Recent Devotions
“Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. . . . never avenge yourselves . . . Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:17, 19, 21, ESV) The World of God may have been written many centuries ago, but it is just as relevant today. When we follow its principles, the Bible works in any situation, any culture, and any age group. God’s Word is really a guidebook for life. But, just like those instruction manuals that come with things we purchase, we…
But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge…
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. (Hebrews 13:17, ESV) One of the most…
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“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor faint when you are reproved by Him.” (Hebrews 12:5 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible)
There is an area of parenting that I do not enjoy and that is disciplining my children. My ten-year-old can be especially difficult to punish because he is old enough now to justify, rationalize, and even minimize whatever he is guilty of. As a parent, I want to give him the benefit of the doubt, but through trial and error I’ve learned that there is such a thing as too much mercy. If I refuse to discipline, I have noticed that my son’s attitude borders on disrespectful, disobedient and stubborn. And have you noticed that punishment generally has consequences for the parent too? If I tell my son he can’t play with his friends for the rest of the day, I end up contending with a disgruntled, bored little boy who won’t give me a moment’s peace! Punishment effects whomever is involved.
The Bible teaches that disciplining our children shows them that we love them. And God takes our discipline very seriously too. He does not want us to regard it lightly. Refusing to surrender to God’s discipline will delay His blessing in our life. Just as a parent does not enjoy disciplining their children, it is God’s desire to bless us, not to hurt us. We need discipline to handle the blessings. Our character needs to be developed so we can receive more from the Lord without it destroying our integrity. Without discipline we would become spoiled and useless to the Kingdom of God.
Prayer: Lord, I am feeling the growing pains of reaching a new level of commitment in my Christian journey. I understand that this is a season of testing in my life. Please help me respond correctly to discipline and open my heart to the lessons You are teaching me. Amen.
Devotion by Julie Long
Unrelenting disappointment leaves you heartsick, but a sudden good break can turn life around. (Proverbs 13:12, The Message) Some people appear to have more life challenges than others. While it would be great to be able to dissect the reasons why this is so, there is no way anyone can truly understand why these things happen. All I can say is that there is a reason for everything. The feeling of disappointment makes everyone heartsick. No one enjoys the feeling of being let down. Choose today to trust God even in the disappointment and wait on Him to turn your…
The Bible declares in Romans 3:23, “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Nobody is exempt from the fatal effects of sin. It not only separates us from a relationship with God but it keeps us from restoring that relationship on our own. Sin will keep us from understanding God; it will keep us from seeking God and it will keep us from fearing God. The consequence of sin is eternal separation from a holy God. So, is there any hope? Oh, yes! “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son,…
My choice is you, God, first and only. And now I find I’m your choice! You set me up with a house and yard. And then you made me your heir! (Psalm 16:5-6 MSG) We wake up every day and make a conscious decision to choose a God-centered life. God knew us and chose us far before we even existed. He not only provides for us but goes above and beyond even when we don’t deserve it. Choosing Him first is the least we can do to show our gratitude for all that He has done for us. Prayer: Thank you,…
