Discipline

God gave me some beautiful verses about discipline to meditate on this morning. I first read them thinking I would encourage a friend who is going through a work situation, but (as the Bible does) God used His word to encourage me about what He does in our lives.

Sometimes it's hard for me to believe that the God of the Universe cares enough to help me become a better Christian. That the great "I AM" would get my attention. That the maker of the stars would guide me! And that the Father loves me as His own and gently guides me to the path of righteousness for my good and for His glory.

Pruning is not usually pleasant, but the end result is so good. Looking back on times of my life that were difficult, I can see now what God was leading me to in the end. During those times though, I certainly didn't see the positive outcome. But God knew what would work for me - to stop me in my tracks and re-route my life for Him.

Some of my favorite verses are about discipline and how God uses it in our lives:

Hebrews 12:11 – “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

John 15:1 - "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.... every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful." John 15:1

Proverbs 3:11 – “My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.”