I am not sure if this resonates with a lot of people but, after reading my daily devotional, a memory of days gone by popped into my mind and I thought I would write on it. Today’s verse comes from the Book of Hebrews chapter 12 in verses 5-11.
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.
When I was young, I remember thinking I was being so hard done by when I was punished by my parents. There were times I got a swat on the behind, got things taken away from me or was grounded for my actions. I thought it cruel that my parents were so strict and I got punished while others I knew received no punishment at all for what they did and, much of the time, my stumbles were much less terrible than theirs. My sin was minor compared to the massive sins of those and yet I was still held accountable. That was completely unfair, right?
As I grew older, I came to realize just how much my parents loved me. When I became a father, my son would make his mistakes and I would, out of love, correct him so that he would not come to harm through his errant actions. I love him so much that I will discipline even though it hurts us both at times. He is now grown up and I can only hope that the lessons of the past are not lost. There is nothing wrong with correction. It is tough to go through the process of being disciplined and it is also very tough to be the enforcer but it is done through love. It does pain the Father to discipline but it is done through an infinite love. When we come through the other end, we are so much better for it and much wiser as well. The really wonderful thing about the Father, He will not burden us with more than we can handle and His reason for correction is always with our best as the final outcome. Fear not the discipline for it leads to a better living in the end.
This Sunday, we welcome Rev Glenn Reeder as Pastor Todd and Natalie are away on holidays. We would love for you to join us either in person or online Sunday at 10:30 AM MST.
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We look forward to seeing you this Sunday.
Blessings,
Pastor Todd
www.mainavefellowship.ca
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