Toni Smothers [email protected] www.writingforthemaster.com
Discipline is Necessary
Toni Smothers
Scripture Reading: Zechariah 7:11-14
Click here to read the scripture
Scripture Quotes: Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word. It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. Psalms 119:67,71 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Revelations 3:19(All NIV)
We tend to have negative reactions to the whole concept of discipline. It seems synonymous with punishment or restriction. Punishment beams a light on our guilt and demands an unpleasant act of contrition. However, punishment, if not mean spirited, can turn a person away from a persistent sin and bring the repentant Christian closer to the obedient response our God requires. If we receive the discipline as an opportunity for growth, we can attempt a bit of Christ-like conduct as an appropriate response to our correction – And we can eventually receive through Him a mature faith that can stand in every trial.
Picture a long, high bridge. We are on one side and perfection is on the other side. It's a long journey with others traveling past, behind and beside us. Some are even walking in the opposite direction, which sometimes confuses us. We can trip, or get pushed, or injured, or need help to get to the far side. Nevertheless, we journey on. We can't see our ultimate destination, yet we are certain that it will be a perfect place without adversity. We also believe and are especially encouraged because we know that Jesus is waiting for us there. :0)
Today’s meditation: God disciplines us with love and authority.
Memory Verse: Blessed is the one whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. Job 5:17 (NIV)
if you wish to receive this daily devotion In your email go to http://www.writingforthemaster.com/contact-me.html fill out the contact form with your email and the word Devotion
Discipline is Necessary
Toni Smothers
Scripture Reading: Zechariah 7:11-14
Click here to read the scripture
Scripture Quotes: Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word. It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. Psalms 119:67,71 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Revelations 3:19(All NIV)
We tend to have negative reactions to the whole concept of discipline. It seems synonymous with punishment or restriction. Punishment beams a light on our guilt and demands an unpleasant act of contrition. However, punishment, if not mean spirited, can turn a person away from a persistent sin and bring the repentant Christian closer to the obedient response our God requires. If we receive the discipline as an opportunity for growth, we can attempt a bit of Christ-like conduct as an appropriate response to our correction – And we can eventually receive through Him a mature faith that can stand in every trial.
Picture a long, high bridge. We are on one side and perfection is on the other side. It's a long journey with others traveling past, behind and beside us. Some are even walking in the opposite direction, which sometimes confuses us. We can trip, or get pushed, or injured, or need help to get to the far side. Nevertheless, we journey on. We can't see our ultimate destination, yet we are certain that it will be a perfect place without adversity. We also believe and are especially encouraged because we know that Jesus is waiting for us there. :0)
Today’s meditation: God disciplines us with love and authority.
Memory Verse: Blessed is the one whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. Job 5:17 (NIV)
if you wish to receive this daily devotion In your email go to http://www.writingforthemaster.com/contact-me.html fill out the contact form with your email and the word Devotion
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