OUT OF THE BOX

“Let me not be ashamed.” During the latter part of 1972 Laurel and I and our first child were living in South Carolina. We were preparing to drive to California to attend her sister’s wedding but had only enough money for one-way. We sought the Lord and felt very strongly that the He wanted us to make the trip. However, I did not want to be irresponsible and embarrass myself by being stranded in California and having to call on family or friends for finances to return home. So we prayed and began our journey with peace and faith knowing we had heard from God. The Lord would provide for the trip back, and we were excited to see how He would do it. We agreed that we would not tell anyone of our need, but would simply pray and trust the Lord. This would give greater proof that God was leading us. As we drove toward the west coast, I prayed two verses of scripture every day and throughout the day. Those two prayers were directly from Psalm 25. “O my God, I trust in You...

My book is now available for purchase. You can click on this link and go to my website to order the book.  https://billylongministries.com       You can also order the e-book at Amazon.com.

This post deals with God's discipline in the life of the Christian . God disciplines us because He loves us and because we are His beloved children. It is part of His program for helping us to grow, mature, and be what He desires us to be. It is an aspect of grace, a manifestation of the love and wisdom of God in dealing with human nature, and is always for our good. It corrects (makes right) those who need to be adjusted and punishes those who refuse the correction. Discipline is a necessity because of the fall of man and the resulting weakness of   his fallen nature. It is God's means of helping His children to appropriate grace to obey in areas where they would otherwise be unable to overcome.   ("Weakness" refers to man's proclivity to sin and to his lack of capacity to restrain corrupt desires. It has broader aspects to its definition, but which are not pertinent to this study). Romans 6:19, Hebrews 4:15-16; 5: 2. Discipline is a subject that especia...

(Below is a letter I wrote to a dear friend about 20 years ago. The friend was involved in an adulterous relationship and about to leave the marriage. Names are withheld out of respect for the parties involved. I am posting this letter here because I believe there are those today who are struggling with temptation, who may be in, or about to enter a sinful relationship, and who need to read the appeal and warnings given in this letter).   ---Billy Long   A Letter Regarding Adultery Dear ____ I hav e been wan ting to communicate with yo u for some time but hav e delayed because of the awkwardne s s of the s i tuation. Laurel and I have grieved over t h e news of your leaving [spouse]. We have been thinking about you and obviously have been very concerned. We hav e wanted to talk to you but have been unsure as to your pot ential reaction to us, and have been waiting on God's timing. I am sure...