IOI CHRISTIAN MORNING MEAL

TOPIC: OUR RESPONSE TO GODS DISCIPLINE

HEBREW 12.

Having come to an understanding of God's role in the disciplinarian process, let's look at our response. What is our reaction when our loving Heavenly Father disciplines us?

Proverbs 3:11 that says, "Do not despise the Lord's instruction, my son" (Prov. 3:11 HCSB)

1. We can accept God's discipline grudgingly
When the pain and hardships come on our lives we can endure them but not be happy about it.

In this scenario, we often question God, "Why are you doing this to me?" We know that we are God's children; we just can't understand why he would be putting us to the test. Somehow we have the attitude that as believers we are above the painful realities of life. That in some way our Christian credentials give us a primary status that is to protect us from the hurts and heartaches. Instead of asking God, "Why?" we would be better off asking, "What are you teaching me?"

2. We can embrace God's discipline willingly.
The writer of Hebrews states, "Shouldn't we submit even more to the Father of spirits and live?" (Heb. 12:9 HCSB).

Discipline is always preparatory to blessing and can bring nothing but blessing when rightly received. To embrace God's discipline is to understand that a loving God will never chastise his children capriciously.

His discipline is to prune every branch in our lives that does not bear fruit so that our lives can increase its yield. His discipline is purposeful and brings us life.
To embrace God's discipline willfully is reflected by James and Paul. James wrote, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds . . . so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" (James 1:2,4 HCSB). Paul stated, "That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Cor. 12:10 HCSB).

When our attitudes are right, God can use those hardships to change us more like his son. When that happens we will cross the tape becoming a spiritual champion.

For all His children, God would like for them to be like His Son. And to accomplish that purpose he disciplines his children. And for us his children to become like Jesus we must embrace his discipline willfully. Again and again.

LET US PRAY
In Jesus Name, everything that is giving you problem and blocking your ways to success is destroy by fire.

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Good Morning Friends