Meditate.
And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, "My child, don't make light of the LORD's discipline, and don't give up when he corrects you. For the LORD disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child." As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? If God doesn't discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn't we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever? For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God's discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it's painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. Hebrews 12:5-11
God is our Father. That is if we believe in
Him and in His Son, Jesus Christ. The only way to the Father is through Jesus,
His Son. As Jesus told Thomas, the other disciples, and us…
Jesus told him, "I am the way, the
truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." John 14:6
Parents discipline their children…or should. The author of Hebrews tells us here why Christians are disciplined by our Heavenly Father. It is part of an educational process…for our good, so that we can share God’s holiness. We’ll never get to stand before Him in Heaven unless we are disciplined into holiness…a purity that is the standard of God’s requirements. Obedience to God and His word is essential in this learning process. We need to obediently apply what we’ve learned to show that we have learned.
This discipline also shows us that God
loves us, as written in Proverbs 3:11-12. It could be disheartening to some to
realize that God only disciplines those He loves, but God does offer the opportunity
to everyone to love Him. Remember this promise…
Crucifixion Sculpture
Holy Family Shrine, Nebraska
For God loved the world so much that he gave
his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but
have eternal life. John 3:16
How do we show God that we love Him? One
way is to respond to Jesus request that He made to His disciples on the last
night before His crucifixion.
If you love me, obey my commandments. John
14:15
Show your love for God the Father…and accept the discipline He gives you.
Prayer ~ Heavenly Father, I love You and just as Jesus said, I accept and obey Your commandments. "Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them." John 14:21
Verse of Salvation ~ God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:17© 2021 Text, photos and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character
Available as an e-book or paperback at Amazon.com
No comments:
Post a Comment