Glory Seed Devotionals, 2015: Year of Promise
The LORD’s disciplines are blessings in disguise…
If you are one who calls on God (I am certain you have, do, and will) you are in good company. Moses, Aaron, Samuel, David, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Jesus, John, Peter, Paul, and more called on the LORD not only for the help they needed but also to return thanks to God for their blessings. The bible instructs us to make our needs known to God so we call out in our times of need and God answers us with his presence and even at times with blessings in hand. However, there times when taking our needs to God needs to fall silent to a voice of praise and thanksgiving.
The Psalmist writes, “Exalt the LORD our God! Bow low before his feet, for he is holy! Moses and Aaron were among his priests; Samuel also called on his name. They cried to the LORD for help, and he answered them.” (Psalms 99:5-6, NLT)
“O LORD our God, you answered them. You were a forgiving God to them, but you punished them when they went wrong.” (Psalm 99:8, NLT) The Psalmist not only acknowledged God answers prayers but also acknowledged a side of God at times not so pleasant because out of the depth of his love he forgivingly and compassionately disciplines those he loves when necessary. Speaking specifically of the LORD’s discipline the writer of Hebrews offers us these encouraging words.
“For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.” (Hebrews 12:10–13, NLT, emphasis mine)
Speaking from my own experience let the words of Proverbs bring you comfort and encouragement when God seems to be a little rough on you. “My child, don’t reject the LORD’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. For the LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.” (Proverbs 3:11–12, NLT)
Anticipate! Experience! Believe! Be transformed!
Grace and PEACE, Amen!
Gary
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Glory Seed Devotionals: Encouraging Words of God’s Presence in our World!
Glory Seed Devotionals: Encouraging Words of God’s Presence in our World!
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“Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.”