May 24, 2019
He who neglects discipline despises himself, but he who listens to reproof acquires understanding. (Proverbs 15:32)
Years ago my dear pastor friend, Harry Li, said something profound to me. He was asking for prayer that his life would not slip away from living in the fullness of Christ. "I have come to understand," he said, "the discipline needed to be continually filled with the Holy Spirit." I instantly resonated with that statement and it plowed through my mind for many days.
24/7
To let God have full control of our lives throughout a common day is unusual for most. It takes an intentional attention to Him that dials us in to His slightest instructions.
Those who are there know the subtleties of His voice so well that a word that is about to come out of their mouths that would grieve Him will be instantly abandoned. They understand His promptings so clearly that they are careful not to quench His Spirit by refusing to go where He desires. These are men and women who are beginning to experience the power of what it means to "pray without ceasing" because they are moving in continual, blessed communion with Jesus all day long.
HELPING OURSELVES
What the wise, inspired writer of Proverbs helps us to see is that such discipline helps us tremendously. If we neglect it we are hurting ourselves where we can least afford it.
There are tight parameters around those who would walk in unceasing communion with Him. Only those who desire it more than any other pleasures will achieve it. They are not allowed to indulge in sideways conversations and activities, wasting time with mindless pursuits.
It is not that they are legalistic, morose monks. In fact, just the opposite. They are filled with Divine, creative spontaneity, radical faith, deep peace, matured understanding, and unceasing joy. They have the best life. They know the blessed freedom of transparency and honesty. The settledness of authenticity inside themselves in God.
But they also understand how easy it is to slide into mere humanistic thinking and living. How quickly we can make a turn that diverts our path from walking by the Spirit to walking by the flesh.
There are some people—perhaps most—who do not want this tight restriction on their daily lives. But those who push through these objections and accept His discipline will find what their deepest soul has always longed to experience.
January 29, 2025
It is not something that everyone possesses. Sadly, most do not. It is not that it is inaccessible or unavailable, but many have not heard that it is possible or feel they are fully sufficient without it.
But for those who have recognized their need and asked God to deliver them from a life without Him, they have been given an undeniable and extraordinary gift.
January 28, 2025
“You have two overwhelming emotions,” Jesus was saying, “but as you’ve come into My presence, one can be shed like a heavy coat on a warm day. You no longer need fear … just joy.”
January 24, 2025
Each of us has a higher job description, whether we acknowledge it or not. It is not determined by man but by God. He made us in His image—fearfully and wonderfully. He designed us like He is so we can join Him in what He does. Each man and woman has a specific sphere over which they are to lead and oversee … and we will one day give an account of what we’ve done.
