Category Archives: Corporal Discipline

capital punishment, Corporal Discipline, Crucifixion, King of the Jews, Kingdom of God

David – Idyllic King or Myth? {Part 1}

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One of the most time-consuming tasks required to complete a written piece is researching the historical context and gathering details that confirm the story.  In order to compose this piece one needs to compare the opinions of secular historians and biographers to those who might describe themselves as “Rhema-inspired” writers working as they sense what the Spirit has told them about the subject at hand.  The secular sources tend to find the course of events confusing due to the fact that their spiritual insight is lacking. 

Historians and secular biographers question whether David actually lived primarily because there is no physical evidence that he lived.  I have four books in front of me referencing the ancient king of Israel. The books written by secularists question whether he lived. So then, even with the legendary ‘David/Goliath’ story ever-present as well as Psalm 23, the call for physical, anthropological evidence continues. 

As a believer, I concede that the evidence may be lacking, but as I read Psalms ascribed to David, I am convinced that he had visions of the dynasty of Christ, his life and his crucifixion.  You only need to read Psalm 22:12-21 to sense the peril of Christ as he was crucified. Or Psalm 16:8-11 to know the meditations of his heart.

These writings were provided by the Holy Spirit proving that the hand of God was fully functioning in the lives of David and others and illustrating lessons we can learn as the Apostle Paul references in I Corinthians 10:11-12.

Still, many of David’s actions and King Saul’s actions examined without context appear haphazard.  The historians and biographers cannot make sense of events like David’s dance before the Lord [II Samuel 6:14-22] or the divine directives to eradicate entire armies or cities.  The Bible documents our God’s dealings with men from the beginning. It is not meant to be historically accurate, nor can it be verified empirically.  Its purpose is to deliver God himself via wisdom, history, judgment, instruction as provided by His Spirit.   The Bible can be read literally, but many insights can be misinterpreted as they are meant to be believed, but not proven. 

Come back to Phatonfruit. net for Part 2 to verify your belief or hopefully to BECOME MORE CONVINCED!!

Boundaries, Corporal Discipline, Discipline, Parenting, Scoffers, Spanking, Spoiled

Proverbs Parenting 2 – The Spanking Issue

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The need for discipline is universal.  Children at about the age of two begin to challenge their parents as they learn the word “No!” and begin to act as if they don’t have to do what Mommy and Daddy say.  This is the early form of rebellion.  This is the age when the discipline must begin in earnest.  Children begin to look for the boundaries. The literal endpoints of what is permissible.  It is WITHIN these boundaries that they feel safe.  They are upset by the spanking but in love, we explain at an opportune time why we do it.  We do it because love creates boundaries.  Love sometimes says no. 
 
So much recent controversy over spanking [corporal discipline] so that the experts are telling us that we must find a different way to discipline.  The Bible says that we shouldn’t withhold correction from children in fear that we will damage them [if you strike and punish him with the [reedlike] rod, he will not die. You will [however] save his soul from sheol  (soul is the mind, will and emotions saved from sheol, the place of torment). Your discipline MUST be provided in love.  I have seen parents in rage, or frustration strike and/or spank their children.  The effectiveness of the discipline is compromised then also.  For when children see you acting out of pure emotion, rashly,  without restraint, then they will behave in the same manner.  Your discipline must match your love in intentionality, and intensity.
 
You are indeed their role model. If you think you are fooling them, you are  fooling yourself.  They are watching you and they understand intent and trickery.  They will match the integrity they see in you.  If you expect them to humbly admit their mistakes, do you admit yours?  
 

We all need to avoid becoming the proud and haughty person who is such a know-it-all that she cannot be told anything. The person who will not listen to counsel.   And before you say, “Not my child. . . “, yes your child, is capable and acts out and if you didn’t discipline her or discourage her little spoiled tactics, your child will disgrace you – at school, or worse in the criminal justice system.  So many young people taking their cues from ignorant older people, disparagingly upset at the smallest inconvenience or slight.  Quick to anger, slow to listen, ready for a violent opportunity. 

 
As a father I have seen a certain sneakiness in my kids.  I know that I can be sneaky. I know my own rebelliousness and have seen it manifest in my children.  These are the best places I can provide discipline to help my child through battles and barriers that I have already faced.