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Date Posted: Fri, Oct 01 04
Author: Kenny B
Subject: Discipline

The Lord uses many ways to correct us, sometimes it comes form His Word, the Holy Spirit and perhaps more often than we realize, other people. Whatever way He chooses to reveal Himself to you, one thing can be sure; He corrects us. However if you are anything like me, you don't always notice it when He does (or at least not immediately).

Perhaps you can relate...Every now and then I find myself doing something or saying something, I later wish I could take back. Earlier this week I had the opportunity of needing some correction. Without much thought or consideration, I let my emotions attempt to handle a situation; Instead of handling it the way God would have liked me to, with love and respect. I use the word attempt here, because I would later have to go back and correct the mishandling of the situation, which shows that emotions should never be relied upon to handle a situation. Usually, they tend to make the situation worse. At any rate, later on that evening I received a call from a friend of mine pointing out my inefficiency at resolving the situation. He went on to express how awe-struck he was of my actions. And also, suggested ways of how I might rectify the damage I had done. Admittedly, my first thoughts were not of thankfulness. On the contrary, I wanted to ignore what he said and jump on him for getting 'on my back'! Deep down I knew that he was right and I was wrong. However, admitting it would make me have to swallow my pride and come to the realization that I don't always have it all together. I also need advice and guidance just as a child does. Looking back, I see that God used him to correct me.

In the book of Proverbs, Solomon encourages us with a bit of wisdom that I would like to extend to you:

My child, don't ignore it when the Lord disciplines you, and don't be discouraged when he corrects you. For the LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.*

This verse is the basis of what I want to present to you. A couple of things can be extracted from this proverb, namely:

1) The Lord corrects those He loves.

2) Don't get discouraged when He does so.

In life, we find that we are faced with many, many challenges/obstacles. When presented with them, he have the choice to either use them to glorify our Father or not glorify Him. I believe that when we choose not to, the Lord uses these times to refine us into what He calls us to be--strictly speaking, He corrects us. Showing us where we have fallen off of the path and provides a way for us to refocus and get back on. However, we don't always hear Him when He opens that way. Or, sometimes our pride gets in the way and we don't want to acknowledge that we have erred. We, or at least I find myself, pretending as if God only disciplines those who don't know Him. As if to say, only those who don't know Him mess up and if I mess up, that shows I don't know Him. But, that is absolutely contrary to what God says in His Word. Yet, this is what the world tell us. It's to no amazement that this kind of mind-set is prevalent among Believers.

Therefore, my challenge to us is to open our ears more and more to what God wants to say to us. Secondly, know and truly understand what Solomon concluded the verse with: "...Don't be discouraged when he corrects you. For the LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights." Live as one who is loved by the Father.

It's been a while, I hope you all are doing well and continuing to learn and grow in Christ. I hope and pray that as the body of Christ we are continuing to pray, love and lift one another up. I also hope that we are living with an eternal perspective on life, don't get caught up in the short term but focus on what lies ahead. Take Care and remember: His body and blood for you!

Together In Christ,

Kenny B
www.voy.com/175414/

The Church at it's Best-- Acts 2:42-47

* Proverbs 3:11-12

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