6 A Disciplinarian

A Disciplinarian

#6 in the Series:  My Daddy Is…

Not long ago I read a very sad, true story.  It was told by a pastor that had to give a funeral for a little girl.  This little girl had gotten in the habit of disobeying her parents' request to come to her.  The parents would say, “Come here, Suzy.” (Not her real name.) Suzy would instead turn and run off the other way, laughing.   The parents and grandparents thought it cute and did not address the behavior.  One day Suzy ran out into the yard and beyond to a space between two parked cars.  The mother, seeing another car approaching, called to her,  “Suzy, come here!”  To her horror, the child, laughing, turned and ran out into the street.  She was killed instantly! 

There is another story of a missionary who seeing his son seated on a log, suddenly said sternly, “Don’t move!”  The boy froze.  His eyes grew big as his father drew a piston and aimed it right at him!  “Don’t move!” the father said again.  As the pistol rang out with a bang, a large venomous snake fell at the boy’s feet.

These two examples, both true stories as I recall, illustrate the value of discipline.  Discipline from a parent or authority figure usually has to do with obedience or developing self-control.  I once heard “liberty” defined as the freedom to be self-controlled.  When we learn to control our selves and willing submit to authority there is great freedom and peace.  If we don’t, the authority has ways to convince us that we ought to obey.  It is usually not pleasant (for the parent or the child!) but it later produces right living and peace.

If we love our children, we will discipline them.  God loves us, therefore he disciplines us. 

“because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3:12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.”

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭3:19‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you.”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭8:5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Blessed is the one you discipline, Lord, the one you teach from your law;”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭94:12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12:5-11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Lord, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps. Discipline me, Lord, but only in due measure— not in your anger, or you will reduce me to nothing.”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭10:23-24‬ ‭NIV‬‬

1. Now…pray and ask Holy Spirit to highlight something from this post and to teach you. (Perhaps he already highlighted something as you were reading!). Close your eyes and be silent before him for a minute or two...or more.  Breathe in Holy Spirit.  (Yes, actually inhale.)  Listen.  Open your eyes and peruse the post.  What does your eye see or your ear hear?  Write it in your journal.

2. Why does it seem important?  You could even ask:  Father/Jesus/Holy Spirit, why have you brought this to my attention?  Write the answer in your journal.  (The answer may be a question…an I wonder.  Allow Holy Spirit to direct your thoughts.)

3. Make it a prayer.  Pray the scripture (and it’s insights, questions, or comments) back to the Father.  Write this in your journal.

4. How are you going to be different after this experience with God?  What does he want you to be or do as a result?  If you are not sure, ask him.  Write this in your journal. 

I look forward to this journey with you!  Onward to freedom for your mustang heart!

P.S. I will be sharing some of my insights and experiences in the comments as examples for you.   I cherish your comments below and emails at:  joyfullcoyote@gmail.com.  Share on social media.  (If you receive this in your email, you may need to visit the webpage (MustangHeart link in the footer) to find the share buttons.)  If you don’t receive it in your email, sign up for auto delivery at the top of the right hand column on the webpage.  If you access the website via a mobile device change to the web view to see the sign up box.)  Be blessed today!