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The young mother pointed a finger at her child, microsoft exchange hosting stood across the room. One tiny hand hovered over the flowering plant he'd been told - repeatedly - not to touch. His big blue peepers fixed themselves on his Mommy, whose own eyes were wide, one eyebrow arched high in obvious frustration. "Don't make me come over there," she warned.

I smiled behind my hand. Will that phrase never go "out"? My mother used it on me, and my kids are quite familiar with it, as well. I'm pretty sure it's universally understood, and it is not generational. I doubt discount Prozac a child anywhere, of any era, who doesn't know trouble's brewing when they hear those words.

Words that say, "I've had all I'm going to take." They make it clear that it's time to "shape up." They hold a tacit warning to "behave yourself," and strongly advise to "toe the line."

They also say, "Or else!"

Any child with an ounce of smarts will shape up, behave himself and toe the line. Nobody wants the "or else"!

Sometimes I get this funny little picture in my head. God, attired in his royal robes, perches on a huge golden throne, shaking a long finger Earthward - eyes huge and glowing, one eyebrow cocked so high it nearly disappears beneath his crown. "Don't make me come down there!" He speaks softly, but in God-speak, even a whisper can sound like a roar. The implication is clear - "Or else!"

Wise children of God know how to heed those little spiritual nudges (God's pointing finger and raised eyebrows). Those with a bit of intuition recognize the warning for what it is and don't hesitate to repent and whip themselves into shape, before their heavenly Daddy has to do it for them!

Others aren't quite so intuitive...we always have to touch the pretty plant - and for no better reason than that we were told not to. When will we headstrong Christians ever learn that it isn't worth it?

Yes, God is a loving God. But He's also a Fatherone who wants His kids to be obedient. And according to Hebrews 12:6 (NIV), "The Lord disciplines those Black Sabbath loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son." If we disobey and are chastened, it means He loves us. By obeying Himor learning life insurance settlements the chastening when we don't we become strong and upright, like our Father.

Listen closely. Is that your Father's voice? "Don't make me come down there!"

Hurry! I think He wants you to shape up...behave yourself...toe the line.

And don't touch that apple!

Isaiah 1:19 - If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land.

Copyright 2008 Delia Latham

Delia Latham's novel, Goldeneyes, was released March 30, 2008 by Vintage Romance Publishing. The author lives in Bakersfield, California with her husband, Johnny. Contact her through her website ( www.delialatham.com/www.delialatham.com/), blog ( themelodywithin.blogspot.comthemelodywithin.blogspot.com) or newsletter ( bookshelfnewsletter.blogspot.combookshelfnewsletter.blogspot.com).