DISCIPLINE IN LOVE

God as Father means ~ that discipline = LOVE.

Definition: Daddy

Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent.

~ Revelation 3:19 ~

When I think about the holiness of God and the fallen nature of human beings, discipline just makes sense. As parents we are called to train up our children. Often times that means making the tough calls and letting our children suffer the consequences of poor decisions. The Bible says that the Father's discipline is proof of His love. Although it may be painful, and can cause cheek blushing humiliation, God's correction and reproof are always administered with love and grace. God always has our best in mind, regardless of what form his tenderness takes.

The apostle John received a vision from God toward the end of his life. This treasure was recorded for the seven churches in Asia, and for Christians throughout history. Painting a colorful and panoramic picture of Christ, John speaks mostly of the end times - a season when Christ will return.

Read Revelation 3:14-21. Here John speaks to the wealthiest of the seven churches, Laodicea. Because of their acquired wealth, they no longer felt that they needed anything from the Lord. The people had become luke warm to Christ's message. They were neither hot nor cold. Their hearts had become hardened, their eyes terribly blinded.

Their own mistakes were what caused God's warning of discipline. Complacency, apathy and one too many shrugs of indifference were just about all that God was going to put up with. The Lord's heart is terrible troubled by somebody who appears to have it all together, when in reality their hearts are far from Him. Where do you stand in light of this teaching? Has your passion for the Lord been snuffed out by a lukewarm glass of water? Have you settled for mediocrity, when God promised a life of power and purpose?

Whatever the Lord might be bringing to your mind, repent - earnestly. The Lord waits patiently on the other side of the door. He wants desperately to bless you, but our Lord is a gentleman - He will not force anything on you. God will not crack that door of opportunity for you, without a humble and repentant knock.

Precious Jesus, the Bible paints a glorious picture of your life, death, resurrection and return to earth. Our hearts groan with longings to finally be home. But the appointed time has not come. There is much you want to teach us while we roam this place called the world. Give us discernment to know when each precious stone of remembrance needs to be tucked away for safe keeping. Provide us with the courage we need to share the lessons You have imparted. Surround us with songs of deliverance, as we embrace Your careful and justified discipline. Stir the pot of indifference in each one of our hearts, and rekindle the fire that once burned so bright.

SONS AND DAUGHTERS

God as Father means - I have a place to belong.

Definition: a spiritual ancestor, having absolute rights

"I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty." ~ 1 Corinthians 6:18

We all have the desire to belong - to somebody. People are just dying to be cherished and loved. God created us with a planet size hole on the inside of our hearts. This unrelenting vacuum is something only God Himself can fill. A lot of times people try and numb the pain or fill the void with what the world offers, such as: money, pleasure and fame. But every crutch that does not equal a heart to heart connection with the King will lead us down a dead end - every time. God as Father is more than enough for any heart.

Paul was one apostle who understood what it meant to fill the void. Taking the place of a servant, he worried nothing about what people thought of him. Called by God to plead with the Corinthian church, Paul continually hit a wall of idolatry and immortally. False prophets infiltrated the land, challenging Paul's message with accusations and threats. But Paul stood his ground, all for the sake of the sons and daughters of God.

Take a look at 1 Corinthians 6:14-18. Here, Paul encourages the believers not to form relationships with those outside of the faith. He was trying to warn them. Their faith was very weak to begin with, and the surrounding sin was a great temptation. Paul was demonstrating to those feeble in faith, that there was something different about them now that they belonged to Jesus. They were to walk and talk differently, not giving in to the old lifestyle they were used to. As believers in Jesus Christ, they were to be holy and set apart - they were even considered the temple of the Living God. And so are we.

In looking at my own life, I find that there are certain personalities (namely from my past) that tend to bring out the worst in me. I understand the importance of taking responsibility for my own behavior, and I usually try to. But mixing with an unbelieving crowd can sometimes make me vulnerable to old patterns and ways of thinking. Does this sound familiar to anyone?

Sons and daughters - God's message was so loving, so personal. As God's very own children we have been plucked out of the mess, saved from the fire and drawn out of the waters. As royalty, it is important that we live out our commitments with integrity. God sets a pretty high standard. As Christians, everything we do reflects the heart of God the Father. What are others seeing through you?

Most Holy God, we bow before you in adoration. You loved us so much that you sent your Son Jesus to die so that we could be welcomed into Your family. Help us Lord to make right choices. Forgive us for every compromise, for every time we have allowed the influence of this world to win. We have been set apart for a greater purpose - to love and serve You. Give us minds and attitudes that reflect the fruit of the Spirit, so that we may shine for you. We surrender every thought, every act and all of our own rights - to You.

ALWAYS AT WORK

God as Father ~ works continuously on our behalf.

Definition: the head of the family; the one who gives the blessing; senior

God’s way is always best. My Father in heaven believes in me. He dreams big with me and points me in the direction of my purpose. So many times God has picked up the broken pieces, when life has dealt me shattered fragments. Patiently, He has shown me how to put them back together again, one season at a time. As I've walked with God, I've learned that you cannot fit Him into any kind of box. Somehow, He always manages to crawl right out.

Jesus said to them, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working.” ~ John 5:17

Take a moment and read through John chapter 5, verses 1 - 18. We read in the gospels that Jesus performed many miracles during his three short years of ministry. From raising the dead to healing the blind, God was always busy putting his people back together. From miles around people would flock to this peculiar man who claimed to be God - hoping to come in contact with a kind of power that could make them well. What they found was not just healing for their bodies, but wholeness and redemption for the inside parts too.

The Pharisees were the religious leaders of that day. From eye rolling to some pretty demonstrative huffs and puffs, I can imagine they were pretty angry when Jesus was found working on a day that was supposed to be set aside for holiness. It was the Sabbath - a day of rest, not a day for pulling people out of the water and making them well. These stiff necked fancies grumbled and complained any time Jesus would step outside of their man-made rules.

We see in these passages that God the Father is always at work, and that He cannot be put into any kind of human compartment. Have you found yourself making the same mistake that the Pharisees made? I'm sure we've all been there at one time or another. Just when you think you've got God all figured out, He brings another mind-blowing blessing your way. Has God somehow moved outside of what you consider to be structured and safe? Have you been trying to pin God in, only to discover that your own set of rules is making you miss Jesus?

Take heart fellow sojourner. God the Father will not sleep. He loves you, and will not rest until you find healing - from head to toe. Giving up is not an option. Others may not notice your pain, but Jesus is very well aware of it. Go ahead, pick up your mat . . . it's time to head for the water.

~ Precious Lord who is always at work on our behalf, we want to thank you today for never giving up on us. You are so patient, loving and kind. Some of us have collapsed into a heap of our own making, and we are drowning underneath the weight of some pretty fancy robes. Holy Spirit, strip away everything that feeds our flesh, and purify our hearts and minds with Your healing touch. Forgive us for the pride we cling so selfishly to. Help us to always remember that the Jesus who walked those dirt roads all of those years ago, longs to take residence in every room of our hearts. You are the same yesterday, today and forever - and our hearts are forever grateful. ~

EVERLASTING FATHER

God as Father ~ began as a tiny baby.

Definition: ancestor, founder, master and judge

A heart fully dependent upon the Fathers’ promises finds that He is true, unchanging and the only source of lasting satisfaction. His title bears no beginning and no end. Ruler of light, He is the King of Kings adorned from head to toe. Our Everlasting Father is One we can depend on through every season of life. When I see God as Father, I can praise Him for a love so pure.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

~ Isaiah 9:6 ~

Read Isaiah 9:1-7 and share in the excitement of God's people long ago. Isaiah the prophet was sent by God to warn the people of Judah. His message encouraged them to return, repent and be renewed. One warning after another was issued. Some hearts were receptive while most ignored his plea. Toward the end of his mission, Isaiah spoke of a long-awaited Messiah.

With the people being stiff necked and hard hearted, Isaiah had his work cut out for him. The Israelites had been used to debilitating rituals that were put into place to try and make them "right" with God. The Law spoke of things you could and couldn't do, ways to dress and food that you could eat on Monday, but not on Tuesday. The idea of relationship was foreign to these people, as God had only been feared up to that point.

The Lord's anger hung heavy over their complacent hearts. Wickedness burned like fire, but God's fury would have the last word. Amidst the clamor of impending judgement, there was a remnant mentioned - a small portion who would in fact return to the Lord. This meant that for a blessed few, the sacrifice of bulls and unrelenting hand washing would no longer be needed to draw close to God. A Saviour would come, bridging the gap for all who would humble themselves enough to return.

On a scale from one to ten, where would you say your repentance rests? So many of our daily thoughts and actions fall miserably short of God and his holiness. When was the last time you felt genuinely sorry for missing the mark? It is never too late, return to God - He waits patiently as only a loving father would.

~ One so Worthy, it is with great joy we celebrate the coming of Jesus. Blessed Messiah, you have come to take every sin ever committed upon yourself - all so that we could be justified. Lord, give us the sensitivity to know when we are sloshing around in sin. Make our hearts tender to the prophets you sent long ago. Even though we are no longer cleansed through the burning of incense and the fat of a calf - the sin we commit is still very much the same. Give us an awareness of just how much Jesus has done. Our hearts rejoice as we take our place out of darkness - and into the Light. ~

OUR DEFENDER

God as Father ~ means I am well taken care of.

Definition: a mentor or provider; an originator; God’s relation to his children

God the Father considers me the apple of His eye. Providing a strong shoulder and a gentle voice of love and concern, He laughs with me and cries with me. As His child I can go to Him with every need, knowing that He has the power to move heaven and earth. Through the tenderness of His Spirit and the rebuke of His Word, He beckons me to rest in His covering.

A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. ~Psalm 68:5 ~

Take a few minutes to read 2 Samuel chapter 6, which is mentioned as a cross reference to this verse. In these passages, King David attempts to have the Ark transported back to Jerusalem in order to ensure God's blessing over the nation of Israel. A couple of slip ups along the way turn deadly. But overall, this mighty and terrifying act generates shouts of praise from all of the people - the fatherless and widows included.

When have you felt fatherless? Was it when your own earthly father sent a disappointment or two in your direction? Was his love conditional and withheld? How about in light of a widow? Terrible heartbreak, abandonment and all traces of security ripped out from under you. If you've walked any length of time on this earth, chances are you have probably felt some of these stings.

A twinkle of hope flickers as we look to God the Father. We serve a God who has chose to adopt us into His family. We were picked out and scooped up long before the foundations of the world. God the Father doesn't put conditions on His love, it is always available - in purest form. This kind of love is never withheld. As a loving Father, God is fully capable of meeting every need you have. As the apple of His eye, you are loved beyond measure.

~ Heavenly Father, you are holy and so worthy to be praised. We see in the Old Testament an absolute necessity for reverence and respect - of You. We offer that same kind of submission today as our hearts carry your message with careful steps. This broken world in which we live has caused some of us to feel fatherless on the inside. Tragedy and broken homes have ushered in the desolation of a widow. But this very day, just like all of those centuries long ago, we choose to join David in song and dance. Make us psalm-singing fools for a God who's plan has always been to scoop us up. ~

Fear Check

I find myself drawn to the keyboard and blank screen at the end of each day. My posts have become a companion of sorts through the weeks. When I get the chance to sit and record my thoughts, God uses life's lessons to mold and shape me. The Holy Spirit pens the words, and my heart receives wonderful counsel.

Without having a format and plan in place for this blog yet, I struggle. I feel the need to spend hours in silent prayer and meditation . . . but with a job and a family being on top of the list, there really isn't a whole lot of time for dreaming.

I am playing around with a couple of ideas - to continue writing in a very casual and story like manner, putting the devotional (or whatever it will be called) together at a later time. The other idea is to begin with some kind of structure, and to write within those parameters. The first seems, well, messy and unpredictable - while the latter makes me feel so much more like I am in control. Hm mm . . . what could God be teaching me?

I have this tendency to put needless amounts of pressure on myself, all for the sake of "serving God." I am learning that He doesn't require half of the stuff I pile on. Lord, show me a perfect balance of what it means to move forward with this.

Let go of the fear.

I just heard His gentleness whispered in my spirit. Yes, this is my next step. What am I afraid of, you might wonder? Well, let's see. Here is a little indication of why I feel paralyzed.

I am afraid of failure. I am afraid of leaving a season of fruitful writing for a hair pulling mess of writer's block. I am afraid that no body will read any of this. I am afraid of failure. I am afraid of success. I am afraid that I will miss the mark somehow . . . that I might miss His voice and my calling. I am afraid of failure.

If this project (and some other things God has called me to) are going to survive - I absolutely HAVE to get rid of the fear.

My Bible verse for the day is found in Matthew. I understand now why God brought it to me early this morning. Fear - I have allowed it to control my life for far too long. It has become an idol of sorts . . . Lord Jesus, please forgive me.

What would my writing, my ministry and the rest of my life be like if I chose not to live in fear? I know that things would look a whole lot different, especially on the inside. This is the story God wants written - this is why Jesus Christ died - to help me conquer every one of my fears.

So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. ~ Matthew 10:31

I may feel only worth about a half of a penny, but my God waits with bated breath for the first catch of wind.

This tiny and trembling sparrow . . . she's gonna soar.

Preparation

I'm a creature of habit, what can I say? I feel strangely nostalgic when I think about my other Blog . . . the one I have chosen to put down for now. Why is it that when God asks me to take a new step, I look for the closest bit of sameness and familiarity to cling to?

I spent this first day of this brand new year lounging around in my pajamas, looking through some of my old journals. After being up until 4am, we declared it a family laying around day.

Feeling the need to find a reference point of some kind, I thought that looking back might prove to be a good exercise. Six journals later and only a few years covered, I knew that I had only made a dent in my ten year faith journey. Going through the rest of my journals will take weeks. I wonder if God will have me continue to dig. The glace back today was well worth my time.

I took some time recording things about my walk with God that I had forgotten all about. People He had brought into my life, feelings I was experiencing and storms I was weathering. These past ten years have been no picnic. God has used this vessel very much like a pounded piece of clay, but I cherish every single loving stroke. Many of the happenings seemed so long ago, that I hardly recognized the girl on the page.

It didn't matter whether or not I was having a good or a bad day. Some months I found myself in the throws of intense Bible study, while others were more of a serving season. There have been memory verses, devotions, retreats, prayers and conversations with friends. Each one has played a part in the ups and downs of my faith - but God's message didn't come through one simple scenario on this cold wintry day.

There was something almost magical about the whole mix of things. Like a jumbled bowl of ingredients, having them all stirred in together meant one thing. God has been with me every single second . . . and I have lived with an acknowledgement of, and reverence for His presence for ten (almost eleven) wonderful years.

I said it to myself over and over again today, "He's always been there - always." You may be thinking, well, yes of course He has. But you have to understand something. I spent the first three quarters of my life without God. I lived a pretty dark and pathetic existence. That could be a blog in itself (a really depressing one at that).

But the past decade of my life has included close fellowship with Him. The contrast is breathtaking. This really does say a lot when I consider the ups and downs of what I have been through since I said "yes" all of those years ago. His presence has been constant, His love unfailing.

While I sat in contemplation today, I decided to take some time in preparation for this particular Blog. I hope to have all of the names chosen, a format in place as well as an angle with thoughts of an audience. Will I write for mothers, or lay people in the church? Will it be strictly devotional material, or will I want my readers to interact somehow?

Spending some time reading my journals today has revealed several different options. I have no plan of rushing into anything - but at the same time I don't want to drag my heels too long.

There is a huge part of me that wants to run back to the same ole' familiar way of blogging - no structure in place, just writing to write. Things appear to be so much safer that way. But as I have learned through walking with God, He does not lead us where it is safe. We are often times called to the front lines of the battlefield. It can be a pretty bloody fight, as souls are won for Jesus.

Whoever you are, wherever you are - I want you to know that God has put a deep love in my heart for you. What He has been brewing on the inside of me has been designed to speak encouragement and edification into your life.

Like true friendship that can only be earned, I hope to receive a measure of your trust and some honest criticism. My prayer is that God captures your heart, and that His attributes steal your affection.

It is with great humility and a solid knowing that He is with me that I begin this preparation.