Discipline

September 11th – Proverbs 21:20

Week 2 – Wisdom In Finances (Proverbs 21:20)

Solomon, who had everything anyone could want, reminds us that, “the wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.” In a world where instant gratification and excess are celebrated, good stewardship stands as a mark of wisdom. Instead of consuming everything we have as soon as we receive it, wisdom encourages us to guard our resources carefully. This applies not only to our material possessions but also to our time, energy, and talents. Using resources wisely honors God, acknowledging that everything we have is a gift from Him. By practicing restraint and thoughtful planning, we ensure that our provisions are sufficient for today and the future. When we succumb to the world’s pull towards indulgence and gluttony, we lose sight of the greater good, leaving ourselves and those around us vulnerable. Being intentional and disciplined with what we are given enables us to be generous and prepared. And it aligns our actions with God’s principles of stewardship.

Questions For Reflection –

  1. How can we practice better stewardship of the resources God has entrusted to us, especially in a culture that promotes instant gratification?
  1. In what areas of our lives can we show more wisdom by planning and saving rather than consuming everything immediately?

Wise hearts save for tomorrow, but fools feast away today. Treasure wisdom, not just wealth. 🙏🏻❤️

September 11th – Proverbs 21:20 Read More »

January 12th – Genesis 12:1

Genesis 12:1

When it comes to life advice I’ve always told my son, “People who never color outside the lines, lead a pretty boring life.” As is His way, sometimes God hands us the crayons and invites us to color outside the lines of our comfort box. Just like He did with Abraham. Heeding God’s call, Abraham left everything he knew to journey into the unknown. He accepted God’s invitation to embrace a new beginning, one that required unwavering trust and obedience. God’s call to Abraham reminds us that new beginnings often happen when we are willing to trust in His plans and obediently follow His lead. Especially when the path ahead is uncertain. When we trust God and step out of our comfort zone, we embark on a journey where fear transforms into faith, doubts into discoveries, and limitations into limitless possibilities. It’s a path of surrender and grace, where God unfolds His plans in ways that surpass our imagination, turning the ordinary into extraordinary.

January 12th – Genesis 12:1 Read More »

July 20th- Proverbs 3:12

Proverbs 3:12

For whom the LORD loves He reproves, even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.

There’s a quote which says, “Discipline doesn’t break a child’s spirit half as often as the lack of it breaks a parent’s heart.” No one one wants to be punished. Even if it comes with a promise of being for our own good. But not only can we take solace from God’s discipline, but delight in His correction. Because as our loving Father, God desires a close relationship with His children and only the very best for us. And His discipline is an expression of this love, not a form of punishment meant to harm or condemn. Just as a parent corrects their child out of love and concern for their well-being, God’s discipline is intended to guide and shape us. To lead us away from harmful paths and towards His intended purpose for our lives. So even though the consequences of our actions may be painful for a season, we can rejoice because God’s love remains steadfast. And because of that love He refuses to leave us undisciplined.

July 20th- Proverbs 3:12 Read More »

March 4th – Job 5:17

Job 5:17

Theologian John Owen is quoted as saying, “Love precedes discipline.” No one likes correction. But rather than being a punishment, God’s discipline is an act of love and grace from a loving Father to His wayward child. The Lord only wants the very best for us. And so He disciplines, leading us to repentance and complete dependency on Him. This in turn results in great blessings. Blessings including strengthening our faith, and spiritual growth. For as Hebrews 12:11 reminds us, “All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” Although sometimes painful, we can find joy in God’s discipline. Because not only does that mean we are His, we can become better versions of ourselves and deepen our relationship with God.

March 4th – Job 5:17 Read More »

August 29th – Hebrews 12:6

Hebrews 12:6

Author Ellen J Barrier once said, “I believe that parents who love their children do everything for them with love, even discipline.” But even when it’s done from a loving heart, no one likes punishment. Yet the writer of Hebrews tells us to rejoice when we’re being disciplined by God. Because it’s one of the kindest things He can do. For through discipline, we see the love our Father has for His children. As parents ourselves we understand that raising successful, independent, and healthy children comes from training them up in the way they should go. Training rooted in love, correction tempered with compassion, and punishment doled out with mercy. God wants just as much for His children to be successful. So from His great love, He doesn’t turn a blind eye to our mistakes. Instead He disciplines us as much as needed, and only as long as needed. And all for our good and His glory.

August 29th – Hebrews 12:6 Read More »

June 17th – Hebrews 12:12-13

Hebrews 12:12-13

After reconstructive foot surgery and a tendon lengthening, I’m currently going through physical therapy. The process is slow and sometimes painful, but my weakened muscles need discipline and training to be able to walk again. That’s how it is with our walk with God. We all experience painful times. Times when we receive God’s discipline. And although no one likes correction, God lovingly deems it necessary in both training and strengthening our spiritual muscles. We all have a race set before us. One we are to run with endurance. But to do so successfully takes dedication and training. And if we cooperate with God, trusting both His direction and discipline, amazing things will happen. Not only will we reach the finish line in victory, but our faith will deepen and we’ll receive great blessings along the way!

June 17th – Hebrews 12:12-13 Read More »

October 9th – Proverbs 3:12

Proverbs 3:12

No one likes discipline. And as Christians, when going through trials, the last thing we want hear is that we should rejoice. We are told to be happy because God only disciplines those who belong to Him. But in the middle of sorrows, those words can feel like salt in the wound. Because when we’re hurting, we want healing not instruction. But the truth is if God didn’t care, He would let us run headfirst after our sin with no consequences. He would turn a blind eye to the hurtful, devastating consequences sin causes us to suffer. Yet due to His deep, never ending love for His children, God steps in. Because our Father wants to live our best lives, He uses discipline to protect, correct, and instruct us. For as Hebrews 12:6 tells us, “the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and chastises every son whom He receives.” So yes we can rejoice during discipline because it proves we belong to God!

October 9th – Proverbs 3:12 Read More »

September 24th – Hebrews 12:11

Hebrews 12:11

As parents one of the hardest things we have to do is discipline our children. But we do it out of love, to guide and train them into mature adults. The same goes for God. He doesn’t like punishing His children any more than we do. But because He cares, the Lord disciplines us to grow into mature Christians with a deep and lasting faith. God loves us too much to just leave us where we’re at. So He “trains” us, exercising our faith muscles so that no matter what we face, we can do so with unshakable spiritual confidence. The writer of Hebrews uses the Greek word, “gegymnasmenois”, which literally means “vigorous exercise.” Athletes train to produce the endurance needed to win. And God allows trials into our lives for the same reason. To produce an endurance to help us reach the finish line, resulting in a harvest of fruitful righteousness. All for our good, and God’s glory.

 

September 24th – Hebrews 12:11 Read More »

August 2nd – Jeremiah 31:3

Jeremiah 31:3

No matter the miracles God performed, the blessings He bestowed, or the rescues He delivered, Israel repeatedly turned against Him. Yet though they were disloyal and disobedient, God never abandoned His chosen people. And all because of His everlasting love. A love that He generously gives to all who love Him, including us.

And just like Israel, when we turn away from God, He never turns away from us. He may discipline us, distant Himself from us, or allow us to suffer the consequences of our actions. But He will never forsake us or stop loving us. For His love is perfect, true, and everlasting. And out of that love, no matter who we are or what we do, when we come to Him in repentance, Go will always restore us back to Himself. So in the midst of troubles and trials, we can find joy knowing that when we run to God, He will welcome us with open arms.

August 2nd – Jeremiah 31:3 Read More »