Category: Daily Battle Orders

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“All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” Hebrews 12:11[expander_maker id="2" more="Read more" less="Read less"]

As we continue our discussion on discipline, we need to consider the part punishment may have in the process. There are two types of punishment: retributive and redemptive.

Retribution or manipulative punishment is inflicted as a raw act of vengeance. The deliverer of this sort of punishment is usually angry and emotional. The only ‘training’ occurring in these circumstances is in how to be coerced, and forcibly controlled. That punishment is ungodly, with roots in the kingdom of darkness.

Redemptive punishment can be used as one of the many tools for Godly discipline and training. And though Jesus is fully God, He endured such training as the Son of God, while also embracing the human training you and I might experience. The writer of Hebrews 5:8 tells us Jesus “was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered.” Jesus chose to endure all aspects of being human, including submitting to a season of training.

As a teenager, through an angry act, I unintentionally separated a teenage girl’s knees from her lower legs. I had been playing sandlot football with a bunch of buddies. Several girls, including Sandy, were watching. When the ball went out of play, Sandy grabbed it and ran off. I chased her down with a vicious tackle. Instead of exercising wisdom and controlling my emotions, they controlled me. Sandy came home from the base hospital a few days later. I was horrified but remained silent, thinking to hide my sin. Eventually, her parents informed my parents. Turns out, Sandy liked me and was attempting to get my attention. My Chief Master Sergeant father used this as a training moment.

Instead of yelling or applying a wooden rod, my father used an appropriate tool. I was in JROTC at the time. Dad had me dress in full uniform, and he had me spend my own money on a box of candy and a bouquet of flowers. He then marched with me down the sidewalk, in broad daylight, to Sandy’s home. All the neighbors knew of the event, as they were outside on their stoops or looking out the windows. My poor, adolescent choice was on full display. But Dad walked right beside me.

Sandy’s entire family was waiting in their living room. I verbally asked forgiveness of Sandy and her entire family, presenting her with the candy, flowers, and as soon as she was out of her casts…a request for a date to go to the movies. Her family graciously forgave, and Sandy’s smile told me I would be buying movie tickets soon.

My Dad’s training that day was definitely ‘not joyful’. I would have rather he used a different rod. But Dad used the right, redemptive punishment that day. Since that October day at Sheppard AFB, I have never tackled another girl! It was a training step in how to control my emotions, so as to avoid harming others. I had a tangible tool, a better grasp regarding how a ‘man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness of God.’

Daily Battlefield Order
Examine your outlook on training and discipline. Is it redemptive or manipulative? What we practice will be replicated. Look deep into yourself and see where you stand with your discipline. Are you willing to train and be trained redemptively? Godly training may include redemptive punishment. But Godly training always has the same goal and outcome for those who have submitted to its training. It yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.

Take time out and answer those questions. Post them up on our Facebook site (https://www.facebook.com/joshuacommission )and our Website (https://joshuacommission.org/).

Tomorrow we will focus on constructive corrective discipline vs. shaming.[/expander_maker]

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Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray. ~ Proverbs 10:17

And to Adam he said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, ‘You shall not eat of it,’ cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life; ~Genesis 3:17[expander_maker id="2" more="Read more" less="Read less"]

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. ~Galatians 5:22-23

The Bible gives us a lot of instruction regarding discipline. Paul compares it to a boxer training for fight in his letter to the Corinthians. King Solomon, tells us that it is a path to wisdom and righteousness, in the Book of Proverbs. The common theme between these men, covering  over twenty-five generations between their writings, is that discipline requires energy and focus. It is intentional, not haphazard. The focus and energy must come from something greater than just you.

As we are discussing this week, discipline is more than just about how it impacts us. It is about how our discipline impacts the people and things we touch. As Proverbs, 10:17 suggests and Genesis 3:17 illustrates, as men, our discipline, or lack thereof, impacts our environment. We will either help it to be nourished or cursed. The outcome is due in large part to the intentionality we place on preparing, training and drawing on the Fruit of the Spirit to power that which brings a harvest of peace, joy and success for the glory of God.

Often when we try to live a disciplined life we draw our own energy and willpower. We say things like “Dig Deep” or “I can overcome” or “I can hang on for one more day” and “I can do one more rep.” I can refrain”. We boast about our self-control. Not realizing that like grace, self-control is a gift lest no one should boast (Ephesians 2:9). We use the words willpower and self control interchangeably but they are not the same. Willpower and self-control draw from different wells. You feed your willpower. It is a function of your attitude and energy. That’s why it’s greater at the beginning of the day or early in the week. And as the days drag on or the hour gets late, your willpower breaks down and ultimately fails. You find yourself, as Paul says “doing what I don’t want to do” (Romans 7:15). Self control on the other hand is a Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), it can never run out and it doesn’t have to do with how you feel or your energy level. It is always refreshing we just have to be intentional and tap in.

Daily Battle Order:

Kingdom Man, do you want to be refreshed?  Do you want others around you to be refreshed?  Then be intentional.  The intentionality of heeding discipline “shows the way to life”.  The haphazard approach, ignoring correction, “leads others astray.”

God has given you a choice, but, He didn’t just leave you alone.  He gave you the Holy Spirit as a guide and counselor, along with His Word.  Rely on and yield to the Holy Spirit who empowers you to live a disciplined life and to love others intentionally, as Christ.

Tomorrow we will focus on the training of discipline vs. punishment.[/expander_maker]

via TJC “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4 NLT

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“When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” ‭John‬ ‭21:15, 17‬ ‭NIV‬‬[expander_maker id="2" more="Read more" less="Read less"]

I just took up golf this year.  I’ve hit lots of balls over the years but this year took lessons and really been trying to focus and be disciplined playing.  But I keep slicing balls off into the woods or water. I’ve taken a mulligan so many times, which the dictionary defines as “a shot not counted against the score, permitted in unofficial play to a player whose previous shot was poor.” In other words, a mulligan is a do-over.

In the Book of John, Jesus gave Peter a “spiritual mulligan.” If you remember at the Last Supper, Jesus warned Peter that he would deny him three times before the rooster crowed. Peter boasts that he was ready to go to prison and to death. But Peter fails, accused by a little girl, he denies Christ three times. Jesus looks right at him as the rooster crows – and Peter leaves weeping bitterly as he fails. 

I’ve failed countless times in the areas we talked about this week; discipline is hard. 

But don’t quit; this is about the long haul and getting back up when we fail. That bowl of ice cream last night isn’t the end of weeks of dieting; you get back up and keep eating well. 

So here we have, Jesus going and finding Peter and giving him a huge redo.  Jesus calls Peter back to the tee, back to service, commanding him to feed his sheep. Did Peter blow it? Yes! Big time! Failure was not final because of grace and Peter was given a second chance at discipleship. He received a spiritual mulligan, a do-over 

Daily Battle Order:

Have you blown it lately?  Those things you swore you wouldn’t do- Porn, drugs, yelled at your wife with a stream of four letter words? We aren’t condoning failure as there are consequences, but our God is always giving second chances. Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Moses, David, Samson – they all blew it but God used them when they got back up and swung away with God. Kingdom Man- tee it up and let’s keep rolling

Facebook: (https://www.facebook.com/joshuacommission) and our Website: (https://joshuacommission.org/)[/expander_maker]

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“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thes 5:23 (NASB) [expander_maker id="2" more="Read more" less="Read less"]

When God made mankind, He made us as a 3-part being: Body, Soul (mind), and Spirit. So far this week we emphasized for Kingdom Men, those called as Christ’s disciples, to embrace Physical and Mental discipline. You know that top athletes train with intensity. They discipline their body into peak physical condition, and are mentally prepared, so when the game is on the line, they are ready.

We can see the physical conditioning that athletes undergo to compete for prizes, which in the end are temporal. For many Christians, there is a disconnect when thinking about our spiritual conditioning. The sad reality is that many Christians are unfit because they are isolated and undisciplined.

For some, the word discipline brings negative feelings. However, nobody drifts into discipline. Here is coach (apostle) Paul’s advice to young Timothy: “discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily training is just slightly beneficial, but godliness is beneficial for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” 1 Tim 4:7b-8

So how do we embrace spiritual discipline, so that we are fit, ready for the Lord’s calling? Begin with studying God’s word: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness” 2 Tim 3:16. The Bible is different from other books that we read for information or entertainment; the Bible is inspiration and food for our spirits (Math4:4; Jer 15:16).

Beyond studying/consuming God’s word as a hungry man would consume a meal, there is no consensus list of spiritual disciplines. As a spiritual exercise, study the Bible for what helps you to become spiritually fit. Here are some suggestions to get started: prayer, fellowship, fasting, and worship.

Daily Battle Order: Are you (or have you been) in a season of feeling spiritually empty? Do (did) you feel lonely, isolated, using pornography to try to fill a hollow feeling? Just as the undisciplined body becomes sluggish and fat, the undisciplined spirit becomes weak, and eating Cheetos will not help.

Spiritual discipline is a process, constantly choosing God’s spirit over the flesh.

However you are feeling now, how can you become more spiritually fit?. After Bible study, what else works for you and strengthens your spirit? This struggle over the flesh is a team sport; let’s learn discipline together gentlemen.

Take time out and answer those questions. Post them up on our Facebook site (https://www.facebook.com/joshuacommission) and our Website (https://joshuacommission.org/).[/expander_maker]

via TJC

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run their very best to win, but only one receives the prize? Run your race in such a way that you may seize the prize and make it yours! Now every athlete who goes into training and competes in the games is disciplined and exercises self-control in all things. They do it to win a crown that withers, but we do it to receive an imperishable crown that cannot wither. Therefore I do not run without a definite goal; I do not flail around like one beating the air (just shadow boxing). But (like a boxer) I strictly discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached the gospel to others, I myself will not somehow be disqualified as unfit for service.” 1 Cor 9:24-27 (AMP).[expander_maker id="2" more="Read more" less="Read less"]

If you saw a professional athlete, huffing & puffing at the beginning of training camp, you’d think that person lacked the personal discipline necessary to properly prepare their body for the season ahead. Similarly, when seeing a service member in uniform, we generally expect them to be physically fit to successfully meet the rigors of their jobs. 

The need for physical wellness is not limited to tasks or jobs requiring obvious physical exertion, but in all endeavours. The latin phrase,”mens sana in corpore sano”, or “a healthy mind in a healthy body” is widely used to express that physical wellness is an essential part of mental and psychological well-being. In seemingly cerebral activities, like chess, grandmasters have found the need to achieve high levels of physical fitness, with top of this list, Magnus Carlsen, the current world champion.

Still not convinced? What if there was a pill you could take, at minimal cost and with virtually no side effects, that “has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, certain cancers, osteoporosis, cognitive decline, hypertension and obesity, and even depression”, would you take it?  That “pill” is called physical fitness and it’s what the Doctor ordered. And following physical fitness comes the rest of physical wellness which includes watching what you eat (diet) and getting enough rest/sleep.

As disciples of Christ, does taking care of our body really matter? The answer is definitely yes! “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” 1 Cor 6:19-20 (NIV). Taking care of our bodies is not about vanity. Think about your car – do you maintain it so that it is ready to perform when you need it? In the same respect, we are to maintain the vessel that the Lord has given us so when called to use our bodies to serve, we’re ready.

Personally, when I make time to include physical exercise, I find I have the energy, stamina, and more relaxed approach to tackle the issues of the day.

Daily Battle Order: ”Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” Romans 12:1 (NIV).

How are you doing this week at Physical Discipline? For the rest of this year, the TJC Authors are encouraging each other in Physical Discipline, focussing on FIT-Frequency, Intensity, and Time (duration).

Have you found someone to encourage you (& you encourage them) to improve your Physical Discipline?

Take time out and answer those questions. Post them up on our Facebook site (https://www.facebook.com/joshuacommission) and our Website (https://joshuacommission.org/)[/expander_maker]

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“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” 1Corinthians 10:13[expander_maker id="2" more="Read more" less="Read less"]

These past couple weeks have been a struggle in one area for me. That struggle was within the realm of Sexual Discipline. Yesterday we spoke about how we as Kingdom Men need mental discipline to move forward in our walk. That is easier said than done. I have struggled in the past with porn and wondering eyes. I can say that I have improved my discipline towards both, but I still failed these past couple weeks. 

I speak with men all the time about how we need to be held accountable for our actions and call on each other. In all reality that will not stop us from doing what we feel is good at that moment. The sin is more fulfilling than the consequences at that moment. I did call a friend and tried to take my mind off of the situation, but I failed. I excused it because of an argument I had with my wife earlier that morning. It was my trigger to just go for it because I was mad at her. But that is not an excuse to go against God’s law of loving my wife as Christ loved the church. 

Mental Discipline lasted for a couple days for me while the enemy was very persistent in getting my attention. I fought off the urges throughout the week and was doing well until that day of the argument. What I remember about that specific week was that I was not in the Word as much. My heart was not full of the Word and therefore my worldly mind came front and center. 

Sexual Discipline is the hardest thing for many men. One thing we Kingdom Men forget is that we need to be in the word period. We need to feed ourselves daily to stay full. Is it still a struggle? Yes! But now we have put on the Armor of God each day and protect ourselves from our worldly selves. 

I had heard a great man speak about the struggles of sexual sin a couple weeks back and he put it in perfect perspective. We need to have an accountability partner who calls us out and says “Now what are you going to do?”, “Why did you do it?”, “What will we do to not let this happen again?”. He stated that you need a partner who will get into you like a drill sergeant. We do not need a cookie cutter partner who will just say, “hey that is alright man, I failed last week too. We will get this!” This type of partner will not help you grow. 

As stated in the above passage, God will always provide a way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. I have always seen that way out, but did not take it because my worldly thoughts outweighed my obedience to his word. Once I was back into His Word, my struggle became less of a burden to me and more of just another hurdle I will jump over with my obedience to His way of life.

Daily Battle Order: 

Look deep into yourself and see where you stand with your Discipline. Are you still struggling to shed that old self away and let the worldly self win the battle. Are you that accountability partner who just says, it’s ok and we will beat this one day? Change your strategy and get into the Word more. Be more obedient to Him by staying in the Word and that will help you maintain your discipline. 

Take time out and answer those questions. Post them up on our Facebook site (https://www.facebook.com/joshuacommission) and our Website (https://joshuacommission.org/).[/expander_maker]

via TJC

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy‬ ‭1:7‬ ‭NIV‬‬ 

One of the biggest factors that determine how successful you are is the discipline with which you take charge of your mind. People read countless self help books and attend courses about what they need to do in order to become happy, relaxed or more confident. But the truth is it’s one thing reading the steps you need to take and another thing to actually take them.[expander_maker id="2" more="Read more" less="Read less"]

Mental discipline refers to how disciplined you are to consistently engage in the kind of mental practices that get you what you want. Problem is most men are all talk, not disciplined, and fail as Kingdom men. The key is you have to value “it” enough to actually try and change your thinking.

My favorite sports movies are where men dig deep like “Brian Song”, “Remember the Titans” and “Rudy”.  All these true stories challenged me about my heart and mental discipline to change and be like God has called me. Who can forget Rudy being promised he would armor up and dress one time on the playing field to then not see his name? He quits the practice squad out of heartache and frustration. But another former Notre Dame player who had quit, gets him to see the mental discipline of his decisions and Rudy returns to the practice squad. Rudy isn’t a star athlete, but he has heart and eventually  gets what “it” is. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeGsYnAGm8g

Daily battle order- what is “it” that you say you value, and need to change your thinking on? It’s going to take discipline or, oh well enjoy that disappointment 

Take time out and answer those questions. Post them up on our Facebook site (https://www.facebook.com/joshuacommission) and our Website (https://joshuacommission.org/). [/expander_maker]

via TJC

“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 

This week we will be looking at discipline, specifically personal discipline. We’ll take a look at the overview of what personal discipline is, break it down into the four areas where it affects our daily lives, and lastly, what happens when we misstep. We are going to sort of give you the answer first, then go back and break it down. 

It all comes down to a choice, a choice between just two options: discipline or disappointment. 

Discipline is simply the path to which we are led to our God given future. It’s what a disciple is! It’s someone who leads a disciplined life.

Look, the only one that can let the enemy in and steal what is yours, is you. You have the option of staying disciplined and staying the course or take the instant gratification of what is easy now.

God is sovereign and knows what will happen, but He also gives you free will to determine if you will claim what is yours. I heard it said this way once, and it stuck with me: if you do what is easy, your life will be hard; if you do what is hard, your life will be easy. Man, is that true, and it’s rooted in the Word! You need the context behind that though- the deal is, if you do what is hard, your life will be easy, in Christ. Doing what is hard and disciplined according to Christ and leaning into Him in those areas, will make your life easy.

The rest of this week, stay tuned to see the four areas of your life where discipline takes a major role and how we apply it to a life as a disciple – a disciplined follower of Christ. And as humans, we know we will fall short- we are going to wrap up the week, by taking a look at how we move forward when we do.

Daily Battle Order: 

What areas of your life do you think you need more discipline? Pray on that going into this week. Get your heart ready and your mind focused on digging your heels into being disciplined now, so your life is easier in the long run. 
Take time out and answer those questions. Post them up on our Facebook site (https://www.facebook.com/joshuacommission) and our Website (https://joshuacommission.org/).

via TJC

 “Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them.

And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted.

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matt. 28:16-20[expander_maker id="2" more="Read more" less="Read less"]

All through this week you’ve read the stories of boasting in the Lord; these stories have applied to different aspects of our faith; transformation, baptism, and restoration. 

We can’t leave it here; let me explain. At TJC we have a weekly writers meeting. At the beginning of each meeting we have our prayer requests and our praise reports. It’s the praise reports, boasting in the Lord reports, look at what my Dad has done for me reports that I want to focus on. Join me as I open up the windows of the hearts of some of our TJC authors as they boast in the Lord. 

The author whose young daughter was diagnosed with an incurable form of cancer and given 6 months to live. 2 years later her scans show no cancer! She’s living and active and beautiful. Look what my Dad has done for me!

The author who travelled across the country with his wife and new son to show to his father, an unbeliever and yet again bear witness to Jesus. Upon arrival, his uncle and grandmother, and his father accepted Christ! He didn’t realize he would be headed back so soon as his father passed on. This author had the assurance of where his father was. Look what my Dad has done for me!

The author and his wife selling their home to move into an apartment waiting for God’s timing to move closer to their family only to be held up awaiting the final appraisal to close their home and move and the appraisal was not coming! The rental would not wait! When the author’s wife got on her knees and released the situation to God…the appraisal came within hours! Sale closed; apartment lease signed! Look what my Dad has done for me!

The author whose ex-wife visited his city and asked if she could stay with him. Divorced for over 12 years they had very open and very personal discussions about their lives and the lives of their children. Many wounds uncovered and the healing balm of Christ applied leading to a restored friendship and love…after divorce!

Look what my Dad has done for me!

Our testimonies are a form of worship. They are praising our Dad, our Father who is in heaven and on earth. As brother Paul says in 2 Corinthians 10:17, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” 

Daily Battle Order:

It’s your turn Kingdom Man! We challenge you to “boast in the Lord”, to say Look what my Dad has done for me! 

Take it a step further and post your boast on our website, www.joshualcommission.org, or on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/joshuacommission) that others will be encouraged![/expander_maker]