For whom the Lord loves He disciplines, just as a father disciplines the son in whom he delights. Proverbs 3:12 NASB Disciplines – How do we know that God cares for us? If you listen to some popular theological viewpoints, you might answer, “I know God cares because I have been blessed with health and prosperity. When you do what God…
Train up a child [a]in the way he should go, even when he grows older he will not abandon it. Proverbs 22:6 NASB In the way he should go – Did you see that little footnote before this phrase? In the margin, the NASB says, “according to his way.” It’s not quite the same idea, is…
For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 NASB Discipline – Now, it’s the day after. The Western world’s day of resolutions is over. Back to the routine. But the real resolutions that should govern our lives in this new (Roman) year aren’t like the…
Blessed is the man whom You chasten, O Lord, and whom You teach out of Your law; Psalm 94:12 NASB Chasten – “Spiritual stress is a major source of unhappiness.”[1] If you haven’t encountered this truth about life, perhaps you missed a growth experience. Far too often we wish for a life of ease, thinking…
The Lord has disciplined me severely, but He has not given me over to death. Psalm 118:18 NASB Disciplined me severely – Salvation isn’t free. Oh, yes, we Christians know all about this. God’s son paid the price so we could be forgiven. Really? Is that it? God delivered His “Get Out of Jail Free”…
So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36 NASB Free – A favorite verse of those who desire unfettered living, pastors are quick to point out that “free” doesn’t mean “no obligations.” In the Roman world, free would indeed entail the right to do as I please, but that…
but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:27 NASB Discipline – We live the lives of Jacob, so maybe we need the same faith as Jacob. What I mean is that we aren’t Job. We are…
Dedicate a youth according to what his way dictates; even when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) Dedicate – Solomon was a very wise man. His wisdom penetrated the essence of things. His sayings often reveal what we do not see on the surface. So, when we read this…
