December 8, 2022

“My son, do not reject or take lightly the discipline of the LORD [learn from your mistakes and the testing that comes from His correction through discipline]; Nor despise His rebuke, 12For those whom the LORD loves He corrects, Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.” Proverbs 3:11-12 AMP

Verses 11-12 are part of a “triangle of life.” Remember in verses 7-8 we are told to “not be wise in your own eyes” an to live our life in humble and dutiful subjection of God and His ways. Verses 9-10 command the believer to make good use of their means and tha God will increase them. We must honor God with not only our bodies and spirits which are His but with our wealth as well! The book of Deuteronomy says,

“He fed you manna in the wilderness, [a substance] which your fathers did not know, so that He might humble you [by dependence on Him] and that He might test you, to do good [things] for you at the end.17Otherwise, you may say in your heart, ‘My power and the strength of my hand made me this wealth.’ 18But you shall remember [with profound respect] the LORD your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant which He swore (solemnly promised) to your fathers, as it is this day” Deuteronomy 8:17-18 AMP

Now we come to the third side of the triangle, “do not reject or take lightly the discipline of the Lord…” We must not despise or be errant about the days of discipline that God is using to conform us to the image of Christ in our lives! Be careful not to allow difficult time to harden your heart as was the result of Pharos when God was dealing with him about releasing the people of Israel. 

“But Pharaoh hardened his heart this time also, and he did not let the people go.” Exodus 8:32 AMP

How sad! All the pain and suffering he went through to try and resist God and in the end, he lost! We must be watchful of difficult times however light or heavy they may be upon us. There is an interesting Scripture in the book of Isiah,

“For the sake of My Name I refrain from My wrath, And for My praise I restrain Myself from you, So that I do not cut you off. 10“Indeed, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested and chosen you in the furnace of affliction.” Isiah 48:9-10 AMP

Not easy words to receive for sure! You see, we are now the hands and feet of Jesus Christ here on planet earth and God is concerned about what message we are sending on His behalf! No one likes to go through the firs nut that is where endurances and discipline are forged! The writer of Hebrews said,

“Our fathers disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness. 11No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:10-11

When you go through the fire the Scriptures tell us that you will not be burned! That is, if you don’t jump from the frying pan into the fire! Have a blessed day, Pastor Ken