Today's Verse: Hebrews 12:5

Sunday, December 5, 2004

And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son."
— Hebrews 12:5
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Thoughts on Today's Verse...

When I was young, I always acted as if I hated discipline. It was part of the game. Most of the time, I didn't want the discipline. Sometimes, however, I "acted out" to get my parent's attention. Discipline was their way of getting mine! Now that I am older, I am so thankful that my parents loved me enough to discipline me firmly, to guide me lovingly, and to encourage me repeatedly. Their discipline and training have given me so many blessings and helped me understand what God is doing in my life. I need to recognize and appreciate the Lord's discipline in my life for similar reasons! The lack of love is not hate but indifference. The opposite of concern is an unwillingness to discipline. Thank God he loves and knows us enough to be involved in our lives and discipline us toward Jesus and heaven.

My Prayer...

Father in heaven, please help me recognize your discipline and correction in my life as part of your love, mercy, and grace. I want to live for you with an undivided heart, pleasing you in word, thought, and deed. I confess, however, that sometimes my heart is rebellious or my resolve can be weak. Thank you for helping me recognize my loss of spiritual direction through your loving discipline and guiding me back to your love, grace, and forgiveness.. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

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2 Related Resources by Heartlight

Addressed as Sons
Illustration of Hebrews 12:5
Inspirational illustration of Hebrews 12:5 -- And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you..."
Respect for God's Discipline
Devo: Praying with Paul
"Dear Father, Help me to keep my eyes on Jesus. Despite the hostility poured on him by sinners, he obeyed you, even to the point of death. Help me..."

Illustration

Illustration of Hebrews 12:5 — And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, December 5, 2004

Praying with Paul
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'Walking in the Light' (Ep. 5:6)
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'Doubts Come During Crisis – Stay Faithful'
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'Astonishing Help!' (Acts 23:16-22)
"But Paul's nephew — his sister's son — heard of [the group of men who made a vow to kill Paul with an ambush on his way to the ruling council] and..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Don't Vandalize God's Temple' (1 Co. 3:16-17)
"You realize, don't you, that you are the temple of God, and God himself is present in you? No one will get by with vandalizing God's temple, you can be sure of...."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

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