Tag Archive | discipline

Just Live

It was nearly 40 years ago when I came across my parents and my aunt and uncle talking like their lives were over. I don’t remember what all was said, it was so long ago, but I remember that anger erupted out of my spirit like a roar. I verbally chastised them for thinking and talking that way. I do not choose to be disrespectful to my elders, but they were on a fast track of taking down their own lives.

We greatly underestimate the power of our words!

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” Proverbs 18:21

The enemy knows this, and uses this as leverage throughout your life, planting thoughts and suggestions aimed at tearing you down. He can’t take your life; you have to partner with him for that to happen. ‘Oh, I would never partner with the devil!’, one adamantly declares.

Are you sure?

Ask the Holy Spirit to help you become aware of your words.

It takes discipline and hard work to re-train your speaking, but if you determine to do this, the Holy Spirit will help you. You will find your words echoing back at you if they don’t align with the Word. But words don’t begin in your mouth, they begin in your mind. To take control of your mouth, you must first control your mind. We must take every thought captive that rises against the knowledge of Christ. The Passion Translation says it like this . . .

“We can demolish every deceptive fantasy that opposes God and break through every arrogant attitude that is raised up in defiance of the true knowledge of God. We capture, like prisoners of war, every thought and insist that it bow in obedience to the Anointed One. Since we are armed with such dynamic weaponry, we stand ready to punish any trace of rebellion, as soon as you choose complete obedience.” 2Corinthians 10:5-6 TPT

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they might have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10

Basically, when you become aware of thoughts that are not life, and are not pleasing to God, take them captive. Speak that out, instead of the thought. Speak the Word against it. You are not responsible, and are not held accountable unless you continue to entertain the thought or speak it and make it your own. “Take no thought saying. . .”

This is a discipline that is hard work, but bears great fruit and just may save your life!

One can never lay their guard down! I am thankful for those close to me, that remind me when I am getting off track, as my son did just yesterday. He courageously corrected my ‘stinking thinking’ and I am grateful that he loves me that much!

Go and love someone enough to tell them the Truth!

So, what happened when I corrected my loved ones from their stinking thinking? Well, they were in their early 60’s at the time, and that was nearly 40 years ago. They were speechless, which tells me they recognized the Truth. They didn’t try to justify, blame or excuse–just listened and took the reprimand to heart–as I did yesterday, when my son spoke.

Truth brings clarity, not shame.

I didn’t just tell them what they were doing wrong, I told them to LIVE! That they had a long, full, life ahead of them and they needed to stop living death and live LIFE!

Truth brings life!

They listened and made an immediate adjustment– so immediate that it even surprised me. The fruit of their efforts is that they lived long and full lives, with many, many, loving friends that enjoyed the life of God emanating from them. My uncle lived to be in his 80’s, his wife until age 96. My parents, as you may read from the recent post about them, are still alive at ages 95 and my dad will be 98 in September. That’s a very long life past 60! I am convinced it would have been different, had they kept up the talk of their death.

“I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice, and cleaving to him; for that means life to you and length of days, that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.” Deuteronomy 30:19-20

The Glenn Miller Orchestra

Recently, my parents and I celebrated their 76th wedding anniversary at a sweet, lakeside restaurant in a village about an hour drive away. On the way home my mom was reminiscing about all the great places they used to enjoy eating out at. “Why don’t you do that now?” I asked. “Because it’s so hard.” came her quick reply. “Yes, but didn’t we have a wonderful time, and wouldn’t it break up the monotony?” She was silent for a moment and then said, “Yes!” It was three days later that she asked me to help her get tickets to the “Glenn Miller Orchestra” which was coming to town to the Opera House. We had about a month of anticipation, while they eagerly looked forward to the event. I sweetened the anticipation by borrowing the “Glenn Miller Story”, from the library. A dvd starring Jimmy Stewart and June Allyson; a good movie, that enhanced my enjoyment of the concert, because I remembered the progression of his career as I listened to the music played. The orchestra leader informed us that the Glenn Miller Orchestra has been traveling and performing continuously over a span of 80 years! Adding new band members as needed, of course.

My dad wasn’t feeling well the day before the concert and prayers were intense that they not be disappointed by not being able to go. The next day he was better, thank the Lord, and we went. My cousin came along, and she also enjoyed the concert immensely. It is her mom and dad that I spoke of above, so it is only fitting that she was there to enjoy this with them. I grew up hearing this music from my parents, so I could appreciate and enjoy it even if it differs from my personal taste. We each have an era of music that takes us back to the youth that our spirit still enjoys, for our spirit doesn’t age, just our bodies. A time that is less stressful and reminds us of happiness of long ago. This was their happy place and it planted a sweet memory in my heart as I glanced over to see my mom and dad snuggle up, clasping their hands together, like teenagers on a date, and I realize that true love never ends–it just grows sweeter with time, and trust.

I love you mom and dad. ♥

Thank you, for sharing your happy place with me!

Thank you, for a memory I will always cherish–thank you, for truly living!

“With long life I will satisfy him, and show him my salvation.” Psalm 91:16 RSV

“You will be satisfied with a full life and with all that I do for you. For you will enjoy the fullness of my salvation!” Psalm 91:16 TPT

The Production of a Lifetime

Mar3

It is for discipline–all that you are learning is for discipline of the life that is to come.

You are not waiting to ‘live’ then; you are living now in practice, much as an actor rehearses a script to get his lines ‘just right.’ He practices where to stand, inflections in his voice, body movement, pauses, all to convey what he wishes to express to the world.

“If the iron is blunt, and one does not whet the edge, he must put forth more strength; but wisdom helps one to succeed.” Ecclesiastes 10:10

No, you are not an actor, you are genuine, but you are learning to ‘act’ on what you know. And what you are learning from My Word, you are developing the storyline of your life.

We are co-directors, you and I…

We consult, we command together, and together we produce your future.

As you practice what you learn, you are studying to show yourself approved. You are laboring to enter into My rest and you will find your delight in Me.

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” II Timothy 2:15

For I AM

Come, see your future on the big screen. Often your thinking is too small–for I have big plans for you.

You will be successful in all you do. I’ve put my trust in you, will you then trust Me, to do what I’ve called you to?

Trust and Do!

“Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in our hope of sharing the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us.” Hebrews 5:1-5

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:29-30

“Trust in the Lord, and do good; so you will dwell in the land, and enjoy security. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalms 37:3-4

I Wait for You

Jun10

Times of rest and patience are required of those who wait upon Me.

For I do not drive My sheep; I lead and I know when you need rest and when you simply need sleep. Therefore do not fear if it seems that I AM absent at times or the quiet is too loud, for I AM right here and you have done nothing wrong.

I lead you to green pastures.
I make you lie down.
I restoreth your soul.

Trust that I will never leave you, and I may at times correct, but I don’t punish—I direct.

“And have you forgotten the exhortation which addresses you as sons?—”My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor lose courage when you are punished by him. For the Lord disciplines him whom he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”

It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline?” Hebrews 12:5-7 *please see comment below*

Lavish Love—that’s what I AM♥

I wait for you too.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want; he makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters, he restores my soul.” Psalms 123:1-3a

“When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” John 10:4-5

“May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.” II Thessalonians 3:5

*Note: I was troubled at first, when in this message He said, “I do not punish”, it seemed contradictory to the scriptures as you see in Hebrews 12:5-7. It is important that all messages are verified in scripture. King James uses the word ‘chastisement’, and Strongs Concordance defines this as education, training, discipline (by punishment), teach, learn and nurture.

I don’t want to confuse anyone, but my heart concludes that, just as in training your children, at times you must discipline to guide, the Lord must discipline us. He is not about the ‘punishment’ of His children, but to ‘direct’ them. In His great Love for us, He turns our ways to love, as He Loves. He already took our punishment and therefore does not punish us, but trains—directs.

“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that made us whole, and with his stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5

Those of this world, who choose not receive His great Love and sacrifice, will indeed be punished and it will be everlasting. May that never be you.

L.J.O’Neil

Not Merely Hear

Apr12

Why do you call Me Lord and do not do the things that I tell you?

“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I tell you?” Luke 6:46

Am I truly your Lord?

Who has a servant that hears instruction, only to walk away and never do what he is told. Would he last long as a servant? No, he would be cast out. I AM merciful, patient and kind, but I can be angry and discipline too.

“The fierce anger of the Lord will not turn back until he has executed and accomplished the intents of his mind. In the latter days you will understand this.” Jeremiah 30:24

A parent must discipline a child to train him in the way he should go, otherwise he would grow to hate the child; as the child grows to be a man and neither understands, that lack of discipline causes ruin.

“He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.” Proverbs 13:24

“Discipline your son while there is hope; do not set your heart on his destruction.” Proverbs 19:18

The man that never grew–remains a child–it’s true…

For he carries no honor, respect, inside and to Me he doesn’t abide. He has no guide, for he listened, but did not hear; he heard, but did not follow.

“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.” Proverbs 12:1

Call upon Me while I AM here. Listen and do not merely hear. For discipline is your key, if you truly want to be set free.

Follow Me

“And have you forgotten the exhortation which addresses you as sons?–

‘My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor lose courage when you are punished by him. For the Lord disciplines him whom he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.’ It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline?

If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers to discipline us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time at their pleasure, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness.

For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant; later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:5-11

“Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom for the future. Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will be established.” Proverbs 19:20-21

“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord, and not do what I tell you? Every one who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like; he is like a man building a house, who dug deep, and laid the foundation upon rock; and when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house, and could not shake it, because it had been well built.

But he who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation; against which the stream broke, and immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great.” Luke 6:46-49

“He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for my sake will find it.” Matthew 10:39

“He who despises the word brings destruction on himself, but he who respects the commandment will be rewarded. The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, that one may avoid the snares of death.” Proverbs 13:13-14

“Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name. For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” Psalms 30:4-5

See It Through

Jan17

Many runners use a term to describe a moment in their run called, ‘hitting the wall’. They say this when it feels like they cannot go on; for if they were to continue, they would surely fall. But those who ‘know’ push past the wall–they push past the wall, for they will not fall. My help is there to see them through.

“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, that through these you may escape from corruption that is in the world because of passion, and become partakers of the divine nature.

For this very reason make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these things are yours and abound, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these things is blind and shortsighted and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.

Therefore, brethren, be the more zealous to confirm your call and election, for if you do this you will never fall; so there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” II Peter 1:3-11

Run the race that you might win!

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.

Well, I do not run aimlessly, I do not box as one beating the air; but I pommel my body and subdue it, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” I Corinthians 9:24-27

Discipline and courage are power tools to stay the course, to see it through. a runner knows that they might fall without proper shoes; proper footing through it ALL.

“The law of his God is in his heart; his steps do not slip.” Psalms 37:31

Be prepared, keep in step.

Walk in My Light, not before Me–

don’t get ahead; you’re not to lead Me, for I know what’s ahead. Don’t lag behind, for that is where discouragement lies, but right here beside…

A Friend all the way.

The road is not easy and sometimes it’s still, but there’s guaranteed Blessing on the path of My Will. Be not bewildered, for this many have stopped, and failed to start again in the way they should walk.

The road may be rocky, crooked or straight, but I take the path that leads to the Gate.

So run the race, no matter what comes before; for I AM the one who opened that door…

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal which comes upon you to prove you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice in so far as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” I Peter 4:12-13

“–let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.” Hebrews 12:1b-4

See it through–

‘See’ your way through!

“Yea, thou dost light my lamp; the Lord my God lightens my darkness. Yea, by thee I can crush a troop; and by my God I can leap over a wall. This God–his way is perfect; the promise of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.

For who is God, but the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God?–the God who girded me with strength, and made my way safe. He made my feet like hinds’ feet, and set me secure on the heights.

He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. Thou hast given me the shield of thy salvation, and thy right hand supported me, and thy help made me great. Thou didst give a wide place for my steps under me, and my feet did not slip.” Psalms 18:28-36

“May the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” I Thessalonians 5:23-24

Swimming Lessons

May5

Have you ever noticed that children only lose one tooth at a time? Old teeth must go to make room for new arrivals; for there will be tougher things to chew in life, but if they lost them all at once there would be no eating.

Do you see why I take you a step at a time?

You still have to eat!

If I took you into the deep too quickly, you would lose the ability to function in the natural world and you wouldn’t yet have learned to swim.

Just as kids learn to chew a little at a time–I’ll take you deeper a tooth at a time.

And

Just as the child keeps ‘working’ that tooth, I want you to get to work on your process. Pay attention when the tooth begins to loosen–you’re about to get something bigger to chew on, but first, we must get that baby tooth out.

I’ll take you into the deep.

One tooth at a time…

I’ll teach you to swim.

“–for every one who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their faculties trained by practice to distinguish good from evil.” Hebrews 5:13-14

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:29-30

“A disciple is not above his teacher, but every one when he is fully taught will be like his teacher.” Luke 6:40

“And have you forgotten the exhortation which addresses you as sons?–“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor lose courage when you are punished by him. For the Lord disciplines him whom he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers to discipline us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time at their pleasure, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant; later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:5-11

“The earth, O Lord, is full of thy steadfast love; teach me thy statutes! Thou has dealt well with thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word. Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in thy commandments.” “Thy hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn thy commandments. Those who fear thee shall see me and rejoice, because I have hoped in thy word.” Psalms 119:64-66, 73-74

“Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God; consider the outcome of their life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever. Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings; for it is well that the heart be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited their adherents.” Hebrews 13:7-9

“Obey your leaders and submit to them; for they are keeping watch over your souls, as men who will have to give account. Let them do this joyfully, and not sadly, for that would be of no advantage to you.” Hebrews 13:17

“My son, eat honey, for it is good, and the drippings of honeycomb are sweet to your taste. Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off.” Proverbs 24:13-14

“If you have found honey, eat only enough for you, lest you be sated with it and vomit it.” Proverbs 26:16

Well Done!

Apr23

Total surrender is often difficult to maintain. It takes more discipline, more humility, and definitely more restrain.

Refrain from sin, and having it your way, for surrender is a state of the heart of one that is ‘set apart’ and devoted to service. The one who, so desires, must discipline their life to be of service, avoid strife and continue to monitor their life.

Selfishness
Permissiveness
Discouragement
Disgruntlement

and a host of other sins will continue to vie for a foothold in your life.

Take a firm stance against them by a passive front–that of total surrender. It is not a sign of weakness but, rather, the evidence of strength. For one is in complete control when going to such length…

to glorify and magnify the one who dwells within. An honorable position to obtain, if only one would abstain, and offer their life as sacrifice to the one who gave it all.

That they might be called the sons of God…

a credit to us all.

Well Done!

“Put off your old nature which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new nature, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:22-24

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2

“For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. He committed no sin; no guile was found on his lips. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he trusted to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” I Peter 2:18-24

“Beloved, I beseech you as aliens and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh that wage war against your soul.” I Peter 2:11

“Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same thought, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer by human passions but by the will of God.” I Peter 4:1-2

“abstain from every form of evil.” I Thessalonians 5:22

“It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife; but every fool will be quarreling.” Proverbs 20:3

“for God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power and love and self-control.” I Timothy 1:7

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that in due time he may exalt you. Cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares about you. Be sober, be watchful. your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking some one to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experience of suffering is required of your brotherhood throughout the world. and after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, and strengthen you. To him be the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” I Peter 5:6-11

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9