Day 81: IT'S GONNA HURT!!! — Pastor Bryant
Today’s Reading
Romans 15 – 1 Cor 14
Last night I was preaching in Tampa, Florida my armor bearer was walking very slow and was in excruciating pain due to a toe injury he had received while we were in the Bahamas. As a consequence, his doctor told him to wear soft bottom shoes. Unfortunately he didn't have any soft bottom dress shoes for service last night so he decided to wear his hard bottom dress shoes. He chose fashion over comfort. This in turn had him walking less than two miles an hour and limping. Unfortunately, he was in no position at all to help me with my needs. This would have never happened if he would have had on the right shoes. The Doctor never told him that the soft bottom shoes would totally alleviate his pain but they would minimize it. This morning many of you are faced with what pair of shoes to wear—the soft bottom shoes made for comfort and safety (The Pain of Discipline) or the hard bottom shoes made for fashion only (The Pain of Regret). No matter what pair you decide to wear they both are GONNA HURT, one will just last longer and the other one will be better for you in the long run!!!!!
In today’s reading we have finished the book of Romans and entered the first book of Corinthians. The Apostle Paul started the church in Corinth. A few years after leaving the church, the Apostle Paul heard some disturbing reports about the Corinthians church (CHURCH DRAMA). The church was full of pride, the church was excusing sexual
immorality, spiritual gifts were being used improperly, and there was rampant misunderstanding of key Christian doctrines. The Apostle Paul wrote 1 Corinthians in an attempt to restore the Corinthian church to its foundation – Jesus Christ.
The Corinthian church was plagued by divisions. The believers in Corinth were dividing into groups loyal to certain spiritual leaders (1 Corinthians 1:12; 3:1-6). Paul exhorted the Corinthian believers to be united because of devotion to Christ (1 Corinthians 3:21-23). The Corinthian believers were essentially approving of an immoral relationship (1 Corinthians 5:1-2). Paul commanded them to expel the wicked man from the church (1 Corinthians 5:13). The Corinthian believers were taking each other to court (1 Corinthians 6:1-2). Paul taught the Corinthians that it would be better to be taken advantage of than to damage your Christian testimony (1 Corinthians 6:3-8). Paul gave the Corinthian church instructions on marriage and celibacy (1 Corinthians chapter 7), food sacrificed to idols (1 Corinthians chapters 8 and 10), Christian freedom (1 Corinthians chapter 9), the veiling of women (1 Corinthians 11:1-16), the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:17-34), spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians chapters 12-14). He urged them to grow up it the things of God and not to give up, but to discipline themselves and to forget about the pain that comes with following the teachings of Christ, because a greater Hope awaited them.
Today I want you to take a moment and think about the sum total of everything you’re currently doing to improve your life, family, relationship with God or business. Think of every detail you can, the level of effort, the sweat, the time—everything. Now think about if you don’t do it. Think about the lives that will never be touched and changed, think about the dreams that will never be accomplished, think about the businesses that will never get started, and think about the company that will never have the first Christian CEO. Think about the magazine covers that your photo will be missing from and most of all think about the REGRET you will feel. So today whether you decide to continue on the road to accomplish the destiny God has for your life or whether you decide to throw up your hands and walk away: no matter what you decide "IT'S GONNA HURT" but the Pain of Discipline only weighs ounces and last for a little while but the Pain of Regret weighs Tons and can last forever!!!!!!!!
thats true! there is always opposites in life and in the bible as well as pastor you just explained but one day I will as God why did you look at the opposites of life? opposites amaze me cause its the way we live today.
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Pastor,
I can certainly relate to this blog, from the perspective that I was at the point of "feeling like" giving up on some people and situations that I am called to intercede for. Oh, but then I was blessed to hear all of your sermon's from this past Sunday. I have invested so much time, sweat, and tears praying over certain family members, friends, and business decisions; that don't seem to be Changing. I was at my wits end, until The Lord used you to speak from another angle, which quickly reminded me of how merciful and patient He was with me through the excruciating painful process that it took for me to change. I will continue to press on through the Pain of Discipline, so that I never have to experience the Pain of Regret for not doing what I know The Great Physician has instructed me to do.
Continual Blessing to You All.
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Pastor, this is such a great blog as usual. I thank God for you and your blessed words of wisdom. In my reading of 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 which says "Do you know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown." I find in that reading that athletes are willing to push themselves harder,longer and farther than anyone else regardless of the pain while training. They strive to bring their bodies and minds completely under control so that they excel and receive a prize. Others go home to relax, but athletes continue to train. While most people protect themselves from any form of discomfort, athletes push themselves to the limits of their endurance. While some remain satisfied with mediocre performance, athletes pay any price for excellence. Paul said that despite their most valiant efforts, the athletes' successes and prizes are eventually forgotten. Even the greatest athletic achievements have not affected eternity. If an athlete can be motivated to make incredible sacrifices for a perishable reward, how much more ought Christians to strive for an imperishable one? If an athlete will labor day after day in order to receive glory from others, how much harder ought Christians to work for the "well done" of their Master? Are we striving to bring our bodies into subjection for the glory of God? Are we training our mind to think the thoughts of God rather than thoughts of the world? Are we disciplining our lives in prayer? When others are sleeping, are we interceding? Have we studied God's Word so diligently that we are prepared to find answers to challenges we face? Have we equipped ourselves in evangelism so that we are ready to share our faith? Have we prepared ourselves as a Christian in order to qualify for the imperishable crown that awaits us? In this time of "reading the Bible in 90 days" I've came across so many scriptures that have caused me to ask myself these questions. Many times we will face pain, but we must at times be like the athletes and continue to push to the end of our endurance regardless of what we face.
Thank you so much, Pastor.
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I injured my foot at the pool while in the Bahamas and did the limp thing also. The bruise no longer exists but I can from time to time feel the pain which is an indication my foot is not completely healed. Each night I had to wear my dress shoes to service and forget about the discomfort because I didn’t have a choice (I have much to say about this but I will refrain for now). Wear it and bear it and after a while you won’t feel it when you’re in it.
He urged them to grow up in the things of God and not to give up, but to discipline themselves and to forget about the pain that comes with following the teachings of Christ, because a greater Hope awaited them. – Romans 8:18 I am of the opinion that there is no comparison between the pain of this present time and the glory which we will see in the future.
Philippians 1:6 being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in me will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. What I have come to realize in my relationship with God is He will not allow me to be so comfortable in disobedience that I miss the opportunities He has for me. I have in the past asked God to excuse me from doing something and He have gave me the stamp of approval and then I tried again only to learn that it’s better for me to do His will voluntarily and not reluctantly, either way God was and will be glorified because He’s in control of my life therefore I will not live in regret. I have decided what matters most is pleasing God. I am prepared and am being prepared for ______________.
The Lord told me it can only get better and I am persuaded!
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Relating to the armor bearer's pain, it's difficult to not empathize with him. Especially, after reading 1 Corinthians 12:19-27. Paul admonishes us in verse 20 that we are many parts but ONE body. We can't tell the foot that we don't need it or the arm we don't it – in God's eyes that's foolishness. Unfortunately, WE have allowed the spirit of strife, division, jealousy and all other works of the flesh to enter into "body of Christ" (i.e., the Church).
Notice, I did not blame the devil or his imps, WE have allowed this to happen by feeding our flesh (our carnal man) and instead of feeding our faith(our spiritual man).
Saying no to your flesh is painful, but it is ALWAYS worth it. We must always act The other part of this is that when you say no to your flesh you are also honoring God and making a quality decision to obey His Word.
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Yessssss Amen!...Amen...
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I agree the Pain of discipline is much better than the regret. I wish I would have learned that years ago..
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I guess this is what separates the greats. I pray for the endurance to make the right decisions and keep pressing on past my personal feelings. Thank you for the insight and wisdom.
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This helps me to continue with my dreams, knowing that with God all things are still possible. I will continue to press towards the mark of God. This is another great analogy as usual.
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I felt like giving up today... I felt like doing right wasn't worth it anymore, it seemed as if things were not adding up the way I anticipated. Once I read this blog, I remembered all of the pain Jesus went through for me and nothing I go through can ever be compared.
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Today I want you to take a moment and think about the sum total of everything you’re currently doing to improve your life, family, relationship with God or business. Think of every detail you can, the level of effort, the sweat, the time—everything. Now think about if you don’t do it. Think about the lives that will never be touched and changed, think about the dreams that will never be accomplished, think about the businesses that will never get started, and think about the company that will never have the first Christian CEO. Think about the magazine covers that your photo will be missing from and most of all think about the REGRET you will feel. So today whether you decide to continue on the road to accomplish the destiny God has for your life or whether you decide to throw up your hands and walk away: no matter what you decide "IT'S GONNA HURT" but the Pain of Discipline only weighs ounces and last for a little while but the Pain of Regret weighs Tons and can last forever!!!!!!!!
If I don’t do it, it would be as if I walked away from God’s plan and purpose for my life and that is not an option! God has been too good to me. The insurance we have with God is a guaranteed improved life. Jesus nevertheless not my will but Your will be done in my life. Amen.
I will throw up my hands only to say HALLELUIA to Jesus because I am sure!!! God is worthy and worthy to be praised. I am anchored to rock steady!
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"For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid,which is Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 3:11.We must make sure Jesus truly is the foundation of our lives.We must make sure we are investing our lives in the Kingdom of God.
Paul stops in Corinth on his second missionary journey and establish a church there.Corinth is filled with vile pratices,loose living,sexual misconduct,misunderstandings of Christians beliefs,and abuse of spiritual gifts,such things that are among believers of today.
We must also learn how to build our foundation on Christ.We must rid ourselves of worldly things just as Paul stated,jealousy,envy,strife,bitterness,
sexual immortality.Christ should be the cornerstone of our salvation and the architect of our faith.
We must build a relationship that is pure and considerate,attitudes and actions that are confident,but not arrogant,and hearts that are committed to honoring God.
The foundation for our spiritual walk must be rooted in our relationship with Jesus Christ.Doing these things its gonna hurt,but we must live by the of God.
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Pastor, this is another good word. I like how you apply the read Word to everyday situations! It really makes the Word even more of a blessing
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Dr. Bryant,
You know creating a bright future today is an extremely costly proposition. It takes a lot of hard work, study, research, maybe some cold, merciless insensitive people along the way --knuckleheads to boot. It could take a lot of energy and support, money, competition, politics, prayer, living where you're not all that comfortable living for a while, sleepness nights, misunderstandings and struggle.
But to establish a presence among people who need help and hope, to carry a well of water to those whose well has run dry and to build where there was only sand would be worth more, even its mere attempt, would be worth far more than any pain involved in the struggle to achieve such goals or the excruciating pain involved in the regret of not trying.
My hat's tossed in the ring of trailblazers.
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People of Power I Hope Your Hat Is Tossed Into the Ring of Trailblazers, TOO!
The message concerning creation of a bright future is really not about me only.
It's a message for all of us who want to build a bright future beyond ourselves for many. And for those who want to change things anywhere on the globe.
In that message, I mentioned a number of possible contingencies so no one would be deceived and think that creation is easy -- even by faith. It's not.
However, the truth is, the Spirit of the Lord is greater (than any contingencies) and brings to us our helpful partners and supporters, making the creation of a new entity, a new existence possible and successful.
So though bringing about something new or bringing about change is difficult for a season, remember seasons change! Far superior to the difficulties is the fact that where there is a vision ... preparation ... ability ... determination ... faith in the Lord ... (and partnership) ... the impossible becomes possible and mountains are at our disposal for removal and re-constructure. New vistas await us!
Trailblazers there is a world of systems to renew, lands to re-do, gadgets to innovate, people to influence and educate.
There's always souls to win to Christ. KNOW that the pain of discipline is very insignificant compared to the pain of regret. And the gain, THE GAIN over the pain will outrun and outshine it all!
Have a wonderful day planning. God bless you real good now!
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I am sure this is how the Olympians feel. While training it's always the pain that you feel. When running a race it's usually the middle part that you need the discipline for it's the part where the cheering crowd is a faint crowd and the finish line is in the foggy distance. But it;s the Pain of Discipline that pushes you on. The worst thing to me in life are the Should Have, Could Have and Would Have......
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Dr. Bryant, Paul's sermon in 1 Corinthians, really started in Acts 18, when he first went to Corinth. He gives a clear explaination of what it means to be a Pastor.
Many of the problems and questions the Corinthian church was dealing with are still present in church today. Churches still struggle with divisions, with immorality, with spiritual gifts. This book of 1 Corinthians very well could have been written to the church today, it also gives us the most important clues as to how difficult it is to be a pastor, it got so deep for Paul, that he wanted to give up, (People can Change)until God directly intervened in Acts 18:9-11, and encouraged him to continue speaking and don't be quiet.
1 Corinthians brings our focus back to where it should be. Genuine christian love is the answer to many problems, along with an understanding of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and an understanding of how we come to share in Christ resurrection is the cure for what divides and defeat us.
Thanks for coming to Tampa, we were blessed by your message.
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The victory Jesus won for us was not easy… it coast Him everything! There in the garden of Gethsemane He struggled … He wrestled, He agonized. In the form of human flesh, it was necessary for Him to bring His human will into full and complete submission and
obedience to the will of GOD even onto death. The road Jesus walked to Calvary was not easy. It was therapeutic for Jesus to empty Himself and surrender His will before He could fulfill God’s will and win the Ultimate victory over Satan.
Isaiah 53:10- 11 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put [him] to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see [his] seed, he shall prolong [his] days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of the travail of his soul, [and] shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.
Thanks again Pastor Bryant for keeping us focus!!! If we do, or not do it is a price we will pay!!!
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