Discipline

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JESUS SPEAKING

“Enter through the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.  Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matthew 7: 13-14)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

In ancient times, cities were surrounded by protective walls; necessitating the creation of access gates that could be shuttered during enemy attacks. A wide gate is easy to enter; it’s much quicker, more convenient, and requires very little restraint. A narrow gate however, is harder to access, more time consuming, far less convenient, and demands selflessness. Thus the path to eternal life necessitates great discipline and control.

Concerning discipline, we need only examine an illustration from the Old Testament. During Israel’s war with the Midianites, Gideon commanded an army of thousands. Following God’s direction, 22,000 soldiers were sent home; leaving only 10,000 men. And yet God instructed him to reduce the number of his forces even further; thus granting God greater glory for their victory. The Lord insisted the remaining men be tested. And so Gideon was ordered to bring his troops down to the water to drink. All those who dropped to their knees or lapped up the water like dogs were sent home. Those who showed discipline and restraint by using their hands to bring the water to their mouths were chosen by God to continue fighting. This test yielded a group of only 300 men. And still God used this small force to defeat thousands of Midianites.

Like Gideon’s 300 men, we as Christians are commanded to live disciplined lives. We must show control and restraint over our fleshly desires and appetites. Only the power of the Holy Spirit can grant us victory over our enemies and give us the strength to follow Christ through that narrow gate. May the Lord Jesus live and reign in our hearts and minds forever.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we desire to enter through the narrow gate. Give us more of Your Holy Spirit, that we might withstand the temptations of the flesh and exhibit discipline and restraint. May we choose what is good and avoid what is evil. To You be all honor and glory, forever. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

Avoid Covetousness

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JESUS SPEAKING

Then one from the crowd spoke to Jesus saying, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”  But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or an arbitrator over you?”  And he said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”  (Luke 12: 13 – 15)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Jesus openly rebuked a man for coveting his brother’s wealth. Covetousness is defined as a strong desire to obtain the possessions of others. This jealous instinct is so pervasive that God issued the tenth commandment, which reads, “You shall not covet your neighbors house; you shall not covet your neighbors wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbors.” (Exodus 20: 17)

In the Old Testament, King Ahab strongly desired a piece of property that belonged to another man. He attempted to purchase the parcel, but Naboth the owner rejected his offer. As a result, Ahab became depressed and upset. He retreated into isolation and refused to eat. All of this displeasure, despite owning many lands and an abundance of property. In response, the King’s wife Jezebel sought to acquire the vineyard at any cost. Using lies, she plotted evil against Naboth and had him murdered. Despite knowing how Naboth had died, Ahab arose and took possession of the vineyard. In turn, God sent the prophet Elijah to proclaim a punishment against Ahab and Jezebel for their treacherous behavior. Both of them would eventually die in horrific ways.

If not quickly corrected, covetousness can lead to suffering and punishment. How then do we avoid breaking the 10th commandment? By taking pleasure in and enjoying all of the blessings and possessions that God has given us. When we stop being grateful for what the Lord has provided in the present, we may succumb to jealousy. Ultimately, a spirit of continual gratitude is the cure for covetousness. May we all enjoy and be grateful for what we have been given.

“Lord Heavenly Father, give us the wisdom and knowledge to avoid covetousness. May we never be anxious to acquire the possessions of others. Create purity in our hearts, and extinguish any evil desires that might arise in our minds. May we experience continual gratitude for all of the things that you have so graciously given us. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

Trust in God’s Plan

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JESUS SPEAKING

‘Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.” Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.” But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, King’s, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.” And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, he sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and he was baptized.’ (Acts 9: 10 – 18)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

God called Ananias to seek out an individual named Saul; a man who had been struck with blindness after an encounter with Jesus Christ. Ananias was initially reluctant to go. In fact, he reminded the Lord of Saul’s reputation as a persecutor of Christians. Despite his concerns, Ananias displayed remarkable faith. He abandoned his fears and embraced his calling. As a result, Saul’s vision was restored and he was baptized. Saul changed his name to Paul and dedicated the rest of his life to spreading the gospel message.

Like Ananias, Noah was also a man of great faith. When he was commanded by God to construct a giant boat on dry land (a massive undertaking with seemingly no present purpose) he didn’t argue with the Lord. Instead Noah faithfully believed God’s warning of an impending flood, and so he simply obeyed. Noah and his family were thus saved from destruction because they trusted God’s plan. Faith like that moves mountains.

As Christians we must trust God’s plan and obey His commandments at all times; even when things seem confusing, uncertain, or even counterintuitive. We cannot see the future in its fullness as God can. And so we must“walk by faith, not by sight,” The Lord will guide us if we are willing to surrender our lives into His hands. With God, all things are possible.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we come before you with humble hearts and a desire to accomplish Your will. Give us the faith we need to obey You in all things. Guide us also, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, that we would make the best decisions we can in the furtherance of Your desires. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will. In Jesus Christ name. Amen.” God bless all of you!