divine discipline

Christmas Eve ~ Wednesday, December 24, 2014 (5:14 a.m.)

Blessed Father God,

Thank You. Thank You for the gifts You have given us this Advent Season. Gifts of communication. Patience. Understanding. Learning. Moderation. With even a little bit of discipline thrown in on the side.

Wow! It hasn't come easy. Oh, but there is joy and peace in my heart. There's contentment. Solace. And more joy. Thank You Father. Thank You for the courage to stay Your course toward change.

Traditions are markedly different this year. Preparations equally so. Thank You. Thank You for all You are teaching us concerning what really matters. People matter! Thank You for ingraining that Truth deeply within us.

Holy Father, I love You. I love that we have Your Word to come to. I'm getting to read Hebrews 12:5-11 in The Life Recovery Bible and be reminded again of Your great love for each of us.

A RECOVERY PRINCIPLE DEVOTIONAL for this section of Scripture is entitled simply “Faith”. It reminds us that recovery can be very painful. As it stresses Your love throughout its entirety, it also expands on the Truth of verse 11.

Reminding us first that “No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening – it is painful. But afterward there will be a quiet harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way”, it then continues:

“Recovery is a time of correction, a time of facing problems and character flaws and changing incorrect beliefs. There may be seasons when we do have to pay for our past. God will use these times to redirect our life toward something better. His correction isn't arbitrary or abusive, but it is still painful.”

It is believing Your Word to be holy and true that keeps me coming to It with every problem we come across.

“Knowing that God's discipline demonstrates His love for us can be comforting in the midst of pain. It helps us remember that His love will allow only that which is for our ultimate good.”

Blessed Father, I confess, that is something I have to remind myself to do. Thank You that You love us enough to keep reminding us.

Verse seven, “As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as His own children.” Mm. Yes. Thank You!

Thank You that right now we are able to experience that “quiet harvest” of which verse eleven speaks. We worked hard to pull out the weeds of discontent because You provide us with the tools we need.

Thank You Father. Let us take all we've learned during this Advent Season and truly celebrate the birth of Your precious Son these next Twelve Days of Christmas.

Thank You Blessed Father. Use us to Your good and to Your glory. We love You so very much. May Your holy name be praised. Thank You. We love You. Amen.

(484 ~ 6:34 a.m.)