This particular Word was given to me in a dream this morning in a rather powerful manner. I was given this Scripture reference multiple times while Pam and I were dealing our two year old whom we took to school. He was rather unruly but the moment I took him into my arms, he was at peace and immediately fell asleep from exhaustion.
In 1 Corinthians chapter 4, Paul wrote:
14 I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you.
15 For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
Each and every blog I write is given to me by FATHER for your and my benefit. Some days it is for encouragement, direction, and instruction whereas other days it is for correction. Some of these blogs may cause the reader to be offended and if it does there might be some core issue needing attention. When Truth brings forth light, the darkness is revealed and should be acted upon by seeking FATHER and have HIM expose the root of the offense.
The Truth of the Word exposes the guilty. To the pure all things are pure but to the impure all things are impure thus your response will reveal your heart when FATHER speaks forth HIS Word to you. I write each day out of Love for all who read the blogs on this site. It is FATHER’S Love in me flowing through me to you so that we all are raised up IN HIM.
I prefer not to bring forth the rod of correction but FATHER knows I am willing because it is necessary to deal with the root of the issue, not just the symptoms. Some of these writing may stir up unwanted emotions but surely they must be dealt with in order to allow good fruit to come forth. Those who are in constant turmoil must realize they must change. You only need to look back at their recent history to see that something is preventing them from walking in peace and blessing.
Paul continues:
16 Therefore I urge you, imitate me.
17 For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church.
When I look back at my younger years, I would not have wanted anybody to imitate me. I was brash, self-serving, and driven. FATHER had to do major surgery on my heart and I suspect that is why HE would have me focus on certain areas for ten years at a time as part of my training of following HIM. HIS patience had to overcome my faults and of course that was easy since HE is never in a hurry.
Paul had an unworthy youth as well yet he could now say “Imitate me”. Why? Because he now had the revelation of FATHER’S Love operating in his life and knew the necessity of correction. The times ahead may be quite challenging and those who are intent of remaining immature and unwilling to change will suffer in the greatest manner. I hope to look back and see that these writings helped prepare people for what lies ahead.
18 Now some are puffed up, as though I were not coming to you.
19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord wills, and I will know, not the word of those who are puffed up, but the power.
20 For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power.
21 What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod (of correction), or in love and a spirit of gentleness?
The reader chooses what they want to receive out of these writings. I receive many communications from people with testimonies of how these writings have help them or loved ones. I purposely include Scripture as the basis of these writings so that we all can benefit and be filled with FATHER’S Word. In 2 Timothy chapter 3, Paul writes:
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
There is a work to be done by the pure in heart. Others will simply sit on the sidelines doing nothing. Training and education require that we are willing to be corrected and receive FATHER’S Wisdom and Understanding. Those two attributes are often missing among the younger believers. They acquire knowledge and skill but FATHER’S Wisdom takes time to receive and that is why Proverbs emphasizes the need for getting Wisdom. Father will open your eyes to understanding as you are ready to receive it.
If you perceive guilt or offence after reading a blog, look in the mirror and do an assessment. My only intent is to write what FATHER gives me. Some of the past writings have caused me to repent as FATHER revealed some needed correction in my own life. The Word has a cleansing aspect to it and we should embrace the purification process rather than defend an “indefensible” position. Each of us needs to detoxify in order that our lives be pure and acceptable before HIM.