Tag Archives: discipline

November 8
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“Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it.  How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live!  They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.”  (Hebrews 12:9-10, NIV)

God’s plan for you and me is that we become like Him.  This state is called “holiness,” and it was what God had in mind when He created us “in His image and after His likeness.” (Genesis 1:26a)  Through the heritage of sin, we fall short of our original destiny.

God is at work in us (always) through our circumstances (all of them) for our good.  We aid the process through obedience to God.  We hinder God’s work in us when we delay, debate, or detour.

How do we know when to get involved — or when to get out?  It begins with our full commitment to do whatever it is that God spirit leads us to do; and full confidence in our heavenly Father’s plan for us.  – Luther

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November 7
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“Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children.  For what children are not disciplined by their father?  If you are not disciplined — and everyone undergoes discipline — then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all.”  (Hebrews 12:7-8, NIV)

Even as flawed parents, we hope that our children will become as we are — only better.  So, we allow various kind of inconveniences (of varying severity) to achieve that goal.  Perfect in every way, our heavenly Father’s ultimate goal for you and me is that we become exactly like Him!

Whether we view the inevitable hardships of life as punishment (as some do); or as preparation (as others do), depends on the nature of our relationship with God.

When difficulties and hardships invade your life, do you ask, “Why”; or do you say, “Why not”?  – Luther

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September 15
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“Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.”  (Proverbs 10:17, NIV)

In what things do we display “discipline”?

Is it in the practice of unceasing prayer?  Is it in the practice of hospitality?  Is it in the practice of humility?  Is it in the practice of valuing time in worship with others?

Know it or not; like it or not, our children, and our peers, and our co-workers, and our neighbors, and the casual stranger are watching us live our lives.  Do they see within us a discipline that “shows the way to life”?

Conversely, when we ignore discipline and correction, our lives shift to a path that leads nowhere — and know it or not; like it or not, others follow.

Heeding the discipline of healthy and holy habits not only delivers us, but it delivers others to life, as well.  – Luther

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