October 23
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DIVINE DISCIPLINE
A poem by ILMA
Since we are surrounded by such witnesses to the life of faith
Let us strip off the weight that slows us down, especially what trips us up
And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us
We do this by focusing on Jesus, the champion who perfects our faith.
Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, ignoring its shame
Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne in heaven
Think of all the hostility he endured from these wicked and sinful people
Then you won’t become weary and give up when you encounter troubles.
After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin
Don’t forget the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children
“My child, don’t make light of the LORD’s discipline, let him correct you
For the LORD disciplines those he loves, and corrects all his children.”
As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God treats you as his own Who has ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father?
If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children
it means that you are illegitimate and do not belong to him at all.
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MEMORY VERSE
“My child, don’t make light of the LORD’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. For the LORD disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” – Hebrews 12:5-6
Read: Hebrews 12:1-8
Most parents discipline their children because they don’t want them to be waylaid. Just as any parent would want to care and protect their children, what more of God. This is why he disciplines and corrects us so our lives will go well.
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REFLECTION
• Why do parents nowadays have fear of disciplining their own children?
• What fruits do you reap when you teach and correct your children early?