Good morning! Yesterday, we discussed discipline and today we will continue to discuss the benefits of it as we read verses 9-11.

Bible Verse – Hebrews 12:9-11 NLT 

“9 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?

10 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. 11 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.

Reflection

According to an online dictionary, discipline is defined in two ways:

• the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior, using punishment to correct disobedience.  “a lack of proper parental and school discipline”
• a branch of knowledge, typically one studied in higher education. “sociology is a fairly new discipline”

The word discipline can sometimes be a trigger word for individuals who were harshly disciplined or for those who simply want to do things their own way. Today, we learned there is a better way to see discipline, the way God sees discipline. Throughout out the Bible we can see that God used many ways to provide direction. He sent prophets to help misdirected children, and ultimately discipline. He sent Jesus to save us from our own self-destruction.

He offered:

• Preventive Discipline – measures taken to preempt misbehavior by sharing the blessing and promises, and giving warning on what not to do.
• Supportive Discipline – measures taken to assist His children with self-control by guiding them and helping them to get back on track – grace and mercy.
• Corrective Discipline – measures taken when His children choose disobedience – not following His guidance or commands, living life in darkness and refusing to live in the light, etc.

Discipline will always seem difficult if we fail to see it through God’s eyes. But we must remember how much He loves us and how He only wants the best for us. Will we always have our way? No. Will things always turn out the way we want? No. However, Romans 8:28 reminds us that, “And we know that God causes everything to work together[a] for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”

Read the word to grow in knowledge of what God has said. Seek to follow Jesus and embrace the forgiveness and the transformation He offers. Trust the leading of the Holy Spirit. 

Prayer

Father God, we know there is a lot going on in the world. We ask that you be with our country and other nations that are affected by poverty, war, homelessness, corruption, and conflict. Comfort the families who have experienced loss and devastation. Show us how we can help our brothers and sisters in need. Help those who are reading this message in the areas of their lives that are difficult and uncertain. Lord, we know you are in control and we trust you with our lives, however Lord, continue to strength us. Mark out a clear path for us and help us to live in obedience to your word and direction. We desire to be transformed by the renewing of our mind through your word, your guidance, and discipline wherever it is necessary. Lord, build us up in character and as your children to live out our Christian values in truth and in love toward others. Help us to be a light in the darkness. Help us to give hope when situations seem dim. Lord, cover us and protect us as we follow after you. Remove chaos from our homes and jobs. Renew marriages and improve communication between spouses. Heal the sick. Comfort the grieving. Provide justice for innocent victims who have been harmed. Give peace to those victims, release their fears, and help them through their trauma. In Jesus name, Amen!

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Goggle Search Definition – Definitions from Oxford Languages

Bible Reference: http://www.biblegateway.com

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