This Isn't Fun

Daily Reading: Hebrews 12

Scripture Focus: It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? ... For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. (Hebrews 12.7, 11)

Devotional Thought: When we think of discipline, often our thoughts turn to punishment.  And, while sometimes punishment is involved, discipline is actually a process of training us.  Why would we need to be trained?  The Lord knows that during our lives we will face trials of many kinds, and he wants us to be prepared.  He gives us a reason and a hope for those trials in the first chapter of James:  “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (vv. 2-4).

There is a choice we make each time we face trials and suffering.  Will we respond in anger toward God, who, after all, could have prevented the suffering?  Or, will we respond in faith, recognizing the Lord’s desire to train and discipline us, and produce in us righteousness and peace?  The next time we are tempted to react with anger and doubt, let us put it in context.  Let us “consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men” (v. 3, NIV), so that we may not lose heart and forget the ultimate goal.  As all parents know, the discipline is not for the good of the Father… it is lovingly done for the good of the child, so that “we may share in his holiness” (v. 10).  Praise God for his loving discipline.  We are his children and heirs to his Kingdom and righteousness!

Jenny

Prayer: Lord, this discipline is not pleasant.  It is painful.  May it yield in me a harvest of righteousness for your glory.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 50.7-15

7 "Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, I will testify against you. I am God, your God.

8 Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you; your burnt offerings are continually before me.

9 I will not accept a bull from your house or goats from your folds.

10 For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills.

11 I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine.

12 "If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world and its fullness are mine.

13 Do I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats?

14 Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High,

15 and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me."