Reproof and Restoration or Rebellion?

Reproof is designed to bring repentance and repentance brings restoration.

"He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding." Proverbs 15:32

According to the Strong's Concordance, Reproof by definition means - properly, to convince with solid, compelling evidence, especially to expose (prove wrong, connect).

The Word of God, through the Scriptures brings such corrections to our natural rebellion against the Almighty.

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"
2 Timothy 3:16

"My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth." Proverbs 3:11-12

Those who embrace and heed are wise, and reap restoration to the Father, yet those who reject and remain in their rebellion refuse union or reunion with the Creator. Are you spending time in the Word of God? Are you allowing Him to deal with you? Do you embrace His chiding or do you think you know better than He?

I Will Be With Thee

"When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One..." Isaiah 43:2-3

As I read this chapter and reread this passage a few times today. I told the Lord, I don't want to be able to just quote these words but rather my life declare PROOF it's true. He gently whispered "It does because I am with you always."

Many times the enemy tries to plant seeds of doubt within us in attempts to detour our focus onto self or the waters, storms and fires. Whatever the doubt seeds may be, whether our love for the Lord, our walk with the King or our service unto Him. The Father by His Holy Spirit supernaturally redirects us by adding to our faith and redirecting us to His Word. 

When He says, "I am with you." Do you trust and believe Him?

Dishonored by drama and disobedience

"But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king's commandment by his chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him." Esther 1:12

This was a very costly decision by the queen. In her pride she refused her husband's call. It not only cost her his respect, but that of all in the kingdom and the kingdom itself!

This simple portrait can be related to the call of Christ. Many today, in their pride refuse Him too, being comfortable where they are. They see no need nor the long term consequences.

If He's speaking to you, will you heed His call or will you reject in great disrespect? For some this may pertain to your salvation for others, He desires your presence in willful obedience. Question is, what is your response to the King of kings?

Strength of man or Christ covering?

"Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin: That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt! Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh be your shame, and the trust in the shadow of Egypt your confusion." Isaiah 30:1-3

Is not the strength of man (humanness) limited? What protection can a shadow give? Does it not move with the sun and fade as the sun passes? Oh, but to "add sin to sin"! The endless opportunities, yet unbenounced leads to confusion, chaos, shame, regret and not to mention, a wide open target because outside the Lord's Will is to be outside of His protection! 

"Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD." Jeremiah 17:5

Yet in His mercy and grace---> "...For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still." Isaiah 10:4 He still bids us "come"!

Honestly give yourself a prayerful examination. Where is your hope, peace and trust placed?

Saving Strength

"The LORD is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed." Psalm 28:8

To be "His anointed" is to be His chosen vessel and one that is set apart. There is favor here that the common carnal man/woman knows nothing of. More than being touched with oil, this one is filled with the Holy Spirit. 

As though being His anointed weren't a blessing big enough in itself; He is THE "saving strength"! Saving here is victory, deliverance, help or aid, and salvation! 

If His Holy Spirit is living within us and He alone is our saving strength, are we truly abiding in Him and learning that needed reliance and dependence upon Him in every area of our lives? Is His mark upon us that visibly shouts "GLOOOOORY" from the rooftops; reflecting He is ALL we need in all things?

My heart is fixed

"My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise." Psalm 57:7

Only a heart "fixed", which is established, fastened, firm and/or ready can continually sing and give praise. Why? Because this heart sees Christ above all circumstances, trials, tribulations and temptations. 

Do you know why this is so important? It testifies to those around us Who Christ is: he is our Rock, our Strength, our Fortress, our Deliverer, our Strong Tower, He is alive, working and ever present! Is the joy of the Lord evident in your life today?

The struggle is real

"The struggle is real", a common phrase these days. Honestly, we all see it, we all experience it.

One day my son came up to me with a wrinkled sheet of paper. I asked what he was making. He says, "Oh, I'm trying to make a paper airplane." I asked him if he still had his instruction book. He thought a moment and said I think I do. I replied wouldn't it be easier to get it and know how to do it the right way? He said, ummm, no. I want to do it my way. 

Real life application: The longer we ignore instruction, the harder we will struggle. 

God in His infinite love has given us an instruction manual too... His Word!

He says in Psalm 38:8 "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye."

 Key question is: Will we struggle in our own way or trust Him, believe Him, and obey His instructions?