September 13, 2007
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Loving Discipline
I believe that I have been under the Lord’s loving correction this past year in the area of our finances. It’s been uncomfortable, not pleasant at times.. something I would rather not go through… but I’ve known that it’s necessary just the same.
I was reading in 2 Chronicles 33 this morning…
Now when he (Manasseh) was in affliction, he implored the Lord his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers and prayed to Him; and He received his entreaty, heard his supplication, and brought him back to Jerusalem into his kingdom. THEN Manasseh KNEW that the Lord was GOD! (v12-13)
I was meditating on the similarity between the Lord’s discipline towards his children and the discipline of our own children. Mine are grown now but I remember those younger years of discipline and how the children would try to squirm and wiggle under the correction as they tried to escape the effects of their sin. I would instruct them to remain still or it would take longer. They would then stop the squirming and settle in to receive the discipline. Finally, the discipline was over.. the air is clear… the instruction (both verbal and physically) had been received and we could go on with our day. My prayer was that my children would be trained by the correction and later it would yield righteousness in their lives. Hebrews 12:11
I can see such a similar parallel in my relationship with the Lord and His discipline towards me. At the beginning of this trial I squirmed at times (and still fight the temptation). But, each time I’m tempted to squirm (complain or be discontent about our financial situation) the Holy Spirit will remind me that the Lord only disciplines those He loves and that He is using this situation to conform me into His image. The thought of this brings great peace and enables me, by God’s grace alone, to settle in to what the Lord is wanting me to learn.
Hebrews 12:5 says… do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.
Romans 8:28-29 says….And we know that for those who love God ALL things work together for our good, for those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
My prayer is that my response to the Lord’s correction will have the same fruit of righteousness as I read about in Manasseh’s life.
Comments (12)
Great post! Thanks for sharing. Jenn
Now that sounds like a good book – Wounded Heros. I always hate to let a good book that comes to my attention, escape from my attention without a chance to read it. Wonder if it’s newly published.
….and I feel confident it will (bear the fruit of righteousness.) In fact, I dare say that your going through this has already done that very thing in your life. Your willingness to share encourages the rest of us to examine our own situation to see if God is trying to say a similar thing to us: an area needs to change! And you know, there are always places in our lives that need improvement…that our Father would like to see us improve upon. I really believe that the closer one is to His will, the more that will be apparent. I’m MUCH more rebellious than you….I sometimes kick and scream and holler in my resistance to discipline….just like a child resisting a parent.
And it always feels so satisfying to finally accept the need for it and give in and do what needs to be done…
Good word!
Discipline…..We want our way….but not the discipline!!!!! But I am glad that God loves us enough that he gives us the needed discipline and still feel loved! You have a wonderful week.
I MISS you!!
That was really good! Thanks for that!
Thanks – I found the author’s name and more info. I do believe you’ve just introduced me to a new author (to me). Some of my favourite authors are listed as quoted in her book. So exciting!
Yes, discipline is never easy. But the closer we are to God, the easier it is to get things back in order. God bless you as you continue to learn the lessons He is teaching.
RYCs-I actually had 3 sets of floppys. BUT had only used one since February…therefore the trouble. Yes, I must learn!
Kyle is gaining each day. It’s just a long, hard road. And God is supplying for our needs, even with John losing his job to stay home to care for Kyle. God knows all about that too. I keep thinking of the fact that our steps are ordered by the Lord and there are no accidents with God.
God bless ~E
Praying that you receive the discipline and can move on to other areas.
Heather
Hi Georgene, I like Mc Aurther also,a great teacher of the word. I am not using any way to memorize, just little by little. Is their a easier way? Thank you for your nice comments.Have a blessed day! ~Sharon~
ryc: I thought of you when I made my post and was hoping you would stop by. Thanks.