Ned,
This is right on.  What is not taught in most of the churches I have been
associated with, is that without allowing God to discipline and break us, we
really can't be of much use to him.  This is because we, like an unbroken
horse, want to go our own way, and we want to get there with as much comfort
as possible.  Did you ever notice how Jesus was dealing with his disciples?
He wasn't always nice, as we think of being nice and encouraging. He
continually said things like, OF you of little faith, and unless you hate
your own life, count the cost put your hand to the plow and don't look back,
you are not worthy to be his disciple.  And Jesus meant every word he said.
Now, try preaching that in many churches on Sunday, and see how many friends
you have left.  It's not a popular message, but it is a necessary message.
I'm not saying he doesn't love us or anything like that, but I am saying
that we need to allow the discipline in our lives so
God can take us and form us into that which he wants us to be.  So let's all
commit to allowing God to work in our lives, and make us pliable in his
hands, and obediant.  Jus like we deal with our children, disciplin is
always backed by love.  Without this discipline, our children will only be
wild plants.  It's bad enough to see how they, and we, rebel under the
discipline until we grow up.

Vinny
----- Original Message -----
From: "Vicki and The Rors" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, August 26, 2005 6:34 AM
Subject: Re: Brokenness


> Thanks for sharing Ned.  Good thoughts here.
>
> Vicki
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Ned Benton" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Friday, August 26, 2005 6:10 AM
> Subject: [ECHURCH-USA] Brokenness
>
>
>> Thought this might bless you today!  I copied and pasted to rid you of
>> all
>> the extrat stuff.
>>
>> Ned
>>
>>
>> CCF   Survival Guide
>> Friday  8/26/05
>> Broken
>> "[THE SACRIFICE ACCEPTABLE] TO GOD IS A BROKEN AND CONTRITE HEART."
>> PSALM 51:17 (AMP)
>>
>>
>> There are two types of brokenness in the Bible.  One is the result of
> being
>> hurt
>> and mistreated. The other is when we do something wrong and aren't just
>> sorry we
>> got caught, but genuinely regret grieving God. That kind of brokenness
>> softens our
>> hearts, removes rebellion, and clothes us with humility.
>> Ever seen a cowboy try to tame a wild horse?  The first time he jumps on,
>> the horse
>> has a fit - it bucks and kicks until he's thrown off.  But gradually, as
> the
>> horse
>> is broken, it becomes gentle and a joy to ride.  It is  the same with us.
>> When we
>> first come to God our flesh is wild and out of control, so He puts His
>> "spiritual
>> reins" on us and harnesses our energies into doing His will and not our
> own.
>> Now
>> instead of living by our impulses, we follow the leading of His Spirit:
>> "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
>> 12:11 NIV).
>> If you're struggling with God's correction today, exchange your struggle
> for
>> a snuggle.
>> That's right, snuggle up into His arms and say,
>> "Father, I ask You to break me and make me the person You created me to
> be.
>> Help
>> me to accept Your discipline and begin making the changes You require,
>> for
> I
>> long
>> to please You in all that I do."
>> (c)2005 Timothy L. Hudson, UGA Christian Campus Fellowship
>> O
>>
>