Discipline: April 8, 2010

April 8. TODAYS WORD FOR THURSDAY APRIL 8, 2010.

DISCIPLINE

DEFINITION:

Training to act in accordance with rules; the training affect of experience.

SCRIPTURE:

He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly. Proverbs 13:24.

Harsh discipline is for him who forsakes the way, and he who hates correction will die. Proverbs 15:10.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

In Hebrews chapter twelve there are some wonderful, expressive and powerful words concerning the discipline we need in our lives as believers. The message translation of this passage from the Bible talks about the discipline needed for a long-distance race and relating it to the discipline we need in our daily lives.

The previous chapter gives us the experiences of all the godly men and women in the Old Testament and how they ran their race in life. They achieved victories in their lives in spite of difficulties and oppression. They all had one thing in common --- FAITH! For example what they have left for us should challenge us to get on with it, start running our race and never quit.

To have victorious lives we need to keep our eyes on Jesus and never lose sight of where we are headed. Living the Christian life involves hard work. It takes discipline on our part to keep our eyes on Jesus.

In verses three and four we are reminded that we are in an all out fight against sin and we may have to suffer hardships. But others have suffered far worse than we have and no one more than Jesus. He shed His blood.

Then in verse 5 the author of Hebrews reminds us not to feel sorry for ourselves when we get disciplined by God. He asks if we have forgotten how good parents treat their children and that God regards us as His children. He writes: “my dear child, don’t shrug off God’s discipline, but do not be crushed by it either. It is the child He loves that he disciplines; the child He embraces, He also corrects.”

These verses go on to remind us that when God disciplines us He is educating us and treating us as dear children whom He loves. He is not punishing us through His discipline but training us just like we as good parents train our children. We respect our parents when they train us so why not embrace God’s training so we can truly live a life blessed by God. God is doing what is the very best for us, training us to live God’s holy best.

In verse eleven the purpose of discipline is given to us. “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, bur painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

The author of Hebrews goes on to challenge us to not to sit on our hands, do not drag our feet, clear the path for the runners, help each other out and run for it. We are to work at getting along with each other and with God. Make sure no one gets left out of God’s generous offer of eternal life.

Discipline in our lives make us better people and better representatives of our Lord. Parents are reminded often in God’s Word of the importance of disciplining because God considers us as His children and He disciplines us in the same manner.

LEARNING:

Our memory verse for this week is found in Luke 2:52.

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

PRAYER:

First of all we thank You for the discipline that our parents gave to us. We also praise You that being one of Your children that You discipline us to make us more useful for the purpose You have for us in our lifetime on this earth. Help me to live for You today and to learn daily from Your teachings and by Your discipline that I may be the servant You desire me to be.