Today's Verse: Hebrews 12:5

Friday, December 5, 2008

And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son."
— Hebrews 12:5
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

When I was young, I always acted as if I hated discipline. It was part of the game. Most of the time, I didn't want the discipline. Sometimes, however, I "acted out" to get my parent's attention. Discipline was their way of getting mine! Now that I am older, I am so thankful that my parents loved me enough to discipline me firmly, to guide me lovingly, and to encourage me repeatedly. Their discipline and training have given me so many blessings and helped me understand what God is doing in my life. I need to recognize and appreciate the Lord's discipline in my life for similar reasons! The lack of love is not hate but indifference. The opposite of concern is an unwillingness to discipline. Thank God he loves and knows us enough to be involved in our lives and discipline us toward Jesus and heaven.

My Prayer...

Father in heaven, please help me recognize your discipline and correction in my life as part of your love, mercy, and grace. I want to live for you with an undivided heart, pleasing you in word, thought, and deed. I confess, however, that sometimes my heart is rebellious or my resolve can be weak. Thank you for helping me recognize my loss of spiritual direction through your loving discipline and guiding me back to your love, grace, and forgiveness.. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

2 Related Resources by Heartlight

Addressed as Sons
Illustration of Hebrews 12:5
Inspirational illustration of Hebrews 12:5 -- And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you..."
Respect for God's Discipline
Devo: Praying with Paul
"Dear Father, Help me to keep my eyes on Jesus. Despite the hostility poured on him by sinners, he obeyed you, even to the point of death. Help me..."

Illustration

Illustration of Hebrews 12:5 — And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, December 5, 2008

A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Are You Ready?'
"Dear Beloved, Are you ready? That's a question that could be asked about so many things that are a normal part of life — things like marriage,..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Luke 19:40
"But could the stones cry out? Assuredly they could if he who opens the mouth of the dumb should bid them lift up their voice. Certainly if they were....."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Everywhere but Home' (Jn. 4:42-44)
"Then [the Samaritan villagers] said to the woman, "Now we believe, not just because of what you told us, but because we have heard him ourselves. Now..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'A Cry for Help and Health' (Ps. 30:2-4)
"O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you restored my health. You brought me up from the grave, O Lord. You kept me from falling into the pit of..."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

More Today's Verse