Loving Discipline!

Early in life, we begin learning there are consequences when we disobey. We learn very quickly that, “No, hot!” means if you touch it, you will get burned and, unfortunately, it usually takes the action to learn the true meaning behind the warning. As we grow older, we learn that life is filled with rules, many of which are meant to protect us from more serious consequences. And, just as we did as little kids, we tend to push the envelope only to discover the pain that follows.

Why do we have all these rules? Why do we have to follow them? Simply put—consequences! As we look into GOD’s Word, we find it too is filled with rules. We can notice quickly that those who were obedient to GOD’s rules were blessed; but, those who chose to disobey discovered the consequences for their actions.

Rules are established as protective measures. The Bible instructs us in the ways that are good and profitable for our own personal and spiritual protection as well as to make us good citizens within our communities.

When asked what the most important commandment was, Jesus responded: “‘you must love the your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Mark 12:30-31 NLT).

As we learn to obey these two commands, we discover we are actually fulfilling every other command in the Bible. However, when we disobey, we discover there are consequences. The writer to the Hebrews tells us: “No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way” (Hebrews 12:11 NLT).

Through these consequences, GOD is lovingly disciplining us in order to lovingly pull us back to Himself. Rather than writing us off for our disobedience, He draws us back unto Himself that we may once again enjoy pleasures and the excitement of right living.

Scripture Reading: “The LORD is in his holy Temple; the LORD still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth. The LORD examines both the righteous and the wicked. He hates those who love violence. He will rain down blazing coals and burning sulfur on the wicked, punishing them with scorching winds. For the righteous LORD loves justice. The virtuous will see his face” (Psalm 11:4-7 NLT).

Prayer: Father, I know I often push the envelope just to see how far I can go and I learn very quickly of the consequences. I feel you lovingly nudging me back while at the same time allowing me to suffer from what I have done. Help me, LORD, to remain faithful to You. Help me to follow You and Your path always and forgive me when I fail You. Keep me ever close to You…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!

Distorted Understanding!

How often do you find yourself seeking after something that will satisfy your desires? Inside, you know there has to be something more to life; something more to attain; something more to add to what you already have? You find yourself searching but always coming up short of total satisfaction. The things that should bring this satisfaction always seem to come up short.

Consider the searching of the wealthy; they will spend great sums of money buying every new toy that comes along, only to discover they need another. New cars, new boats, new homes—you name it; they will buy it attempting to feel satisfied but never attaining it.

I am amazed at the number of extremely popular, and wealthy, musicians and actors who commit suicide. They search for some meaning, some fulfillment, some happiness—only to come up empty. Soon, they find themselves heavily involved in drugs, alcohol and partying—again coming up dry! So, what’s the problem?

The problem is that has created a distorted understanding of our reason for being. The world tells us to go out and make the very best of what we have. But it never totally satisfies. Because, we were not created to pleasure ourselves but rather to bring pleasure to our Creator, GOD! Consider the words of Revelation 4:11: “Our Lord and God, You are worthy to receive glory and honor and power, because You have created all things, and because of Your will they exist and were created” (HCSB).

True satisfaction comes when our distorted understanding becomes clear and we begin to fulfill His purpose for our lives rather than attempting over and again to personally define our own purpose. The Psalmist wrote: “For He has satisfied the thirsty and filled the hungry with good things” (Psalm 107:9 HCSB).

When we learn to focus on Christ and His will for our lives, we will discover satisfaction for our souls. The longings that once sought after personal pleasure will be replaced by the pleasure and satisfaction of being in the will of GOD.

Scripture Reading: “The LORD helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads. The eyes of all look to you in hope; you give them their food as they need it. When you open your hand, you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing. The LORD is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness. The LORD is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth” (Psalm 145:14-18 NLT).

Prayer: Father, I have spent many years trying to find pleasure in all this world has to offer, only to come up short every time. As I read your Word, I discover my pursuits have been in vain as my vision and understanding has been clouded and distorted. I desire to do Your will and to live within Your plan and purpose for my life, knowing that satisfaction will only be found as I do so. Please take away the desires I have now and replace them with a desire and longing after You only…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!

Peace of Mind When Peace Ceases to Exist!

We are living in very chaotic times. The world around seems to be in the worst state of turmoil it has ever been in. The constant threat of terrorism and world economic problems creates a state of despair for so many. Finding some sense of peace of mind seems almost impossible.

Yet, faced with very similar circumstances, Paul was able to say: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done” (Philippians 4:6 NLT). While the world about him was collapsing, Paul found peace to carry him through. He prayed, told GOD what he needed and thanked Him for what he already had.

He continued by saying: “Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (v.7). You aren’t going to understand the peace that will flow over you, but it will definitely be there. And, not only will you sense peace and assurance but your heart and mind will also find complete protection from what could be serious consequences from worry and the fear it produces.

Paul tells us where our focus should be in these situations in order that complete calmness and peace is allowed to overwhelm us. He says: “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise” (v.8). Focus on the truths of GOD’s Word and His promises. Set these things as your main focus of thought.

And finally he writes: “Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you” (v.9 NLT). Then you take the ideas you have focused upon and make them a daily life practice and from there you will discover GOD’s peace overshadowing you in all situations and circumstances. You will find you have discovered peace of mind when peace around you ceases to exist.

Scripture Reading: “Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you” (Luke 12:27-28 NLT).

Prayer: Father in heaven, as I look around me today, I see a world that is falling apart. I see so many people having so many problems. Protect me from the worry these things bring. Help me to focus upon You and Your mercy and grace. Help me to recognize You alone can protect my heart and mind. Keep me safe within You today, I pray…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!

Bury Your Past for Good!

How often do you find yourself the focus of someone’s accusations from years gone past—something you had buried long ago—but there’s always that one person who simply can’t leave it alone? You are trying to live a good life, trying to do things right, staying out of trouble and away from those who might lead you astray only to find one day, out of nowhere, someone lambasts you with something from your past.

Perhaps your past has been a bit checkered? You have done things you wish you hadn’t? If you had it all to do over, you would definitely choose differently; but, the past is the past and unfortunately we all have one. There are things we would all change if given an opportunity to do so.

The simple facts is when you come to Jesus and confess your past to Him and truly repent, your sins are forgiven and remembered no more. Consider the woman brought to Jesus who had been caught in the act of adultery. When Jesus confronted the accusers with their own sins, they slithered away quickly.

Then, He turned to the woman and said to her: “‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ ‘No one, Lord,’ she answered. ‘Neither do I condemn you,’ said Jesus. ‘Go, and from now on do not sin any more’” (John 8:10-11 CSB). Jesus buried her past just as He has buried your past. It is time for you to let it go, quit living under its condemnation and live in the victory that Jesus has given you.

When accusers come and try to dig it up again, remind them that your past has been washed away by the blood of Jesus. You no longer live in your past. You are living in the victory of your future through Jesus Christ.

Scripture Reading: “So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free” (John 8:36 NLT).

Prayer: Father, my past has certainly not always been one I take pride in. In fact, I am embarrassed and disgusted by some of the things that I have done. But, I thank you that You do not hold my past against me. Through Jesus Christ, I have been set free from my past and its eternal consequences. I have new life in Jesus and I ask You to enable me to walk in Your strength and power so I may continue to overcome when temptation to do wrong comes my way. Thank you for my salvation and freedom to live in victory—in Jesus’ name…AMEN!

Backed Against A Wall?

Do you ever find yourself struggling to survive? You feel the world crushing in on you; everything seems to be going against you; you feel like your back is against the wall and you can’t escape?

Worse yet is the feeling that maybe GOD has abandoned you as well. There seems to be an eerie silence and you begin to wonder what you have done to create such an atmosphere about yourself?  

The Israelites found themselves in similar circumstances often. In Deuteronomy 31, we find them preparing to cross over the Jordan River, the final barrier to obtaining all they had been anticipating for years—possession of the Promised Land. As they did, feelings of fear, incompetence, and insecurity were overwhelming them. To top it off, Moses, the man who had led them out of Egypt and through the desert was now preparing to die.

One final time, Moses stood up before the people and issued this decree to them: “Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For it is the Lord your God who goes with you; He will not leave you or forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6 CSB). Then he turned to Joshua, the man who would take over, and declared to him: “Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land I swore to them, and I will be with you” (v. 22).

If you find yourself backed against a wall; fearful of what tomorrow may bring; discouraged because life doesn’t seem to be going right, the word of the LORD to you today is to be strong and courageous. Do not be fearful or overwhelmed by your problems. He will be with you through every trial you encounter, every dark path you travel, every difficult situation you are faced with. He will never leave you nor depart from you.

Take your eyes off of your difficulties, situations and circumstances and focus upon the LORD. Declare your freedom in Him today. Understand your position as a King’s kid places you in authority over these things which make you feel like you are backed against a wall.

Scripture Reading: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the One who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9 CSB)

Prayer: Father, today I declare my freedom in You! I will no longer allow Satan or others to utilize fear or difficulties to back me into a corner in the name of Jesus. I understand Your promise to me to be with me and to deliver me from such circumstances. I accept my position as a chosen part of the Kingdom of GOD, a part of the Kingly priesthood and today I declare His praises shall continually be upon my lips flowing out of a heart that recognizes this place I am in through Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior…in Jesus’ name, AMEN!

Worth a Great Deal More Than You Think!

Have you ever felt like an outcast, like nobody cares? Has it ever seemed like people just wished you would disappear, go away, leave? Maybe you look at yourself and wonder if you will ever be worth anything to anybody? The truth is you are worth a great deal more than you think!

Consider the story of the little man named Zacchaeus. If you were in church as a child, you would’ve probably heard stories about this little insignificant guy—stories still circulating about him over 2,000 years after his death! 

The Bible tells his story this way: “There was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. He was trying to see who Jesus was, but he was not able because of the crowd, since he was a short man. So running ahead, he climbed up a sycamore tree to see Jesus, since He was about to pass that way. When Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, because today I must stay at your house’” (Luke 19:2-5 CSB).

What we know about this man is that he was hated by those around him because he was tax collector. While that doesn’t really seem that bad on the surface, these guys were considered traitors because they were collecting taxes and revenue from the people for a foreign government that was also hated. To top off his problems, he was short in stature.

But, Jesus came to town. As was always the case, people had flocked all around Him and this little short guy wanted a peek at Him as His name had become very well known throughout the country. He climbed up in a tree and as Jesus passed by, He looked up, laid eyes on Zacchaeus and spoke directly to Him. He didn’t condemn Him or belittle him; rather, He told him to come on down as He was headed to his home to spend some quality time. Now with thousands of people around Him, Jesus could have chosen anyone of them but He chose Zacchaeus.

Of course, all the religious people standing around were infuriated that Jesus would have anything to do with this traitor but Jesus looked beyond what natural eyes normally see and saw significance in this little guy. He went to his home and shared a meal with Zacchaeus and as the story goes, Zacchaeus’ life was transformed. His heart changed; his life changed; his motives changed. He went out and paid back everybody he had ever ripped off or cheated as a tax collector.

Why? What happened? Zacchaeus was worth a great deal more than he could ever imagine and Jesus recognized that. Today, if you are feeling insignificant, Jesus sees you as significant—He sees you as valuable. Turn to Him and find your real worth.

If you know someone today who has been down and out, lacking in self-confidence and having a negative outlook on life, challenge them with positive words and praise, encourage them and let them know they are worth a great deal more than they think!

Scripture Reading: “What is man that You remember him, the son of man that You look after him? You made him little less than God and crowned him with glory and honor. You made him lord over the works of Your hands; You put everything under his feet” (Psalm 8:4-6 CSB).

Prayer: Father, I am often overwhelmed by my fears and insecurities. I often feel as though I am all alone, no one really cares about me at all. I pray You would wrap me in Your arms and embrace me at these times. Help me to recognize that You see something bigger in me than I could ever imagine. Help me to see that You gave Jesus to die for me. Help me to understand and then to live out my significance. I praise You, Father—in Jesus’ name, AMEN!

Don’t Lose Today!

It’s so easy getting consumed with tomorrow, you wind up losing today. Over the years, I have known a great many people who were so consumed with what tomorrow “might” bring that they lost all the enjoyment of today. Life, for many, is filled with worries and concerns of what their future could “possibly” bring.

Jesus countered this mind-set when He said: “Don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34 CSB). It’s enough for a person to make it through today without overbearing themselves with what might possibly happen tomorrow. Apparently, worrying is nothing new. Jesus took time during His Sermon on the Mount to deal with the issue and His words continue to offer strength and encouragement when worry begins to overwhelm us.

He started out by saying: “Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the sky: they don’t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they?” (Mt 6:25-26). In today’s vernacular, He is telling us, “Don’t worry, I got this! I got you covered. I’m taking care of your problems for you.”

He goes on saying: “So don’t worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For the idolaters eagerly seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them” (Mt 6:31-32). Here, He is heaping on even more encouragement as He tells us that GOD is well aware of every “need” we have. Then, He throws in a word of caution, warning us to refrain from becoming so obsessed with earthly possessions that they become idols to us. As we allow ourselves to become obsessed with having the “things” everybody else has, worry of how we will obtain our “new desire” will overwhelm us.

We must be so careful that we are spending our lives pursuing after what is right for our lives. Jesus finishes His discourse by directing us down the right path of thought. He tells us: “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you” (Mt 6:33). In other words, quit seeking after what this world treasures. Turn your attention to the LORD and seek after those things that hold eternal value. Then, GOD will provide the things that you need.

As you learn to place your trust completely in Him, you will find peace for today and not be worrying about tomorrow. It is very easy to lose today worrying about tomorrow. Don’t do it—don’t lose today!

Scripture Reading: “Learn how the wildflowers of the field grow: they don’t labor or spin thread. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was adorned like one of these! If that’s how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and thrown into the furnace tomorrow, won’t He do much more for you-you of little faith?” (Matthew 6:28-30 CSB).

Prayer: Father in heaven, I have spent too many years worrying about what tomorrow might bring, only to discover it never came to pass. I have lost a great deal of time in my life concerning myself with problems and issues that I allowed to overwhelm me. I pray You give me the strength I need to place my trust completely in You for all I need. Help me to lay aside my desires for things that others have and to focus my eyes and my heart upon things that have eternal value. I trust in You today—in Jesus’ name, AMEN!

Freedom Indeed!

How often do you find yourself struggling in life with some form of bondage or entrapment? Certainly, it could be something serious like drugs, alcohol, pornography or the like; but then again, it could be something like overeating, TV time, other pleasurable things of life—things that seem quite harmless but can be serious to deadly within themselves over time. Peter warned us to: “Be sober! Be on the alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour” (1 Peter 5:8 CSB).

What might appear harmless can become serious if we are not careful. Satan is working desperately to entrap us in things that eventually bring harm to us, whether it be physically, spiritually, or both. David prayed: “Protect me from the trap they have set for me, and from the snares of evildoers. Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I pass safely by” (Psalm 141:9-10 CSB).

GOD has a plan and a purpose for each of us. Satan has devised a plan and purpose for each of us as well. GOD’s plan is for our good while Satan is out to destroy us in any way he possibly can. Satan leads us gently into his trap by deception. He entices us with pleasures and things which seem harmless on the surface but will eventually end in our destruction.

David, knowing the ways of Satan, understood his protection came from the LORD. He understood the necessity of leaning on the LORD, seeking refuge in the LORD and trusting in His abilities in order to overcome. He said: “my eyes look to You, Lord God. I seek refuge in You; do not let me die” (Psalm 141 8 CSB).

Jesus told us: “if the Son sets you free, you really will be free” (John 8:36 CSB). Freedom from the entrapments of this life will only be found through Jesus Christ. Breaking free from habits and entrapments of life is not always easy; in fact, it can involve some of the most difficult and trying experiences a person passes through but in the end it is worth it all.

So, no matter what may have your life ensnared or entrapped today, Jesus wants to set you free. Jesus desires your absolute, complete freedom indeed! Trust in Him today and know that He will empower you to overcome and to find your freedom.

Scripture Reading: “No weapon formed against you will succeed, and you will refute any accusation raised against you in court. This is the heritage of the Lord’s servants, and their righteousness is from Me. This is the Lord’s declaration” (Isaiah 54:17 CSB).

Prayer: Father, I need to experience Your freedom in my life today. I have lived my life encumbered by the trappings of Satan and I desire to be free today. I ask for Your help, Father, to find deliverance from the chains—to be set free. Give me the strength I will need to overcome the temptation and to find total victory—in Jesus’ name, AMEN!

From a Human Standpoint!

Over the years, I have encountered individuals who were convinced that their bad, evil past prevented them from ever receiving GOD’s forgiveness and acceptance. Some have shared their past experiences with me and definitely there were some that I considered horrible and beyond forgiveness as well, from a human standpoint. But, fortunately for humanity, GOD looks beyond a human standpoint. His exceedingly abundant love for humanity looks beyond the evil and sinfulness and sees the possibilities–what could be.

Consider King Manasseh for a moment. Manasseh was a ruthless ruler of the nation of Judah. From all accounts, he was the most evil king to ever rule over God’s chosen people. During his fifty-five year reign, he built altars to the foreign gods of the pagan nations around about. He worshipped the stars; he sacrificed his own children to pagan gods; he involved himself in sorcery, magic, mediums, and fortune-tellers. He even went so far as to place carved idols in God’s temple. His ruthlessness filled Israel with innocent blood from one end to the other. He even had the prophet Isaiah sawn in half for continually condemning his wickedness and attempting to point him back to GOD.

The Scripture tells us: “The Lord spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they didn’t listen” (2 Chronicles 33:10 HCSB). GOD didn’t give up on Manasseh, even in the midst of his extreme wickedness. Apparently, his wickedness had also infected those around him. But, they wouldn’t listen. Maybe today you feel the LORD speaking in the midst of your evil ways. Are you listening? There is still time to respond to GOD’s call to repent and turn back. How will you respond? 

Manasseh responded by continuing in his evilness. So GOD “brought against them the military commanders of the king of Assyria. They captured Manasseh with hooks, bound him with bronze shackles, and took him to Babylon” (v. 11). GOD delivered judgment upon him through a foreign power. Manasseh’s wickedness had landed him in a terrible mess. He had a decision to make. The Scripture tells us: “When he was in distress, he sought the favor of the Lord his God and earnestly humbled himself before the God of his ancestors. He prayed to Him, so He heard his petition and granted his request, and brought him back to Jerusalem, to his kingdom. So Manasseh came to know that the Lord is God” (vv. 12-13).

Scripture reveals that GOD didn’t give up on him. When he turned back to GOD in complete repentance for his evil ways, GOD accepted him back and returned him to his position as king. Your past does not have to be your future. From a human standpoint, you may be considered beyond GOD’s grace. But, GOD is still in the business of forgiveness and He desires for you to turn back to Him, no matter how bad you have been. GOD desires to give you a future filled with His love and grace. How will you respond today?