Loving Rules

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.

Proverbs 12:1

Such a short, simple and sweet passage today; discipline=knowledge and those who hate it are stupid. Who are these people? Are they who choose to do things on their own for their own benefit? Is it possible for a smart person to hate discipline? I think when it comes to head knowledge it's possible. Some people are also gifted where they're naturally smart and can remember stuff. So what's the definition of "stupid" then? IT seems to be some sort of spiritual ignorance because Christians are also capable of not being the smartest. Discipline can mean worldly things too. Take the military for example, they're not a spiritual organization (although it can be). The military is highly disciplined. What I believe is being spoken about here is the intentional training of ones mind to follow the commands of God; loving this will translate into loving God, with all His knowledge, more. Hating this desire only creates separation from love and His knowledge.

It's amazing how one small verse can really stir up a passion to seek Him more. Just yesterday while driving I saw a car zip from one lane over 3 lanes and solid lines to get where he wanted to go, disobeying the traffic rules to satisfy himself. I thought to myself about why it bothered me. I realized that I love rules; I love structure. Even though this sounds good it can get me into trouble and move me away from God's love. I can become too task driven and even have a judgemental heart. I don't deny this is a wonderful gift but I need to steward it well and allow it to build and encourage growth in Him.

Heavenly Father, thank You for depositing a heart that loves to obey. You've given me a wonderful gift to follow rules but in that same breath I can easily abuse it to destroy. I pray LORD to have the wisdom to see the margins and lines that separate. I pray for the patience and discernment to recognize how to obey properly. Please LORD, be with Michelle as she's flying to Maui today. Also, I pray for my sister, Laura. Heal whatever causing her pain and watch over the family as she undergoes more testing in the hospital. Draw them to Your Son's mighty cross so that the Holy Spirit may capture their hearts and never let go. Love You Father God, Amen!

Controlling the Flesh

For a man's ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all his paths. The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast. He will die for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly.

Proverbs 5:21-23

God knows me well.  He knows my thoughts, my tendencies and my flesh better than any doctor or I could ever know.  He designed me.  But even if He designed me, we allowed sin to enter our flesh during the fall of man and our bodies will forever be tainted with lies, deception and evil.  God know this very well and He's equipped us with all the tools necessary to overcome this.  He's given us His Spirit.  With the Holy spirit we need to discipline our flesh to submit to the authority instead of allowing it to do whatever it wants.  We need to take control of the flesh and force it into holy submission; otherwise, we will die for it.

I need to train myself to force my body into submission.  The thing that has been on my mind lately is my eating.  Poor choices and habits result from lack of preparation, laziness and falling into temptation.  I know it sounds small and insignificant but how can I withstand the trials of this spiritual battle if I can't even endure these smaller challenges?  This is a stepping stone into many more blessings for the kingdom.  I need to honor God by honoring His holy temple, our bodies.

Heavenly Father, forgive me for treating the temple Your Spirit resides in with neglect.  I've been reminded so many times but I've allowed temptation to win, weakening my faith.  These seemingly small things are huge when framed in kingdom measures.  Help Your servant with this mission of household cleaning.  I don't just want to offer You my life but I want to offer it with respect and cleanliness for You.  Thank You for never given up on Your fallen child.  In the matchless name of Jesus Christ our Savior, Amen!

Spirit vs Flesh

I found that the very commandment that was intended to bring life actually brought death. For sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, deceived me, and through the commandment put me to death. So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good.

Romans 7:10-12

So what is the purpose of the low?  We know it doesn't offer salvation; in fact scripture here says it brought death.  The law was put into place until the Messiah came to fulfill the scriptures.  It pointed out the sin we carry in our lives and revealed all our transgressions so that we could properly understand God's righteousness.  For example, could we really understand forgiveness & grace if the law didn't point out the bitterness in our hearts?  Could we really appreciate light if God hadn't allowed us to live in darkness for a while?  We need to understand there are 2 forces within each of us that do battle constantly; the light & darkness, holiness & sinfulness.  The bible talks about this struggle in verses 14-20.  The death that resulted in the law was death to our sinful nature and released us into a spiritual life with God.  The ending of v24 says it best... "so then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin."  

I can easily see this struggle within my own life.  I do what I know is evil and don't want to do but also do what I want, which is good.  This is because my mind and spirit is battling against my flesh.  There are many opportunities throughout the day to practice this discipline.  This discipline will strengthen us to withstand much greater challenges and needs to be dealt with.  A simple thing like doing devotions and what I eat will be a huge challenge.  I need to control my flesh.

Heavenly Father, If I can't discipline myself in these two areas of my life, how could You ever use me?  What would happen when bigger storms or challenges approach?  Will I succumb into temptation or will I die to myself and rely totally on the Holy Spirit to carry me through?  I choose You, LORD!  Help me recognize these opportunities to grow and do something about it.  I want You to use me in Your ways.  Amen!