March 18, 2019 – Hebrews 12:11-13

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. So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong. Hebrews 12:11-13.

Discipline is even worse, when waiting for the inevitable spanking when you are a young child.  The words echoed in my heart, “Wait until Daddy comes home…” God set boundaries for living a peaceful and holy life to abide in Him. 

In the middle of the difficult times in our lives, it is good to re-read verses 6 and 7.  For the Lord disciplines those He loves,  and He corrects each one He takes as His own.  Endure hardship as God’s discipline and rejoice that He is treating you as His children, for what child doesn’t experience discipline from a parent?  

Our one desire is to be loved.  God loves us so much, He GAVE His only Son that we might be saved from sin, and loved always and forever.  Through Jesus we have the promise of His love and forgiveness. But to all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God.  verse 12.

The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear,  giving insight for living. Psalm 19:8.

Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. Hebrews 12:14-15.