Discipline with Love

 

"The Lord disciplines the one He loves." — Hebrews 12:6

Discipline isn’t about control—it’s about guidance. It is a way of teaching, shaping, and nurturing, not a tool for domination. True discipline comes from a place of love, not frustration. As parents, mentors, or leaders, we must ensure that our discipline mirrors the way God corrects us—with love, patience, and purpose.

The Purpose of Discipline

Many people associate discipline with punishment, but biblical discipline is not about inflicting pain or fear—it is about teaching and correcting. The word "discipline" shares the same root as "disciple," which means a student or follower. God disciplines His children not to harm them, but to mold them into who He has called them to be.

Proverbs 3:11-12 says, "My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent His rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those He loves, as a father the son he delights in." Just as a loving earthly father corrects his child to prevent them from harm and to help them grow in wisdom, so does our Heavenly Father. Discipline is an act of love, not anger or control.

Discipline Reflects God's Heart

When we discipline others—whether our children, students, or even those we mentor—we should do so in a way that reflects the heart of God. He does not discipline out of frustration, impatience, or a desire for revenge. Instead, He corrects us because He wants us to live in alignment with His will and experience His best for our lives.

Hebrews 12:10-11 reminds us, "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." When we discipline with love, we are helping others grow in righteousness and peace.

Correcting with Love, Not Frustration

It can be easy to react in anger when someone makes a mistake, especially when dealing with children or those under our guidance. However, the Bible warns against this. Ephesians 6:4 says, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." This means discipline should be fair, measured, and rooted in love rather than harshness.

Here are a few practical ways to correct with love:

1. Pause Before Reacting – When frustration arises, take a moment to pray and compose yourself before responding. Reacting in anger can harm more than help.
2. Explain the Reasoning – Correction is most effective when the person understands why they are being disciplined. Teach rather than just punish.
3. Offer Encouragement – Discipline should not only focus on what went wrong but also highlight the potential for improvement.
4. Lead by Example – Demonstrate the values and behaviors you expect from others.
5. Follow Up with Love – Reassure the person being disciplined that they are still loved and valued.

God’s Love in Our Discipline

God’s discipline is always redemptive. He does not abandon or reject His children; rather, He corrects them to bring them closer to Him. As we correct others, we must do so with the same heart. Our goal should be restoration, not rejection; teaching, not shaming.

By disciplining with love, we demonstrate the very nature of God’s heart—a heart that guides, corrects, and nurtures His children toward righteousness. May we always reflect His love in our words, actions, and discipline.

PART 1: When ‘Help’ Is a Trap: Why Even Christians Tempt Others in Style

 

The Bait: A Divine Opportunity

A few years ago, I was offered a job overseas through a Pastor and a "brother" in Christ. At first, everything seemed perfect—their kindness, their prayers, their insistence that this was "God’s plan" for me. Grateful, I stepped into what I believed was an open door from the Lord.

But slowly, things changed. Promises made in private were denied in public. Requests for accountability were dismissed as "distrust." The Pastor, though thousands of miles away, demanded control over decisions that weren’t his to make. The "brother" assigned to assist me began asking probing questions, reporting back every detail, twisting conversations to fit a narrative I didn’t recognize.

What started as a blessing felt like a spiritual spy mission—with me as the target.

The Hook: Control Wrapped in Scripture

The moment I questioned inconsistencies, the tone shifted. Verses about "submission to authority" were weaponized. My concerns were labeled rebellion. The brother, once warm, became cold—setting up scenarios to trap me in contradictions.

I realized too late: Not every helping hand is clean.
Some people don’t serve—they manage.
They don’t empower—they control.

And the most dangerous part? They do it all in Jesus’ name.

The Biblical Parallel: Wolves in Designer Clothing

Jesus warned, "Watch out for false prophets… inwardly they are ferocious wolves" (Matthew 7:15). Paul wept over those who "pretend to be apostles of Christ" (2 Corinthians 11:13). My story wasn’t unique—it was ancient.

How stylish temptation works in the Church:

1. The Bait: Offers wrapped in spiritual language ("God told me to help you").
2. The Hook: Gradual isolation from other voices ("We know what’s best for you").
3. The Trap: Punishment for questioning ("You’re attacking God’s anointed").

The Escape: Losing a Job, Gaining Discernment

When I refused to play along, the "brother" escalated. False accusations. Twisted words. Eventually, I lost the job—but not before God opened my eyes.

What Satan meant for harm, God used for training in discernment (Hebrews 5:14).

• I learned: Not every open door is from God (Revelation 3:8).
• I saw: Manipulators fear exposure (John 3:20).
• I thanked Him: For the exit I didn’t choose but desperately needed.

How to Spot "Stylish Temptation" in the Church

Ask yourself:

1. Does this "help" come with unhealthy strings attached?
2. Are my concerns met with defensiveness or gaslighting?
3. Is there a pattern of broken promises?

If yes—run. Better to walk away from a "blessing" than to surrender to a trap.

A Warning and a Hope

To those who’ve been betrayed by people you trusted:

• You’re not crazy. Spiritual abuse is real.
• You’re not alone. Even David asked, "If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it… but it is you, my equal" (Psalm 55:12-13).
• You’re not without recourse. God sees. He judges justly (2 Timothy 4:14).

Final Thought

I lost a job, but I gained freedom. Some "doors" close because God is protecting you—not punishing you. Stay wise. Test every spirit. And never let anyone remote-control your faith.

"For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ."
—2 Corinthians 11:13

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Discussion Question:

"Have you ever encountered ‘spiritual manipulation’? How did God reveal the truth to you?"

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, open my eyes to unhealthy influences. Heal my wounds from betrayal, and help me trust Your leadership above all in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Balance on a String: Lessons from the High-Wire Act of Faith

 

Have you ever watched a performer ride a bicycle on a thin string, high above the ground? They glide effortlessly, sometimes even juggling or dancing mid-air, while the crowd gasps in awe. How do they do it? we wonder. Are they from another world?

The truth is simpler yet profound: their skill comes from dedication, practice, and courage. They’ve fallen countless times, gotten back up, and kept going until balance became second nature.

The Tightrope of Christian Life

In many ways, our walk with Christ mirrors this high-wire act. The Bible calls us pilgrims (Hebrews 11:13)—travelers passing through this world, headed for an eternal home with our Creator. But the journey isn’t always steady.

• Dedication: Just as the performer commits to their craft, we’re called to fix our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2), even when distractions pull at us.
• Practice: Faith grows stronger through daily reliance on God’s Word and prayer. Like a muscle, it weakens without use.
• Courage: The tightrope walker ignores the chasm below; we too must press on despite fear, knowing "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7).

When the Rope Shakes

Some start this walk with joy but turn back when storms hit—discouragement, doubt, or suffering make the path seem impossible. But God’s promise is unwavering:

"I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5).

You are not alone. The same God who calmed the sea for Peter walks with you now. When you wobble, His grace steadies you. When you fall, His hand lifts you up.

The Safety Net of Promise

The world’s tightrope has no net—but ours does. God’s faithfulness is our safety. "He who promised is faithful" (Hebrews 10:23). Your current struggle isn’t the end; it’s part of the act. Wait on Him. Trust His timing. The applause of heaven awaits those who endure (James 1:12).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, when my faith feels shaky, remind me that You’re my balance. Teach me to walk with courage, knowing You hold the rope in Jesus' name. Amen.

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Call to Action:

• Have you faced a "high-wire moment" in your faith? Share in the comments!
• Struggling to keep balance? Download my free prayer guide.

Let Everything That Has Breath Praise the Lord

 

“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!” (Psalm 150:6)

When we read the word “Let” in Scripture, it often carries a sense of divine authority and power. It is not a suggestion or a request; it is a command, a declaration that brings something into being. For example, in Genesis 1:3, we see this powerful word at work:

“Then God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light.”

With a single word, God spoke, and light burst forth into existence. This same authority is reflected in Psalm 150:6 when the psalmist declares, “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” It is as if God is issuing a divine decree, calling all of creation—every living being—to join in the symphony of praise to Him.

The Breath of Life: A Gift for Praise

The phrase “everything that has breath” reminds us that every living creature owes its existence to God. It is He who breathed the breath of life into Adam (Genesis 2:7), and it is He who sustains the life of every living thing. From the smallest insect to the largest mammal, every breath is a gift from God, and every breath is an opportunity to glorify Him.

But what does it mean for everything to praise the Lord? Does this include animals, birds, and even the natural world? I believe it does!

The Song of Creation

Have you ever stopped to listen to the birds singing at dawn? Their melodies are not just random chirps; they are a chorus of praise to their Creator. In their own way, birds declare the glory of God through their songs. Jesus Himself pointed to the birds as evidence of God’s care and provision (Matthew 6:26), and if God cares for them so deeply, how much more does He delight in their songs of praise?

The psalmist also speaks of creation praising God:

“Praise the Lord from the earth,
You great sea creatures and all the depths;
Fire and hail, snow and clouds;
Stormy wind, fulfilling His word;
Mountains and all hills;
Fruitful trees and all cedars;
Beasts and all cattle;
Creeping things and flying fowl.” (Psalm 148:7-10)

This beautiful imagery shows us that all of creation—every tree, every mountain, every creature—joins in a universal chorus of praise to the Lord. Even the wind and the waves obey His voice (Mark 4:41), and the heavens declare His glory (Psalm 19:1).

What About Us?

If the birds of the air and the creatures of the earth praise God, how much more should we, as His image-bearers, lift our voices in worship? We have been given not only breath but also the ability to know God, to love Him, and to express our gratitude and adoration in ways that no other creature can.

Yet, how often do we take this privilege for granted? How often do we go through our days without pausing to thank God for the gift of life, for the beauty of His creation, and for the salvation He has given us through Jesus Christ?

A Call to Praise

Let us respond to the psalmist’s call with joy and enthusiasm. Let us join the birds in their morning songs, the mountains in their silent majesty, and the waves in their ceaseless praise. Let us use every breath we have to glorify the One who gave us life.

“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.”

This is not just a command; it is an invitation—an invitation to be part of something greater than ourselves, to join the eternal chorus of creation in worshiping our Creator.

What a wonderful God we serve! A God who not only commands our praise but also delights in it. A God who fills the earth with beauty and gives us the breath to sing His praises. Let us never take this gift for granted. Let us praise Him with every breath, every word, and every song.

“Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul! While I live I will praise the Lord; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.” (Psalm 146:1-2)

21st Birthday Miracle: Chosen Before Birth, Rescued By Grace

 

My 21st birthday celebration was simple—just a few friends, none of the wild excesses some expect. While others drank, I hadn’t touched alcohol that day (though I wasn’t yet walking with Christ). What happened next would reveal a staggering truth: God had been protecting me long before I knew Him—since before I took my first breath.

The Unconscious Miracle

I was riding my motorcycle at a normal speed, taking my sister’s friend home. Then came the unexplainable:

• A sudden blackout—not a power outage, but I lost consciousness while still operating the bike
• Supernatural navigation—somehow, we’d already passed a deadly intersection where two highways met (a collision there with any large vehicle would have been fatal)
• Waking to impact—I regained consciousness just in time to see the oncoming bike, with zero seconds to react before collision

Yet the greater miracle wasn’t our survival—it was the proof of what Scripture says:

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart" (Jeremiah 1:5).
"He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world" (Ephesians 1:4).

Divine Rescuers at Zero Hour

At the exact moment we crashed:

1. The girl’s brother happened to be passing by with friends—human angels unaware
2. They got us immediate medical care
3. We walked away with only minor injuries

Science can’t explain:

• How an unconscious rider navigated traffic
• Why consciousness returned precisely before impact
• Why help arrived at the perfect moment

A Prayer of Thanksgiving and Hope

"Heavenly Father, thank You for choosing me before time began. Thank You for protecting me when I didn’t know to ask for protection. For anyone reading this facing fear or uncertainty, remind them: You’ve numbered their days (Psalm 139:16), and no accident—seen or unseen—can thwart Your purpose. Give them eyes to see Your past rescues, and faith to trust Your future grace. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen."

The God Who Claims Us First

This happened:
✓ Decades after He’d already chosen me (Ephesians 1:4)
✓ While I was spiritually blind
✓ Through physically impossible circumstances

That’s who our God is—His mercy doesn’t depend on our awareness. Your story of divine protection began before your first heartbeat.

Reflection: What near-misses in your life might be evidence of God’s lifelong guardianship?

From Shame to Glory: How Jesus Restored What Adam Lost

 

1. The Glory We Were Meant to Wear

"Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame." (Genesis 2:25)

Before sin entered the world, humanity was clothed in something far greater than fabric—the manifest glory of God’s presence. Their nakedness wasn’t a problem because they were covered by divine radiance, unbroken fellowship, and perfect purity.

But the moment Adam and Eve bit the fruit, everything changed. The glory lifted. For the first time, they felt exposed—not just physically, but spiritually (Genesis 3:7). Their frantic attempt to cover themselves with fig leaves was a tragic symbol: no human effort could restore what only God could provide.

2. The Law: God’s Perfect, Unreachable Standard

God is holy (Isaiah 6:3), righteous (Psalm 7:11), and just (Deuteronomy 32:4). His Law—given through Moses—was like a mirror: it showed humanity their shattered reflection (Romans 3:20). No matter how hard they tried, no one could keep it perfectly.

But then Jesus came.

Born into a Jewish family, He submitted to every requirement of the Law:

• Circumcised on the eighth day (Luke 2:21).
• Presented at the Temple (Luke 2:22).
• Observed Passover, feasts, and Sabbath (Matthew 26:17–19).

Yet unlike every other human, He never sinned (Hebrews 4:15). He didn’t just follow the Law—He was the Law incarnate (John 1:14). And in doing so, He exposed the hypocrisy of rule-keeping without heart transformation (Matthew 23:27–28).

3. The Cross: Where the Law Was Crucified

Here’s the scandalous truth: Jesus didn’t just fulfill the Law—He became its curse for us (Galatians 3:13).

• The Law demanded a perfect sacrifice? He was the Lamb (John 1:29).
• The Law required righteousness? He became our righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21).
• The Law pronounced death for sin? He took our death (Romans 6:23).

When Jesus cried, “It is finished!” (John 19:30), He didn’t just mean His suffering—He meant the old system of striving was over. The veil tore (Matthew 27:51), and suddenly, access to God’s glory wasn’t just for high priests—it was for anyone in Christ.

4. Your Divine Inheritance: Claiming the ‘Policy’ Jesus Paid For

Imagine a father who leaves his children a priceless insurance policy. The premium is paid, the benefits secured—but if the heirs never claim it, they live like paupers.

This is the tragedy of many believers.
Jesus didn’t just forgive you; He restored the glory Adam lost:

• Justified: Declared righteous (Romans 5:1).
• Clothed: Covered in Christ’s dignity (Galatians 3:27).
• Seated: Given authority (Ephesians 2:6).

This is why Paul shouts:

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Conclusion: Step Into Your Robe of Glory

Today, you have a choice:

• Live ashamed, hiding behind fig leaves of works, guilt, or fear.
• Live clothed, walking in the identity Jesus bought for you.

Prayer:
“Jesus, I receive what You’ve done for me. I renounce shame and claim Your righteousness. Teach me to walk in the glory You restored. Amen.”

Body Building vs. Faith Building: Training for Now and Eternity

 

"Exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come." — 1 Timothy 4:7-8 (NKJV)

We live in a world obsessed with physical fitness—shredded abs, bulging biceps, and peak performance. But while bodybuilding shapes the outer man, faith-building strengthens the inner man for eternity.

Let’s compare legendary bodybuilders with mighty faith-builders to see the difference—and the greater call.

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1. Arnold Schwarzenegger vs. Apostle Paul

Bodybuilder: Arnold Schwarzenegger

• Fame: 7-time Mr. Olympia, Hollywood icon, former governor.
• Training: Relentless weightlifting, extreme discipline, high-protein diet.
• Legacy: Inspired millions to chase physical strength.

Faith-Builder: Apostle Paul

• Fame: Transformed from persecutor to apostle, wrote 13 New Testament books.
• Training: Prayer, fasting, enduring beatings, shipwrecks, and prison for the Gospel.
• Legacy: Built the early Church—his spiritual "gains" still transform lives today.

Lesson: "For though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day." (2 Cor. 4:16)

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2. Ronnie Coleman vs. David (The Giant Slayer)

Bodybuilder: Ronnie Coleman

• Fame: 8-time Mr. Olympia, one of the strongest bodybuilders ever.
• Training: Lifted insane weights, lived by "Light weight, baby!"
• Legacy: Now battles chronic pain from years of extreme training.

Faith-Builder: King David

• Fame: Killed Goliath, became Israel’s greatest king, a man after God’s heart.
• Training: Worship, repentance, reliance on God in battle.
• Legacy: His Psalms still strengthen believers 3,000 years later.

Lesson: "The Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s." (1 Sam. 17:47)

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3. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson vs. Moses

Bodybuilder: Dwayne Johnson

• Fame: WWE Champion, Hollywood superstar, fitness motivator.
• Training: Intense workouts, military-level discipline.
• Legacy: Encourages millions to push physical limits.

Faith-Builder: Moses

• Fame: Led Israel out of Egypt, spoke with God face-to-face.
• Training: 40 years in the wilderness, interceded for a rebellious people.
• Legacy: Delivered the Law—the foundation of God’s covenant.

Lesson: "The Rock" lifts weights, but Moses moved nations by faith.

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4. Modern Fitness Icons vs. Modern Faith Warriors

Today’s culture celebrates fitness influencers selling workout plans and supplements. But true spiritual gains come from faith warriors like:

• Nick Vujicic (born without limbs, yet preaches Christ to millions)
• Sadie Robertson (challenges youth to live radically for God)
• Pastor David Platt (calls believers to surrender all for the Gospel)

Their training? Prayer. Scripture. Obedience. Sacrifice.

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Final Set: Where’s Your Focus?

• Bodily exercise has some profit (1 Tim. 4:8).
• Godly exercise has eternal reward (Matt. 6:20).

Your Challenge:

✅ Train your body (it’s God’s temple—1 Cor. 6:19).
🔥 Train your spirit DAILY (it’s eternal—1 Tim. 4:7).

Which one needs more reps in your life?