The Prize!

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained. Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

For those who understand the nature of competition, the goal is to obtain a prize.  However, in Christ, we are not competing for a prize as mere mortals understand it. We are running a race to obtain the end promise-eternity in Heaven with Jesus. If we are competing for any other prize that will rust, fade, or tarnish, we may miss the opportunity for the true prize.

Professional athletes compete to win world recognition and rings and trophies for the team. In order to do that--they prepare by participating in grueling workouts, team practices and disciplining themselves to stay focused on the goal. And when they win national competitions, many on the winning team tell reporters--the next stop in their journey is Disneyland.

Musicians in high schools compete for medals and trophies. In order to win, they prepare by studying the music, practicing their instrument and disciplining themselves to focus on the end goal.

Writers compete for prizes in various genres and sometimes just for the sake of energizing creativity and stamina in staying focused in completing a project under deadline. In particular--the National November Writing Month is not about competing with others necessarily, and there is usually a great deal of support from other participants to encourage one to keep going to write that 50 thousand words in 30 days. I've entered the competition for three years and always finished under 15 days. The win--though rewarding--did not garner me anything other than bragging rights and a certificate. And so this year, I'm not writing because I have already won--the knowledge that I could do it.

Unfortunately, in the same competition--some people start out with projects they have started years before and in essence--they're cheating themselves because their participation and possible completion has been rigged with the early start. So even if they complete the goal--it's not really a win.

That's how I view our recent election--a rigged election for a win is not really a victory--and the evidence of such is so apparent that even a blind person could see it. But until we change how we do business, we are stuck with the possibility of more rigging--through deliberate lying and undermining--trying to win by any means. But winning an election is not the prize--it is a responsibility and a commitment to govern all people--with equity and justice for all. If this role is not taken seriously, then democracy begins to unravel and we become vulnerable to all the predators who seek to destroy. For their goal--is to control.

Though there are some who say we simply have to accept the status quo, I believe that change begins with action and until there is action, there is no change. So, I'm going to use the same discipline exercised in competing for a prize, to energize others to see change that benefits all--starting now, so that we have a leader who knows and understands the need for preparation in order to govern and lead.

Holy Spirit Control!

"Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." (Ephesians 4:29-32 NKJV)

Whenever we hear foul-mouthed conversations in which every other word is profanity, we know Holy Spirit is not governing the person using the profanity. Whenever we see the end results of raging tempers--violence and death--we know Holy Spirit is not governing the person or persons involved. And usually, when one person demonstrates a lack of self-control, they engage or ignite the same type of reaction in others. The problem--people are too reliant upon their own self-control instead of allowing Holy Spirit to control what they say and do.

Submitting our thought-life and our tongues to Holy Spirit is not easy, but it is definitely a better path to take than depending upon our ability to control anything. What does it mean to submit our thought-life? It means that we stop thinking the thoughts that lead us astray. If the enemy tries to plant a thought in our minds that is not honoring God, we submit our response to Holy Spirit and allow Him to replace those thoughts with thoughts of righteousness.

Since most of us are fighting a constant battle with self-control, we are yet a work-in-progress. We have buttons that can be pushed and when we allow others to push them, we forget who we are and whose we are--to let others know, we are not a doormat. But do we really have to let others know anything other than we belong to God?

When we're attacked--verbally--we don't need to respond, but under stressful situations when frustration and agitation get in the way, we engage and the heat rises, sparking fires that sometimes rage out of control.

When we're attacked--physically--we have a right to defend ourselves (though some would argue this) and our families. We do not have a right to instigate foolishness that embroils others into "never-ending feuds" that do nothing but create hostile environments for all. This is especially true for kids who tend to get caught up in stupidity. If a brother or sister starts a fight with someone else--let them handle on their own. If more than one person attacks a sibling, then by all means, we should do our best to protect them.

However, when people do stupid--no matter who it is--family, friends and neighbors should stay out of the fray. I've seen entire neighborhoods destroyed because of stupid people who thought they had a right to treat people any way they wanted to treat them and then expect no response by those who are harmed. Those attacked call in reinforcements to counter the action and the feud mushrooms--out of control until someone ends up dead.

When Holy Spirit is "allowed" to control our thoughts--we don't think stupid-we think pleasing God. When our thought-life is controlled by Holy Spirit, then our tongues speak those things that build, encourage, and edify others. But Holy Spirit has to be allowed to control--He will not force us to do anything, and will allow us to think, say, or do anything we want to do. Of course when we do things that grieve Him, most of us know we need to repent, back up and give Him control so we don't bring shame upon ourselves and displease God.

Life would be so much better for everyone, all over the world, if we would just allow Holy Spirit to be in control of our lives.

Discipline Saves From Death!

"Discipline your children, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to their death. Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise." (Proverbs 19:18, 20 NIV)

Considering how the government attempts to intervene when parents discipline their children, it's no wonder we see foolishness that leads to violence and death--the death of children and of others.

We see such stupidity as the "knock-out" activity--where gangs of idiotic males find vulnerable older citizens to just "knock them out" just because. When young people have no respect for the elderly, it is a strong indicator that no discipline was ever employed in their homes. If they don't respect their parents, they are certainly not going to respect others. And every time the idiots are caught--their parents try to defend their action and the worst excuse in the world is--there was no father in the home.

Why was there no father in the home? Because someone forgot to discipline them when they were younger and many are locked behind bars or in morgues or cemeteries. The lack of discipline has a domino effect on many in our society and it tends to be a generational problem. However, even if a father is not in the home, mothers can and have been strong leaders in the home, when they care enough to teach their children right from wrong and live it as an example in front of them.

But there is another reason why discipline is lacking in so many homes. Many parents are afraid to discipline their children because of laws pertaining to corporal punishment. Children have been encouraged to "report" any act of corporal punishment because we have adult idiots who decided that if we spank a child, we damage their "emotional growth". Well, I'm against child abuse, but I'm a strong advocate for corporal punishment--as prescribed by God--using the rod (figuratively) of correction when needed.

There is a difference between beating a child and abusing them--breaking bones, putting them hospitals and causing death. I would never advocate abuse as a method of discipline. And I would never advocate using any method of scarring a child or doing anything that leads to death or disfigurement--ESPECIALLY WITH CHILDREN UNDER THREE YEARS-OLD. Tapping a child's hand lightly when they're doing something wrong usually gets their attention. But before anyone can try to discipline a child, they must take the time to teach the child--if after being taught right from wrong a child persists on doing wrong, then disciplinary measures must be established and used repeatedly to deter the negative behavior.

Generally speaking, most children who are disciplined at home before they start school, are wiser academically and never cause a teacher a problem (except for the transition years of puberty). When schools are limited in doling out consequences for misbehavior, students tend to try to rule the schools, and when they are tossed out the door, drop-out rates increase and the potential for poverty-stricken individuals increases. More poverty, more crime--more crime more jails and the cycle never ends--and it won't until we understand the necessity for appropriate discipline.

The wages of sin--the payment and end result is death. Though we don't often call misbehavior in kids, sin, it is and we should treat it as such, disciplining them to keep them from experiencing--unnecessary deaths.

We must teach them to accept responsibility for their actions and accept the consequences that ensue so they might live and others won't have to fear for their lives at the hands of undisciplined, out-of-control, people in this society. When we learn to obey God, we are wise; if we don't--we set ourselves up for failure.

God loves us enough to provide us instruction and consequences for actions. We need to love kids enough to provide them with sound, Godly instruction, and consequences for their actions and see them live to the full potential God has designed for them.

Who's Governing Your Mind--Flesh or Holy Spirit?

Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God." (Romans 85-8 NIV)

Who lives according to the dictates of their flesh? Everyone who does not live in accordance to the direction of Holy Spirit. The result is easy to see and when we have evidence to support our conclusions, it is not an opinion nor a rash judgment.

Overeating is evidence of the mind being governed by the flesh. The flesh says it wants more to eat than it needs and when it governs the mind, people eat--far more than is good for them and as a result, become overwhelmed by the flesh--evident in their appearance and in health issues that are result from overeating.

Being rude and disrespectful is evidence of the mind being governed by the flesh. Flesh tells people they are superior to others and must have the last word, no matter what and the mind caves to the dictates of the flesh because it feels good and sounds. good. The results as we can see on a daily basis are those who are discourteous drivers, loud-mouthed and obnoxious people waiting in lines who think they shouldn't have to wait--for anything or anyone. We see them cussing at those in authority when they can't have their way and in front of their children--demonstrate to their children that it's okay to be rude and disrespectful and we see this in classrooms across the country.

Sexual immorality is evident in what people do--promiscuously--having sex with random people and sometimes people they just met and the evidence is all we see on television, in the movies, and hear in the music. The mind is governed by the flesh, because if it feels good, then do it. The results are increase rates of sexually transmitted diseases, AIDs, and increase in low-esteem, depression, and suicide. Why? Because the devil loves it when people submit to him and then he leaves them high and dry, when they cannot find real love or a reason to keep living once they understand how they have used and abused their bodies.

Addictions of all types are the evidence of the mind being governed by the flesh--drugs, nicotine, alcohol, shopping, shoplifting, pornography--all are a conclusion of the matter--the feel-good-syndrome-for a moment and when the moment passes, it must be repeated, and repeated, and repeated until it fulfills its vicious cycle--in death--naturally or spiritually.

A person who has deprived themselves of the leadership and guidance of Holy Spirit is prone to making the same mistakes, over and over again, expecting a different result--which by definition is--insanity. When chaos and confusion exists, God is not in it and certainly there is no evidence of Holy Spirit guiding anyone.

What happens when our minds are governed by Holy Spirit? There is peace within and then there can peace without--in our environment and everywhere we go. When Holy Spirit leads--He reminds of those things we have been taught, strengthens us to live by faith and ignore the temptations of the enemy, and keeps us focused on pleasing God, not flesh.

Where's the evidence? The evidence is seen in those who do not have to resort to cussing out people, involving themselves in road-rage, or even randomly acting out. The evidence is in the person's ability to remain calm, exercise wisdom in all situations, and to discipline themselves to hear God and act accordingly. They know when to stop eating, stop smoking, stop giving into the desires that make them feel good only for a moment, and start doing those things that bring the heart joy and they know they are pleasing God.

So, what's it going to be for you today? Will you allow flesh to dictate or Holy Spirit? Do you want temporary pleasure or lasting joy? It's up to us--we decide and I choose to allow Holy Spirit to reign in my life!

Why Must We Believe?

"Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” (Matthew 21:21,22 NIV)

Most of us know the story of Jesus and the fig tree that had leaves, but no fruit. When Jesus saw the leaves, He expected to find figs, but there were none and since He was hungry, and now frustrated, He spoke to the tree and said it would wither and die. When the disciples came back past the tree, they were amazed that the tree was withered.

The tree with leaves had the appearance of bearing fruit, but was barren. When we look at ourselves in our walk, following the precepts of Jesus, how do we look? Do we have the appearance of bearing fruit, yet no fruit exists? Are we just superficial Christians--mimicking phrases, following traditions that have no meaning, giving lip service, but no real praise, mumbling words resembling prayer, but have no power, carrying our bibles that we won't read, and wearing crosses that bear no witness of our understanding of the work on the cross?

Do we know how to generate love in any environment we find ourselves simply because we know how to love? Is there real joy in our lives that overflows onto all we meet? Do we have peace in our hearts, homes and community? Do we know how to teach with gentleness, remembering that we too are imperfect people? Do we know how to show kindness and compassion to those in need? Are we faithful--totally committed to do that we do, to do it well? Have we disciplined ourselves so others can see we live a disciplined life--free of anxiety, anger, and intolerance? Are we fruit-bearing Christians or do we just have the appearance of being one?

Now, what Jesus referenced to His disciples was more about their faith and what they would be able to do if they believed what they heard. They heard Him what He said to the tree, but apparently did not believe it would happen since they were amazed at what happened. He knew there was doubt lingering in them which is why they were amazed and told them that if they "didn't doubt" they could say, to the mountain, "go move into the sea and it would." Why must they say it? So they could hear what they said and since Jesus told them to do it, it would be so. "Faith coming by hearing and hearing by The Word of God."

We must believe The Word (Jesus is The Word) and when we pray, we can have whatever we ask for when we don't doubt The Word. In another passage, Jesus reminds us that whatever we ask of the Father, in His name, He would do it--as long as we don't doubt it will be done.

The reason many do not see answered prayers is because of doubt and unbelief or because of asking for things that do not align with The Word. When we know The Word, we do not pray amiss (out of alignment with The Word) and we know that God is not hard of hearing or forgetful. Those are our weaknesses, not His.

So when we pray--we only need to ask for what we want--once--and then we give thanks for it until we receive it. Giving thanks to God what we have faith to receive--removes doubt. For if we know, we already have what we ask for, why would we need to keep asking for it?

In order to see faith operate on a daily basis, we must "hear" The Word and keep hearing The Word, building our faith in Him so He will move on our behalf since He is moved by faith, not by feelings.

Discplined by Love!

"For the LORD disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child. As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father?" (Hebrews 12:6,7 NLT)

I remember thinking back a little while ago about my mother's discipline. Those memories were triggered by the Adrian Peterson incident--when he used a "switch" to discipline his child. I remember having to get a switch and if I chose one that was too thin, I'd have to go back to that tree and get another one. If my mother went to get one, I would really be in trouble.

While the "whipping" hurt, it concluded in the desired effect--I didn't get into trouble very often because I did not like the sting of that switch. She did not beat me with a tree branch; she disciplined me with a method that got my attention and she did it out of love--to teach me to be obedient. That's what she had learned and it worked!

Now, to revisit history for a moment--I find it amazing that people who think whipping a child with a switch is such a crime, but no one thought much about "the slave masters beating people with a horsewhip" scarring and maiming them for life, sometimes unto death. Where was the outrage then? Adults and children were beaten at a whim and often because they simply didn't understand what was being told to them. People were starved, but expected to work the land on empty stomachs and beaten when they could no longer stand. Where is the outrage for that time in history? These beatings did not occur out of love--but to instill fear and submission, and no one was decrying this injustice.

But because a father dared to discipline his child, out of love, he has lost his source of income and is being tried as an abusive parent. Why weren't any of those people who beat slaves brought to court and tried for treating people worst than their did their animals (they fed the animals sufficiently)?

God's idea of discipline--out of love--is designed to make sure we have long life and that more abundantly. He does not "beat us down to get us into shape," but He allows us to suffer the consequences of our actions. We will reap, what we sow in life and when God allows the consequence--it is because He loves us enough to want us to learn from our mistakes.

Good parents discipline their children so they will learn to be obedient and have long life. No parent wants to see a child beaten down by life simply because they never knew discipline.

One of the reasons that our society is so out of order now--with total chaos reigning--is because the same government that allowed people to be beaten into submission, now wants to interfere with parental discipline--and children never learn discipline and often end up in jails or the morgue. I'd rather see a loving parent discipline their child and then see that child as a successful adult--knowing what it means to love enough to discipline.

I'm thanking and praising God for His love and correction and for the mother He gave me, who loved me enough to discipline me when I needed--and that has led to my being a disciplined parent and successful adult. Love--never wants to see a child go astray, but when they are undisciplined--we see the results, everyday in the media.

Becoming Wise!

"If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise.If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding." (Proverbs 15:31,32 NLT)

What is the difference between being harshly critical of someone or things and being able to offer constructive criticism?

There are many people who are harshly critical of other people--they are the "fruit inspectors" who are always seeking flaws and shortcomings in others, but are never able to see their own faults. They are quick to misjudge a situation or a person because their eyes only see what their soul sees--negativity. Their objective is to tear down people or to break them.

Those who are capable of offering constructive criticism only see what is wrong after careful evaluation and attempt to help correct what they see can be better. They see the possibilities and offer the means for the possibilities to become realities. They see areas that need improvement and provide direction to accomplish. Their objective is to build a person to make them stronger and better.

Many people are not able to receive constructive criticism because they have only heard critical harshness. However, for those who do listen to constructive criticism--they grow as they go, empowered to take a reflective look at themselves and make the necessary adjustments and will always find themselves in the midst of wise people.

The unwise are not so. They will not listen to wise counsel and they hate being corrected. They only see things their way and another--wiser person--they will not hear. Life for them is always an uphill struggle because their hearts have been hardened by the harshness of those who sought to criticize every thing they ever did. Their lives are not disciplined and chaos reigns where order should reside. They reject what others have to say and are adamant in their stance. They think they are capable of teaching others when they have not learned what is needed to teach whatever it is--that someone else needs to be taught. They are close-minded, but are often critical of others--projecting what they have been told about themselves onto the unsuspecting masses who venture onto their pathway.

Wise people are always willing to hear what others have to say, assess what was said for its worth, and make necessary changes in order to accomplish a goal. These are the same people who know how to offer constructive criticism in order to help others grow and improve in whatever they choose to do. The wise see with spiritual wisdom rather than fleshly dictates and one can see the light that emanates from their soul.

If we are not willing to be corrected--by God or others who only seek to help us become better, we are often left standing in a rut, wondering what happened, as we watch others continue to grow and excel with the plans for their lives.

And The Beat Goes On!

Hot topic tonight--abuse vs discipline, godless societies, and preachers who don't teach, but just make noise. Whew! http://www.blogtalkradio.com/maryandtyrone/2014/09/18/and-the-beat-goes-on

Tyrone read preachers the riot act and told them to get themselves in order and study to have something to say! Hmmm!

Love Corrects and Disciplines!

"I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference." (Revelation 3:19 NLT).

In John's vision and conversation with Jesus, we see just how much we are loved--because when we are loved--correction and discipline are part of the process. And at the of this letter, we are reminded that those "who have ears to hear, must hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches."

One of the reasons that most people get "twisted and bent out of shape" when they hear people talk about the bible or see what someone says about it is because they do not understand--The Word is written for the benefit of believers--not the unbelieving because they won't believe it anyway!

If a person has no relationship with God, proclaims not to believe in God, then why would they think God's Word has anything to do with them? It doesn't, until they reach a point of "belief and relationship."

With that understanding, The Word is written to believers for believers--let's look at the warnings directed at the sinner. A person cannot be a sinner unless they have first believed God and turned away. If they have never believed God, they are simply --the "ungodly" and although God addresses the fate of the ungodly, they are not the sinners He references.

There are two things I wish to clarify today and I anticipate disagreement so I welcome comments--as always. Those two things are mistakes and sin and the difference. I know some people in leadership positions in churches teach that mistakes are sin, but there is no biblical basis for this type of teaching.

First of all, a mistake is something that is done--unintentionally--it is not planned and neither is the outcome anticipated. On top of that--the words mistake and mistakes are not included in the Kings James Version, but some will argue differently.  A misspelled word, or spilled salt, lost items--those are mistakes--not acts committed intentionally.

Sin, on the other hand, is an intentional act, deliberately thought with an anticipated outcome. There are far too many "sins" for me to elaborate on them on all in this commentary, but suffice it to say that, no one ever "unintentionally" took off their clothes, and entered into sexual activity outside of marriage. Plans to sin--whether is is illicit sex, or a criminal act--are a deliberate act--intentionally implemented.

When I omit words in my commentaries, I have made a mistake.  It was not intentional, but impaired vision is sometimes a problem; especially for those who are aging.

When a person drives a vehicle--impaired--by drugs or alcohol--and someone is killed--that is an intentional act and the outcome can be anticipated. That is not a mistake unless the person is devoid of understanding of how alcohol and drugs impair perception and ability to think clearly. A vehicle--in the hands of an impaired driver-- is a lethal weapon and the impaired driver is the trigger used to commit the crime.

Who we love--we correct and chastise--hopefully before their actions warrant a more severe outcome--like a felony conviction or worse--their own demise.

"Those who have an ear to hear and eyes to see and a heart to understand" hear and think before doing anything that would cause the deaths of others. "Doing all things in the name of love" so we might have peaceable lives and no regrets!"

Hold The Tongue!

"There is more hope for a fool
than for someone who speaks without thinking" (Proverbs 29:20 NLT).

There is so much wisdom in Proverbs that is applicable for any era and any group of people that it would be difficult to ignore.

A fool can be taught--his/her foolishness unlearned, but the tongue--no one can tame (says James) without discipline.

How many times have we seen and heard people say rash things, without thinking about the consequences of their words? Many are guilty, but it is primarily the celebrities and leaders of nations who are criticized for the things they say, "without thinking" about who can hear (microphone snafus), what they meant, or how what they say is misinterpreted (deliberately in most cases) or perceived by any one group or another.

It is those words that are allowed to escape the mouth, being pushed out with the tongue without allowing the brain to engage that create problems for many. This is why so many people are accused of being homophobic (a term I truly disagree with especially when it is primarily used against those who agree with the Bible), they are accused of being racists, misogynists, pedophiles, molesters, negligent parents, and the list could go on and on--all because--no thought was given to what was being said and how it could be interpreted.

Parents who spank their children to discipline them have been accused of child abuse. This comes from a group of people who do not understand that every child is different and requires different means of discipline. I am a strong advocate of corporal punishment, but not child abuse. No child should be maimed, scarred, or put in harm's way in any detrimental fashion, but a good, old-fashioned butt-whooping makes them "think" about their behavior.  I don't buy into the sociological philosophy that spanking a kid leads them to becoming violent. I was spanked on more than one occasion and I'm not a violent person. Actually, I'm glad I was disciplined when I needed it--I am a better (not bitter) person for it. 

Knowing human nature the way I do, my statement made about discipline will probably be criticized and some will think I'm not a good parent. Those who do not know God can think whatever they want. The better witnesses as to my fitness of being a parent are my children--43 and 35--still alive and think I'm a terrific mom (so they say).

Many of us have "said" things taken out of context and for the most part, if we took the time to "think" about every little thing we said, most of us would never have anything to say. This becomes a situation in which a person is criticized--no matter what--they say or do because some idiot out there is bound to take what is said out of context and spread rumors about the intent. That's what people do when they have nothing better to do.

On a personal note, I tend to speak my mind--whatever comes up, comes out--no harm intended, but sometimes, that's what happens. People who know me, know I mean no harm, but I speak truth and sometimes, truth hurts. And just like I dish it, I can take it. I always prefer truth to a camouflaged lie. 

If more people were receptive to hearing truth, instead of goading people to say what they want to hear, the world would be a better place and then we would not have to worry about "words" being taken out of context. The world is not necessarily a "pretty place" and our tongues--they can get downright ugly. So if you can, hold your tongue in check until you have time to think about what you "want" to say.

Eyes On Me!

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you" (Psalm 32:8,9 NIV).

There are so many eyes--looking upon everything we do--judging, evaluating, assessing, criticizing, not knowing who we really are or who is guiding us. Or do they?
If the Lord is giving us instruction, and teaching us how to get to the destination He has planned for us, and counseling us as we journey in life, we have no need to be concerned about what others see--for they will only see our willing obedience to God, doing what must be done to obtain the goal.  
However, whatever we do, whatever others see--will determine whether we need to be "controlled or forced" to do something.

In spite of what many think, our obedience to God is out of a desire to please Him, not because He forces us to do anything. If we have a heart for God and we are hearing Him, we know that He only wants the best for us and we only want to please Him.

For those who do not understand God's love or His plans, His Word will seem harsh and brash and controlling. But God--never forces or controls us to do anything--He gives us freewill to choose and to accept the consequences of our actions. When we choose not to understand or hear Him, we are left with those entities that will control--demonic spirits that lead us down the opposite paths of those God wants us to travel.

On the path to hell (and it is real), everything glitters and has much more appeal to our senses--sight, smell, feel, taste, hearing--it all looks good, smells good, feels good, tastes good and sounds good, but is it--all good? NO! The enemy deliberately makes everything that opposes God look better than anything God wants us to have because he--the devil--wants us to be miserable and to hate God.

Not convinced of the devil's controlling influence? Take a good look around at our society--at those who are influenced by greed, drugs, and all other lusts of the flesh. The gambling looked good--easy money--until it's all gone and now people have to steal to support their habit. The same is true with drugs and alcohol--controlling substances. On a personal level--hygiene takes a backseat to fulfilling the desires and cravings of those things which control the mind and behavior.

Feelings and cravings in the lower extremities of bodies control--making sexual appeal for anyone more desirable and pleasurable than doing things God's way. Even food controls--for those who lack discipline and self-control, overeating--which leads to health problems and early deaths. Oh, yes--the enemy controls, but God instructs, teaches, and counsels and leaves it up to us to hear and obey.

Whose eyes are upon you, today--the loving eyes of the Lord or the gleaming eyes of the devil? They know and we should, too--just by looking at what we do!

Love Corrects!

"because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in" (Proverbs 3:12 NIV).
A loving parent disciplines their children when discipline is needed.
A neglectful parent, allows their children to do whatever they want to do, whenever they want to do it.

Society is plagued with the outcome of neglectful parenting--people doing whatever they want to do, without guidance or direction, and certainly no evidence of any discipline in their lives. The evidence of neglectful parenting is in the number of inmates serving time, in the number of young people being shot and killed and those who treat senior citizens with total disdain and disrespect. The evidence is in the parents who scream and cry with their children are killed because they are in the wrong place, doing the wrong things. The evidence is those who think they have a right to say what God has said is wrong and they are right. The evidence is in those who end up with diseases which lead to death because of their conduct. The evidence of neglectful parenting abounds in the news on a regular basis and it is not always about young people, but about the older people who were never disciplined as children.

God loves us and when we are wrong--He corrects, disciplines us--and keeps loving us. When God chastens us for doing those things we should not do, we should love Him enough to understand--He allows things to happen because of our disobedience, but He never stops loving us.

Now is the time--for all of us to see and understand the benefits of having a loving parent in our lives--God is a loving Father and wants only the best for His children. We need to stop rebelling against God, receive His correction, and enjoy His many benefits.

Why are we waiting?

Father, in the name of Jesus, help us to see that what happens in our lives has a direct correlation to our relationship with You. Mold our hearts so we can hear and obey, receiving correction in the spirit You give it--with love.