Proverbs 3:1-12
"... the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in."
(PROVERBS 3:12)
Few adults can say they've never made errors in judgment regarding a child. We're prone to misunderstand and jump to conclusions. How blessed we are that our heavenly Father knows us better than we know ourselves! When we are not what we should be, He never condemns as Satan does. God, in His love, will convict us of wrong-doing and show us how to change, or He will show us the next step to take. The instruction or correction is always exactly what we need to progress in His kingdom year in and year out.
In Matthew 19 a young man asked Jesus what he should to do to receive eternal life. Jesus knew the man's wealth was the one area he clung to tightly. When Jesus told him to sell his possessions and give to the poor, the young man turned away, sad. I've always wondered what became of him. Eventually, did he go and do as Jesus told him? The Lord's word to us is not always an easy one to take. Often it convicts us precisely in our ignorance and sin. But always, it reaches us with His love.
INSIGHT
"GOD DISCIPLINES US FOR OUR GOOD, THAT WE MAY SHARE IN HIS HOLINESS."
(HEBREWS 12:10B)
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Genesis 45-46
Psalm 23
Mark 3
Proverbs 3:1-12
New International Version (NIV)
Wisdom Bestows Well-Being
3 My son, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart,
2 for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you peace and prosperity.
3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.[a]
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord and shun evil.
8 This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones.
9 Honor the Lord with your wealth,
with the firstfruits of all your crops;
10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
and your vats will brim over with new wine.
11 My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline,
and do not resent his rebuke,
12 because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
as a father the son he delights in.[b]
DEALING WITH DEPRESSION [PART 3]
When depression strikes, we can feel anxious, sad and even afraid. Where do we turn when it feels like there's nowhere left to go? We can run to Christ, a refuge of hope that never fails.
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