” GOD does not sin, is full of grace and tries to reach all people, not matter how horrible he or she is. GOD wants me to be filled with grace and sometimes HE uses mild punishment that does not kill me, to correct me. I reluctantly welcome GOD’s correction and I am glad when I get back on HIS path.

 

Challenge

• What children is the writer talking about?
• Have you ever been corrected and been thankful for HIS correction?
• Will you accept GOD’s correction with encouragement, knowing HE loves you and wants you to grow in HIS truth and grace today?

No Hidden Agenda

No Hidden Agenda

Titus 1: ⁷ For since a church leader is in charge of God's work, he should be without fault. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered, or a drunkard or violent or greedy for money. ⁸ He must be hospitable and love what is good. He must be self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. ⁹ He must hold firmly to the message which can be trusted and which agrees with the doctrine. In this way he will be able to encourage others with the true teaching and also to show the error of those who are opposed to it.

 

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Wanting to be in power, I complained about the current leadership. I spoke about how badly things were being run with another person. Soon the grousing turned into a few people. I would then slip in a few of “my” solutions to show how things would be better if “I” were in charge.

 

• I wanted power.
• I did not think slander was a problem as long as I was doing it.
• I complained, thinking I knew better.

 

Let me say that many men have misused the bible to hold down women. This passage had cultural influences of males being the primary spokespeople in a church structure. Gender bias was not Paul’s battle so he went with the structure of that day. The suggestions he gives to Titus cross genders and apply to all. “Be” genuine when it comes to speaking about JESUS.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to “be hospitable.”
• GOD wants me to “be self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.”
• GOD wants me to “be trusted and agree with the doctrine” so I can encourage others and correct few.

 

When I have a hidden agenda of being in power, I act differently. I mean I complain about him or her versus praising GOD for what HE Is doing. To “be” in charge of anything, GOD wants to know I can “be” trusted with HIS love for others. This will show in how I treat people.

 

HE wants men and women who are willing to “be” aware of themselves and have the discipline to leave selfishness behind to serve others. I am glad GOD accepts me and you in spite of our sinful nature.

 

Challenge

• What characteristics from the writer sticks out to you?
• Are there some areas in your life that you need GOD to grow you?
• Will you seek growth by GOD by asking for help in areas HE needs to grow you so you can serve HIS Kingdom today?

Obedience School

Obedience School

Ephesians 6: Children, it is your Christian duty to obey your parents, for this is the right thing to do. ² “Respect your father and mother” is the first commandment that has a promise added: ³ “so that all may go well with you, and you may live a long time in the land.”

 

⁴ Parents, do not treat your children in such a way as to make them angry. Instead, raise them with Christian discipline and instruction.

 

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“Get up and finish the work I told you to do” were the words both of my parents had to use on several occasions. I wants to sit around and take it easy, but they ‘always” seemed to have something to pick up, clean up or tear up.

 

• I grumbled.
• I murmured.
• I tried to convince them that I did not feel like doing whatever work they wanted me to do but had no other reason than, “I don’t feel like it.”

 

Family dynamics was a difficult topic that GOD wanted Paul to address. Honor, respect and obedience seemed like words of control to those who wanted to be wild and free. Dishonor, disrespect and disobedience had become the norm and needed a remedy.

 

My Observations

• GOD wanted me to learn how to obey as a child so I would later obey HIS strange, yet powerful ways.
• GOD wanted me to learn how to respect as a child so I would later respect HIS variety of creations that do not look or act like me.
• GOD wanted me to learn discipline from HIS word so I would have a basis from which I could make decisions.

 

Obedience, honor, respect, discipline and learning about GOD seem weak to those who want to be wild and free. I mean, I thought my parents just wanted workers versus children. I tried to manipulate the circumstance by thinking they weren’t expressing love by having me do chores. BUT GOD showed me my immaturity.

 

Looking back I can see how blessed I was to have parents who loved me enough to attempt to care for me, clothe me and feed me, all while trying to teach me about who GOD was to them. They also knew when to step back and allow me to with walk with GOD or choose “my” own way, even if it were destructive. I am grateful for my parents and understand more of what GOD is doing because of them.

 

Challenge

• What problems do you think the writer was trying to address?
• How can imperfect people provide instruction that works?
• Will you look at this passage from being a child or a parent so you can make adjustments that are pleasing to the LORD today?

Train Like an Olympian

Train Like an Olympian

1 Corinthians 9: ²³ All this I do for the gospel's sake, in order to share in its blessings. ²⁴ Surely you know that many runners take part in a race, but only one of them wins the prize. Run, then, in such a way as to win the prize. ²⁵ Every athlete in training submits to strict discipline, in order to be crowned with a wreath that will not last; but we do it for one that will last forever. ²⁶ That is why I run straight for the finish line; that is why I am like a boxer who does not waste his punches. ²⁷ I harden my body with blows and bring it under complete control, to keep myself from being disqualified after having called others to the contest.

 

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“Practice is after school” the coach said. Having no idea what that meant, I was excited. “After you finish stretching, follow the leader in a two mile run.” I was exhausted when I finished, but glad that It was done. I was ready to go home when the coach said “That’s it for the warm up, now let’s get to the practice.” “You have got to be kidding me!” I thought to myself.

 

• There have been many things I have practiced for.
• There have been plays, sporting events and presentations I have practiced for.
• There have been many times that I have competed and sometimes I won the prize.

 

Paul compares spreading the Gospel to that of training for the Olympics. He mentions track runners and boxers in his comparison. He says “they submit to strict discipline, in order to be crowned with a wreath that will not last” But what crown will last?

 

• GOD wants me to treat my life as though I were practicing for the most difficult competition.
• GOD wants me to treat the Gospel as if it were an Olympic event.
• GOD wants me to treat my mind body and soul as an athlete does, with complete self-control.

 

Quite honestly I still get amazed at the timing of the scripture. I mean, the Olympics are going on right now and I get excited watching those who have spent their entire lives dedicated to discipline for a shot at winning the highest prize, a gold medal. But this prize will not last. The next Olympics will come and their name will be forgotten.

 

BUT GOD does not forget my name. When I stay in the race of life and dedicate it to spreading the Gospel, I win an eternal crown. GOD’s rewards are far greater than any I could ever imagine. I gladly train so I can finish the race and hear GOD say “Well done.”

 

• Do you admire people who win contests?
• Do you get excited when a person or a team wins?
• Will you put the same type of excitement into winning people for CHRIST today?

Protected while Chastened

Ezekiel 26: ² “Son of man, because Tyre has said of Jerusalem, ‘Aha! The gate to the nations is broken, and its doors have swung open to me; now that she lies in ruins I will prosper,’ ³ therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against you, Tyre, and I will bring many nations against you, like the sea casting up its waves.

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Timid in my mannerisms I observed a few people acting silly during class. I had enough of being teased and wanted some positive peer press. When I acted like the disrupters, the teacher quickly got ahold of me and sent me to the principal’s office. When I returned, I faced even more ridicule. The teacher stepped in and said “Next one who laughs gets sent.”

• There were times I received discipline in front of everyone.
• There were times I received discipline at the most embarrassing moment.
• There were times I received discipline when everyone was looking and it seemed like my world was going to crumble.

How come everyone else can do stuff and I have to be the “goody two shoes?” I asked. The explanation actually surprised me. “You can be special if you act special.” The teacher was rescuing me from myself, at the same time she held off those who would pummel me on the playground.

• GOD says to me “MY rod and MY staff will comfort you” meaning HE will chasten me but only so much.
• GOD says to me “Spare the rod, spoil the child” meaning HE will not hesitate to discipline HIS own children but only so much.
• GOD says to me “I gave my only SON to be murdered on your behalf” meaning those who oppose the SON and who think they can take over are dead wrong!

GOD did not spare HIS one and only SON so I know HE will not hesitate to discipline me for some of the stupid things I do. BUT GOD does not crush me to the point of extinction. HE still has a purpose for me so HE dusts me off and picks me back up to continue. HE also does something marvelous. Those who try to kick me when I am down are not only blocked, BUT GOD goes after them with a vengeance.

HE raises HIS hand and says “NO” to those who desire to do harm to me, then HE takes them down in the process in hopes they will turn back to HIM as well. GOD only wants me to act like the special person HE created. Be holy because I AM holy.

• Are you acting out?
• Are you pouting and want some attention?
• Can you let GOD change your heart so you can act like the special person HE created?

GOD does what HE says

Numbers 26: ⁶⁵ The Lord had told the people of Israel at Kadesh Barnea that they would certainly die in the desert. Not one of them was left alive except Caleb, the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua, the son of Nun.

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“If you don’t write an excellent final, I’m going to give you a failing grade” my professor told me. In disbelief I went back and studied.  It was past the deadline to drop the class and I was determined to prove him wrong. I began studying, asking questions and preparing. 

On the day of the final I prayed. It had been a while.  A week after the final I was in my professors office begging him to at least give me a “D.” I had failed my first class in my life! He did what he said. I wish I had studied along the way.

• Many times I ignore what GOD wants me to do.
• Many times I ignore GOD’s rules and do what I want to do.
• Many times I ignore the situations GOD places in front of me because of pride rather than faith.

“GOD loves” I tell myself. HE would never harm me or punish me is my foolish thought. BUT GOD loves me in a much greater way. 

• GOD loves me so much that HE doesn’t want sin to separate me from HIM.
• GOD loves me so much that HE doesn’t want my pride to get in the way of listening to HIM.
• GOD loves me so much that HE wrote HIS laws on my heart so that I would inherently follow them.

Many times my fear gets in the way of hearing GOD. I may run after money or chase things I’m not supposed to have. HE then allows the consequences of my sin to overwhelm me to open my eyes and cry to HIM as being the only answer. HE doesn’t “manipulate” like humans do. HE simply knows what holes I will fall in and allows me to do it.

GOD loves me enough to let me make mistakes, BUT HE loves me more to not let my mistakes get in the way of eternal life.

• Is GOD tearing down your world?
• Do you feel HE is surgically removing things from you?
• Can you let HIM remove things out of your life and allow HIM to change you for HIS good?
• Won’t you let HIM discipline you so you can do “great” instead of “good?”

Where does my fear come from?

1 John 4: ¹⁸ There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

¹⁹ We love because he first loved us.

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“Come into my office” snorted my gruff boss. “We’re sending you to lead a new division” he grunted with a look of dissatisfaction. “Why? Did I do something wrong?” I replied. I mean, I thought I was doing everything right.  I quickly tried to retrace my footsteps.

“This is a good thing! Quit worrying!” was his reply. I had no idea this move was from the head of the department which was my a few levels above my boss.

• Sometimes I think the worst is going to happen to me.
• Sometimes I think GOD is punishing me because I’m not getting my way.
• Sometimes I look into the future and I see problems, fears and doubts.

When I wake up worrying about bills, job status, or acceptance, I had no idea I wasn’t “trusting” GOD. I believe in HIM and even know about HIM but where is my trust “in” HIM? I am a planner with a flaw. I try to “plan” my way out of situations ordained by GOD and instead of trusting that HE knows what HE is doing, I fret at potential losses and casualties. What can I do about this?

• GOD wants me to trust HIS plan even when it seems different than my goals.
• GOD desires that I trust HIM especially during difficult times.
• GOD wishes that I trust HIS unfailing love for me instead of looking at HIM as the great punisher.

I guess that’s why GOD doesn’t want me to sin.  Not because when I sin, HE has to punch me in the face rather when I sin, I run away from GOD in fear of retribution from HIM. My sin causes doubt in GOD’s plan and soon I doubt HIS love and I become a self-fulfilling prophecy of doom.

GOD wants me to trust HIM to let HIM take things away from me as well as give me things when I can handle them. HIS perfect love removes my fear.

• Are you worried about something?
• Do you know GOD has a great plan for you?
• Can you believe HE can’t wait to see you succeed?
• Won’t you accept that the FATHER, JESUS and the HOLY SPIRIT are all pulling for you?

I just want it when I want it how I want it

Hebrews 12: ⁷ Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? ⁸ If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all.

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Tired of being labeled as “the Professor” I decided to act “bad” that day. A good friend of mine felt the same way so we decided to join in on the antics of those who would normally get sent to the Principal. “Maybe we can go home early” I thought. I didn’t even know what to do but I wanted to make sure the other students knew it was me.

The teacher caught my friend and me and instead of sending us to the Principal we were sentenced to stay after school with her. “Uh-oh” I hadn’t anticipated staying later, now my parents would wonder why I was home so late. This discipline thing isn’t fun. I never did that again!

• I can’t say for every sin GOD spanks me but HE does discipline me.
• I can’t say for every bad act there is an equal act of discipline by GOD.
• I can’t say for every wrong I commit GOD is there waiting to hit me with a holy stick.

Many times I have been on the wrong path. I mean I would leave GOD alone and seek my way. I would not seek GOD’s counsel, nor would I hang out with HIS people.  I wanted things my way, when I wanted it and how I wanted it. BUT GOD had other plans.

• GOD has a way of lovingly disciplining me to put me back on HIS path.
• GOD has a way of lovingly disciplining me to keep me focused on HIS wonderful plan.
• GOD has a way of lovingly disciplining me to help me realize I can do nothing without HIM.

As a follower of GOD I wanted only to speak about a soft forgiving GOD without wrath or judgment. I want to be able to sin as much as I would like and be forgiven for anything I did, but here is the flaw. HE says “MY children listen to ME.” When I sin I ignore the HOLY SPIRIT.  All I can say is the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.

• Are you enduring hardship right now?
• Do you realize GOD may be disciplining you to grow you?
• Can you let go of your way for a moment and focus on GOD’s way?

Do I need discipline?

Revelation 3:  ¹⁹ Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. ²⁰ Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

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Oh no… not the “D” word! When I think of discipline, I think of a horrible time or a time that I couldn’t have “my way.” I mean, I want to be as wild and free as I can, yet when discipline comes then I have to slow down, sit and not get my way.

• My thoughts and ways would all be sinful if it weren’t for GOD’s discipline.
• My actions would all be focused on me if it weren’t for GOD’s discipline.
• My selfish nature would rule my life if it weren’t for GOD’s discipline.

JESUS speaks commandingly because HE lived on Earth and did not sin, not once! HE was tempted in every way I am tempted yet HE overcame the world and now has the right to be the most high. Now HE expects me to follow in HIS way the best I can, but sometimes I’m selfish.

• GOD’s discipline isn’t used for evil rather HE is just simply guiding me back to the path.
• GOD’s discipline isn’t meant to harm me rather it is used to correct my misguided thoughts.
• GOD’s discipline isn’t bad for HE uses “all” situations for good because I love HIM.

There are some things I cannot see in my life, BUT GOD can see everything in my entire life.  HE knows when and where I will sin and HE gently corrects me because HE loves me.  I have to tell you, I don’t like HIS correction, but I would rather be corrected by HIM than to be eternally punished by HIM.

JESUS says “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” The door to my heart has a lock named sin and when I confess to GOD the lock is opened and I let HIM in. I am excited about my meal with HIM!

• Are you living a wild life?
• Do you want everything your way?
• Are you fulfilling your lusts, yet still feel empty?
• Can you open your heart and let JESUS in?

I want discipline in my life.

Hebrews 12: ⁷ Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? ⁸ If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all.

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¹¹ No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

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“Slam, click” were the sounds that proceeded our first and probably only argument. My friend and roommate would open his door to put things away. Since we had constant visitors, he would lock his closet during each interval.  I was lazily trying to catch that extra five minutes of sleep when I heard “slam, click.”

“Why don’t you keep your door open” I said from my lazy perspective. “Why don’t you put some of your stuff away” he said to me. I looked around at the piles and thought, maybe he was right.

• I really don’t like a disciplined life.
• I like living wild and free.
• I want to be as lazy as I can be so I desire wealth to have others do my work.

I never considered trials and tribulations a source of training me. I just thought they were irritating circumstances that I wanted to get out of.  When I was younger, it seemed like the circumstances were fewer and further between, now they seem to come regularly.

• GOD uses hard times to get my attention.
• GOD uses hard times to correct my path.
• GOD uses hard times train me in compassion for others.
• GOD uses hard times to show me what JESUS went through.

Hard times are very hard to swallow, but I must recognize that GOD is working on me to become a better servant. It actually takes discipline to be the servant GOD wants me to be.

• I need discipline to serve people when I don’t feel like it.
• I need discipline to love people who I think deserve punishment.
• I need discipline to give when I don’t have anything to give.
• I need discipline to try to learn about GOD instead of constantly seeking entertainment for myself.

Disciplined people tend to achieve their goals and I have always admired their training. GOD puts circumstances in my life that require me to use spiritual “muscles” like love, compassion, empathy and kindness. The longer the trial, the stronger my muscles grow.

• Are you going through a trial?
• Could it be that GOD is training you for something greater?
• Can you accept your trials and seek how GOD is maturing you in faith?