Tag: discipline

“Trust the Wounds of a Friend”

Date: 8-27-14

Text: Proverbs 27:6  Wounds from someone who loves are trustworthy, but kisses from an enemy speak volumes. [ISV]

The Big Idea: He became a curse of us, and by doing so, He has removed any curses.

My Thoughts: 

Perhaps even now it is hard to talk about, especially when the wounds are still festering and raw, but it is still good to know that when friends wound us, it is because they Love us. Yes, they really do care. Interestingly, just yesterday, I was talking to a friend about wounds of friends, and with both of us being poets at heart, we came up with a phrase, “God’s scalpel doesn’t slip.” When the LORD is using His scalpel on us to ‘wound’ us—by cutting away those ‘cancers’ that infest our souls, we need to remember He is a skilled surgeon. Indeed, His scalpel doesn’t slip….

But, lifestyle worshipers, sometimes we think our friend’s scalpel is constantly slipping, slashing us with reckless abandon. But we must remember that even if they are clumsy with their words or don’t use the “proper” tone of voice, they are still speaking to us on this particular issue because they Love us. No more and no less. And even if their scalpel slips a little (or a lot), this, too, the LORD can use….

When this happens, I do is try to remember that it pleased the LORD to bruise Jesus and by His strips we are healed. How do you deal with the wounds of a friend?

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

   Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief.
     — Isaiah 53:10 (NKJV)
  Let a righteous man strike me—it is a kindness; let him rebuke me—it is oil on my head. My head will not refuse it.
     — Psalm 141:5 (NIV84)
  Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me 
     — Revelation 3:19-20 (NIV84)

 Heavenly Father, as You prune away the dead branches of my life so that Jesus’ Life may produce more fruit, may I endure the hardship as loving discipline, knowing that You Love me and have given Your only Begotten Son for me. In the Lord Jesus’ Name Amen.

Pastor Mike

“It Is Well Named”

Date: 8-22-14

Text: Proverbs 22:10 10 Throw out the mocker and strife departs, too; furthermore, quarrels and discord will end. [ISV]

The Big Idea: Offering counterpoints and different perspectives in a loving constructive way is truly wise.

My Thoughts: 

Disagreeing is not a ‘bad’ thing. But disagreeing disagreeably is. Those who love contention and intentionally play the “devil’s advocate” are no friend to Peace. And what is more fascinating: Once these contentious mockers are removed from the situation, it is strange how calm returns and discord ends…. Strife leaves with them.  

Lifestyle worshipers, know that the “devil’s advocate” is well named. While offering counterpoints and different perspectives in a loving constructive way is truly wise, when one intentionally offers counterpoints and different perspectives merely to be difficult, or worse, contentious, this is more than unwise: it is ungodly … 

How do we deal with them? To me, this is a good question because somehow they feel they are offering a ‘good’ thing, not realizing their heart is truly in the wrong place….Any suggestions?

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

  But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.

— John 12:4-6 (NIV84)

   The proud and arrogant man—“Mocker” is his name; he behaves with overweening pride

— Proverbs 21:4 (NIV84)

 Whoever loves a quarrel loves sin; whoever builds a high gate invites destruction

— Proverbs 17:19 (NIV)

 

 Lord Jesus Christ, reduce me to Love as You instill in me Your Presence of Wisdom. Keep pride and arrogance far from me. As I offer differing perspectives, may I maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of Peace. For Your Name’s Sake, Amen.

Pastor Mike