Correction

I know in the minds of many believers, the word ‘Correction’ conjures up a whole series of negative thoughts about God. I know because it did in me and to be frank, it was mostly because of some of the religious upbringing I had! Even still, as a very young boy I used to go up on the roof top of our home and talk to God and often felt His loving presence. But, over the years much of what I heard about God was that He was pretty much displeased with mankind and was ready to judge and punish us through horrible events, such as tornados, devastation, sickness, decease, lack and allowing you to suffer. This type of teaching got embedded in my consciousness and resulted in me moving away from God! After all, would you want to be around someone that is displeased with you and makes you feel guilty??

Much of this teaching is still around today but wrapped in a different but Suttle and costly wrapper! Granted, much of it has come from a misapplication and lack of understanding particularly concerning the Old Testament writings of which I don’t have time to delve into in this short article. However, we believers in Jesus are responsible for rightly dividing the Word of Truth! Which means we compare scripture with scriptures, precepts, and the unchanging WILL-OF-GOD.   Later in studying God’s Word, the God of my youth began to reemerge! I began to see man’s will verses God’s will throughout the history of the Bible. And today I see a loving God, who is longsuffering, merciful, gracious, and full of compassion.  And YES, He corrects those He loves BUT not with evil! In fact James says; Let no man say when he is tempted (Tried or Tested), I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man (with evil) James 1:13 KJV. Another passage says; Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Isaiah 5:20 KJV. Child of God please get this; There is no such thing as a BLESSING IN DISGUISE! God is not perfecting His people using evil means! I know its taught all over the place and I know one can learn somethings the hard way, but was it God’s way?? No, throughout scripture we see a Father consistently saying  “My son incline your ears to my sayings…’ Why?, so you don’t go down the wrong path! Just like an earthly father and mother, we would tell our kids ‘Listen to me, don’t go the way I did, you can learn from what I’m telling you vs the school of hard-knocks!’  A ‘Good Shepherd’ does not lead the flock into the wolves den! On the contrary, The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want (be in lack). He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.  Psalm 23:1-6 KJV.

Through the years I have learned to welcome God’s correction, because for one, I know He does it because He loves me and although His corrections are not joyful and seem sorrowful at the moment, I know by taking action and correcting any given area will result in me maturing, walking on the right path, and victory and blessing manifesting.

                                                                                                                                                                   -Pastor Jose Mont