I Am Adopted
by Helen Lescheid
**Are you looking for peace in your life? http://powertochange.com/questions/qol2
When my niece and her husband adopted Billy, adding another member to their family of three children, I asked Billy how he felt about it.
He gave me a big grin. “I’m adopted,” he said proudly, “and now I get correction like the other children.” I laughed at his innocent remark, but I realized there’s truth in his words. Paul the apostle writes in Hebrews, “My son do not make light of the Lord’s discipline. And do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.”
As a foster child, Billy could not be corrected as the other children in the family were disciplined. Social services forbade it. But now that he was a bona fide son, he received discipline along with the other children. Correction is part of belonging to a good family.
God says if we are in Christ, we are in the family of God. We have family privileges. And one of the privileges is correction. So, let’s not get discouraged when trials come. God will not give us any more than is necessary to produce the Christ-like character in us.
~ Father, thank you that You work all things together for my good so that I will grow and mature and be conformed to the likeness of Your Son (Romans 8:28).
Questions: Why does God allow trials to come into our life? Has God “corrected” you recently? How did it make you feel? What lesson can we learn from Billy?
About the Author: http://talk.thelife.com/authors/helen-lescheid/
Dear Kind Sharon,
Just whispered a prayer for you..and we are a Sisterhood in the Lord, assembled by Him at this anointed place and time to hold one another up! My Mom and Sister, as have shared before, departed within a three-year span starting in 2001..and those “anniversary” dates “are hard”…But, HE comforted me with this thought..and hope it blesses you, too!..That He gave them as a gift to me in this life to cherish..and that they are with Him now! Am so grateful He allowed me to be their daughter/sister!! YOU are very special and so compassionate and caring about others..and we all cherish you!!!
Sharon, May the Lord bless you as you reflect on the blessings of your brothers life…and the life of your sister-in-laws father. (((Hug for Sharon)))
today is asad day for us. today is my brothers birthday he passed 3 years ago from lung cancer. then on the eighth just after midnight my sisterinlaws father passed he was 88 and had a good life but it is still hardfor my nefews and sisterinlaw i am just gld he did not passon my brothers birthday. forgive my error inthis and i know it does not go with tje topic but i just needed to vent. you ladies are all so wonderful. i thank God for you every day. Bless you all
sharon
I couldn’t understand some parts of this article Adopted at Devotional for Women, but I guess I just need to check some more resources regarding this, because it sounds interesting.
Yes, I suppose I could :-}.
toni i get behind in my emails and so i write when i get the chance but i guess God has areason for me always beig behind. Bless you
sharon b
for toni glass
welcome and you will be in my prayers. it is great to have you
sharon b
i could not have overcome brast cancer without God prase be to Him.
sharon
Dianne!
If you put the :-} somewhere in your comments? It always let’s us know it’s you!(Just a thought)!
Hope you’ve had a good day, too..Hope all you dear ladies have!
It’s Dianne from Ohio. The “:-}” isn’t accepted by the registration program. Oh well, we’ll try something else :-}.
Toni, You need to subscribe to the daily devotion… that’s what most of us do. Staff at “Truth Media” will automatically send you a devotion each day with a new topic. You may subscribe at the top of this page on the right hand side by entering your email address in the space provided, and then click on “GO”.
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Good Afternon Ladies, Today is Sunday and I had to sit down and laugh as how many Dianne’s??? My name is Italian, but I wanted to be a Dianne or Debby. My mom came over from Italy when was born so I am blessed with an unusual name. The writings and comments from all of you are so intricate and profound. Please let me know when to move to the next question as I said, “I am, not computer savy.” I am, committed to my scripture and his words that I take within my heart, 24/7. We, are nothing and powerless without the Holy Spirit. Ok…All of you from Ohio and Dianne’s??…and Fran..and the rest of you..Have a good day.
Thaanks again for welcoming me…toni
For Dianne :-}
You are precious and refreshingly honest and we appreciate you..Forgot to mention also..Psalm 139!!! That helps my self esteem when I realize how wonderfully and individually made we all are!! That HE had the very hairs on our head counted and knows every unique detail about us even before HE sends us! Just think about this special child coming into June L’s family soon, too! Am soooo grateful HE made us each different and “one of a kind”! Dianne :0 is unique, too..Hope she’ll write again, too! And? Have decided the name Dianne is owned by some special folks! Have great rest of this Lord’s Day. Have to go hem our oldest granddaughter’s chorus dress! HE sent her with a beautiful voice! But, best of all? Her Mom has raised her and her sisters up “in the way they should go”! Am a proud grandma, but they are really polite, sweet girls (creative, too!). Am so grateful our daughter is raising them to be the individuals they each are. We tried to do that for her and her brother, too! PTL!!! :)
Thank you June L! We may be the same person LOL as I respect Clark Howard’s sound business advice, too! Knew your grandchild was due near end of October..But it sounds like it will be sooner! Exciting!!!
Some very intelligent folks out of Ohio, too! Toni is orignially from there! We are being blessed all over this great Nation..and around the world, too! Amen!
Dianne :-} ..You are one of a special kind! Remember Psalm 139!! You are the only Dianne like you and the other Dianne is equally special, too! There’s a special spot for each of you here, too! You should just put the special smiley face next to your name and we’d know! But, like June wrote..You are very creative and may have another plan! But whatever you decide? We’ll be happy to see you ANY time! And the other Dianne, too! She should put :0 and then we can distinquish you two!!!!
Toni, thrilled to have you here, too!
Running to our daughters across town to hem a chorus dress! And will have all of you in my prayers. A special “sisterhood” here..Blessed by you ALL!!! Amen
Fran, Thank you for more kind words. You are such a blessing.
Our grandson (first grandchild) is actually due October 28th. They might induce labor October 14th, due to his size. His dad, my son, was 8lbs 3oz. His father before him 8’4. We went up to help with getting the nursery up and running. They have done a great job. We are really excited, and will definitely be sharing on “the birthday.”
I printed out a map from “Mapquest” last night to show my husband those streets I had him looking for were really there. I had lost the previous map, and really thought I could find it without the map. While it was fresh on my mind, I typed out some new directions last night. Mapquest was a little confusing even though Clark Howard says they are the best!
Precious Dianne, thank you for clarifying who you are. Your comments do make us think, and always a blessing. Your honesty in above comment so humble, and humorous too. Your words of wisdom always enriching, and refreshing. Can’t wait to see that new name since you are also creative. The Lord is also doing a mighty work in your life lately…can tell by your thoughts and words.
Welcome Toni. The comments go on until we are ready for the next one. Looking forward to more words of wisdom from you. Agree with everything Fran said. You really did good explaining your perception of “discipline.” Bless you!
(((HUG for Toni)))
Dearest Fran all of our loyal members of his royal priesthood, I had asked to be part of this chatroom. I praise God, for Fran answering me and encouraging me too continue. Ladies, I am a newcomer and will pray for all of us in time of need and time of peace. The only reason I can relate to DISCIPLINE is because, I get going with the Lord, and start taking over. The Lord pulls me back into his lane of rightesnus to continue running the race..straight and narrow..with him. Trials and tribulations happen. Yes, bad things happen to good people just like Jesus. However, the cross, was not a bad thing but, the eternal sacrifice for us when that race is complete. Hebrews is a good chapter to read … not only does it teach of the Holy Famers of Faith but speaks on why some Christians were doing great works whole others were being martyred. Two groups of Christians in Chapter 11:23-35. However, if you keep reading Chapter 11:36-40, you will see how some were busy sharing and displaying the Hall of Faith, while others starting in 11:35 were experiencing torture. Chapter 12 of Hebrews speaks of the race with Jesus Christ, with endurance! Starting in Hebrews 12:3, we begin a section on Discipline of God. This continues with the teaching on our personal and spiritual race until Hebrews 13:25. We, all experience the bad and the good however, stay in your lane or calm in the boat with the storm. Hebrews is one of my favorites as it explaine’s so much that we experience here on earth. When I had first became a Christian I actually got mad that the Lord showed Moses the promised land. However, this man of God would not be allowed to enter because of his unfaithfulness to God at Meribah. (Numbers 20:12). I could not wait to finally get to the Promised Land with Moses! However, the Lord just showed it to him. Here comes that word again ..DISCIPLINE!! However, we can in our sins enter our Promised Land known as, Heaven, because of the Testimony of Jesus at the cross. It would only take one drop oo the shedding of his blood to save us. Jesus, suffered more than one drop and took our sin with him. Run, Ladies, Run!!! Run with Boldness and again I say, “Rejoice!”
Dear Toni..
You are blessing us already with your deep insights..and please do come to the devotional site as the Spirit moves you and share! You are blessing others! We learn and grow with one another!! I read and prayed here for over three years before even commenting! But, HIS timing is perfect and He reveals an appointed time..doesn’t He?!! Have commented before about working in a Christian Bookstore Chain for 3 years. That powerful verse in Philippians got me through the Christmas Seasons..which I love Christmas and had never done retail, but what a blessing that three-year period was! At Christmas there are the believers like us who “Rejoice”..and the store would flood with people “seeking”, too! Some days were so hectic, would wonder how we could do it..meet the special needs He’d send in. We were called “frontliners” ..and if you think about it? Every last one of us that have been graced to know HIM are that!! Prayed at home every day before going in..But the first Christmas season? He showed me Philippians 4:4 and “taught” to be rejoiceful no matter how hectic and celebrate the reason for His Season! In church that year? The Pastor in our church confirmed that powerful quote and explained it even further. I felt as though the Lord had sent me a telegram and those verses will be with me until am in His Presence there!! Amen!
Welcome, dear Toni, and all you other new folks reading and sharing!! We appreciate you so much! Toni, you did a beautiful job of explaining your perception of discipline and it is “right on”! The Lord truly disciplines those HE loves, too! Your references above were so good. Have a GREAT Lord’s Day and we look forward to your special imput!!
Hi everyone, I am new to your chat room. I am Toni from Illinois but really from OHIO!! Fran, you are filled as I did not have my bible when I was typing. That verse in Phillipins is right, Rejoice!” and it cotinues on. I need the discipline like Jesus has, and that is to love when I can’t. However, as he said find one thing,and ask the Lord to give you strength to love that person no matter how upset you are. To me, that is where my responsibility comes forward..the discipline to forgive and love. The diligece to practice what he preached…Love,repentance and forgiveness!!! . The Lord does stop us and sometimes let’s us get into that drivers seat (that belongs to him) of a school bus. You look in the window’s seat on the bus and you are now controlling or driving not Jesus is. Stand back and look in he bus and see all the people in the windows (including yourself) since now you are driving and controlling). As you stand back you see all the people you have a hard time loving and forgiving (including yourself). So I say, First , get out of that driver seat and start by humbling yourself to take a seat and let the Lord take you on his path to our final destination. Find one good thing, I say and “Rejoice,” This is where your personal role of Discipline comes in again. Usually what happens is you go back and minister like Peter after his denial, Paul after his conversion and most of all Judas..now there’s a man that destroyed himself as the Lord knew his heart and he would not get out of the drivers seat. The Lord found favor with Paul and Peter. These ladies, is how we get the Discipline from Jesus, as this prepares us for our daily trials and makes us stronger. Doing what is right goes both ways. Sometimes, I myself say, “Why do I do the things I do?” just like Paul. Sometimes, God has to SHOUT and then we can hear him through the darkest hour of our lives. Have a good day and does this conversation go on? I have never done this, as, I do not like to be on the computer all the time and a new at this. Can I join in? Thanks..In Jesus, my Saviour and a a Father who will get me back on track using his wisdom, sometimes called Discipline..Toni
Yes, it’s me, the one from Ohio. I haven’t come up with a name yet, but a couple of your postings gave me a couple of ideas :-}.
I have a confession to make. I was not very happy with myself when I realized what my reaction to the “new Dianne’s” posting was. It hasn’t been until tonight that I have felt comfortable enough to admit it, so here it is:
I had a Pride (aka, Ego) reaction to seeing the “new Dianne’s” posting.
What happened is that over time, I had begun to enjoy seeing myself write to this blog, the way some people like to hear themselves talk. I also enjoyed the encouragement I’d been given by you ladies.
I’d begun to “believe my own press,” to “become a legend in my own mind”–not to an extreme, but enough to feel threatened when I saw someone else using “my” name (even spelled the same way).
I was afraid–now this is embarrassing!–that if this other Dianne didn’t think or write with the “depth” and “insight” (Ohhh! X-P, gag me!)that I did, the rest of you would not think as highly of me as you had, and as I wanted you to ( X- [! ) .
I also actually wanted the other Dianne to change HER name, because “I got here first.” —Do you hear how immature my thinking was!?! Yeah!
So I rushed to try to protect my “identity” (“reputation,” I guess) by posting as quickly as I could about it.
I realized after the fact that I might have scared that other person named Dianne away from posting. I hope I didn’t. If I did, I am sorry. I invite you to write again, if you want.
As for changing my name, I have a couple of ideas now. I’m going to rest with them a little while longer, before deciding, and in the meantime, I will indicate which one I am in my posts.
June L,
Thank YOU! Your words of refreshment and encouragement cheer all our days on here! I “see” a merry heart..and a sincere one! And?! Am soooo excited about your little grandson who will be here before we know it! October 1st just around the corner. We will ALL celebrate when he arrives, too! Don’t worry about “directions”, either..Am an awful “back seat” or “front seat” for that matter ..driver! Had I been driving, or navigating..am sure you would have seen the mountains LOL!! (((June L & Family)))
dianne from ohio, i am from ohio too. blessings to all ladies God be with you. sharon b
Thanks Fran…and don’t you EVER, EVER leave.
I thought about you today as we were in your area. I got us lost (my husband and I)…only driven to my son’s house twice, and went different ways both times. Used to be real good at directions, but that area so strange for me. My husband talks about moving up that way someday…that much closer to the mountains, and would be fine with me. Time will tell. LOL!
Toni!!
Your deep thoughts tonight remind me of HIS Admonishment through Paul’s Words in Philippians 4:4..”Rejoice. And, I will say it again Rejoice”!! And, you are right..that is what we are to do!..Our “reactions” during times of testing and after..allow the Lord through us to touch and draw the unbelieving to HIM. So many of these recent devotionals..like Amy’s story the other day..do exactly that! When we “are” in the midst of “battle”? There is something amazing about saying those Powerful Words in Philippians! Rejoice and again I say Rejoice! Thank you so much for your comments. Thank ALL you ladies!
Dear June L..
Wherever else HE leads you?! …Stay here, too! We need your mentoring and appreciate you..Appreciate ALL you ladies!
Dear Fran, Thank you for your kind words…but don’t feel I am deserving. You are much better with words…and so often say what I am thinking. So many other precious ladies here doing the same.
I am praying the Lord’s direction in mentoring younger women…have prayed before and was led here. Maybe there is another place??? Where ever He leads, I will go. In the meantime I will wait!!!!
Thank you for sharing the beautiful card. It reminds me of something a co-worker once told me. She said she knew a couple where the woman was saved for years, and the husband wasn’t. When the man finally became saved, after years of his wife’s prayers, he admitted that he couldn’t begin to understand, and was so baffled because she was in love with Jesus, someone she couldn’t see or touch. Of course when he became a believer his eyes were opened, and he understood.
A wonderful suggestion for daily prayer for those struggling financially. You are a great mentor. Bless you!!
You are probably right about our Dianne from Ohio. I had NOT noticed the smiley face. Thanks!
To Dianes: you are both “precious in His sight”, and mine too! Love your words of wisdom and encouragement.PRAISE HIM!
Hi Ladies…Reading all the different insights to the message of Discipline. I think, that is why he called his discples….disciples! Walking, talking and praying with the Lord like they did is a new perspective. We do not know what went on in their daily lives that would change them into leaders of the early church. Acts…very clearly shows how they acted, when they now, without Jesus of NAZARETH. They waited patiently for the Holy Spirit to upon them not only to comfort them but to indwell within and spread the gospel.. These disciples had to be dicliplined according to the word as there were not Bibles available. When Paul knew he was dying he wrote in his letter’s to Timothy about the words and wisdom of God’s way. The discipline that the disciples would display. The actions to the suffering they would endure and words that one day be put together into our New Testament . The importance of early Christian whether pagan or gentile(the adopted children) were of the utmost important. Paul in his letters Timothy was giving him the final instructions, that no matter how it hurt, he had to relay the Words and Wisdom of God … The Good news had to be told to the potential men and women who desired this adoption into the kingdom. The people in Corinth were not agreeing on types of new rules of sanctification. WRONG..it was finished and nailed to the cross. Nothing..absolutely nothing can man do himself to become part of the royal priesthod. The altars and the pagan ways were not acccepted as a way to be saved. This discipline. is so important NOW, as it was then. We need the discipline to go back to the living Word of God for wisdom and direction. There are a smorgasboard of religions out there and you can choose just what your itching ears want to hear. It takes discpline to minster the Lord’s word when we share with unbelivers. We need more discipline for the negligence of our prayer life, We need discipline for our faithfullness when we feel like giving up when everything is going wrong along with the difficulty of being still and know that he is God. I count all of this discipleship in humbleness and love for the word of God. When we share his word we reflect truth..Jesus! Our personal changes are everyday just as God’s faithfullness. I say “Rejoice!” whether with or wothout..just give me Jesus. We are so much more when we make every effort to reflect God’s image for his Gory not ours. Trials…we ask for Lord to be conformed into his image, we are vessels, we are made into treasures in jars of clay…so along with that comes suffering. We learned more from Jesus in his suffering than his miracles. So, we ask the Lord to create in us a clean heart sothe polish of discipline rubs off our body and sometimes hurts but then we shine! We then complain, as soon, as everything isn’t perfect or going our way! Patience and Discipline are two words that walk hand in hand. Ok..stay at your post and when the boat goes a rockin…do not complain against God but more of God revealing himself to us as we experience his way’s to use us. Bring it on Jesus…toni…..Try to discipline yourself into lovinng someone who has wronged you!!!!!
June L..
You are a real treasure..a beautiful Jewel! And I look for “your” wisdom each day ..just want you to know that! Wish I had a printer as some you have shared on here recently?!! Wish could keep..but will in my heart..And? You perceive HIM like I do..I’ll read your thoughts and they are my thoughts, too, only you express them better! Am soooo grateful that He has taught me like you just shared..to ask His forgiveness daily. Appreciate you so very, very much! I’m a few years older, but you are wiser. You have a fantastic command of the Bible verses, too! Hope there’s a lady’s circle at your church or in your community as you’d be a wonderful leader especially for marriage and relationships!! Those verses are deep in your special Spirit and it shows! Love you!! Today? This beautiful card came in my mailbox and am going to share with all of you today..speaking of relationships! When HE is first in our lives, the other relationships are easier! This really blessed me:
http://www.alighthouse.com/manofmylife.htm
And, any of you going through financial trials and married? My husband and I join hands here early while the day is young..and tell the enemy he will NOT cause strife today (or any day)! It works! We ask the Lord to fill us with His JOY and help us not allow conflict. It “tries” but it gets invited out the front door along with you know who!
June L..I think this must be our Dianne from Ohio :-} because of the smiley face! Both of you Dianne’s special and bless us! This Dianne our Philosopher who makes us think!!! :)
To Toni, Fran, Daianne, Sharon, and all others…I will never look at “discipline” in the same way. Learned much from the comments. Always much more to learn!
Dianne, forgot to ask you if you are the “philosophical Dianne from Ohio”, or the “new one?” Just curious! One of you were working on a new creative name??
Fran, Your words of wisdom (above) were such a blessing. As always they are such an encouragement, and touch my heart deeply. I loved what you said at the end of one comment:
“What a gracious, forgiving Father He is..Never holds a grudge, never says “told you so.”
This is how I perceive Him, and “do I ever” need His forgiveness…everyday of the year! Praise Him!!
Dianne, your comments were a blessing also. I truly understood what you were saying about wanting to shop (or buy something) in order to “feel better.” That’s what I went through for years, and so regret the time and money wasted. The bedroom suite I thought I wanted was just because I thought I “deserved” something new, even though I didn’t need it. When I prayed about it, and the Lord showed me I didn’t need it, it was like a light went off, and I was no longer blind about buying things I didn’t need. Like Fran often says: It took me years to get there, and so glad the Lord patiently taught me something “more precious than gold.” Felt led to share with the younger ladies that read these devotions…in order to be an obedient “Titus woman”. Sorry, if I offended anyone.
Titus 2:3-5
“Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be “self-controlled” and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.”.
Like to add, I passed some of my bad habits of “over spending” to my only child, my son. But when God opened my eyes, I shared my revelation with him. His “frugal” precious wife, just today, bragged on how good he is at “looking for bargains, and not over-spending.”
Explained to her, it wasn’t always that way with me…had to “learn it”. PTL.
Love to all.
Thank you, dear Dianne! Was just explaining my heart about it! To me loving discipline by our Heavenly Father is so different from the harsh punishment that the world (and some folks in it!) dishes out, sometimes… And? Anytime HE has “allowed” something in my life? Once am to the other side of it..I am able to see the “Gold” He’ll bring forth out of it. Trials come at a great price, sometimes, and someone else on here said it rightly? If we all “knew” times like that were ahead? We’d all do an about face and run the other way..but my greatest growth came during those times. Since He created us? He knows exactly “what” will grow us up..Still growing here and hope I do until am with HIM!!!! Much Love Always!
No, Fran, it didn’t sound “pat” to me. I just wondered what the “distinct difference” was. Thank you :-}.
Discipline….a long word that goes a long way! Thank you for addressing, a word, that seems to have disappeared in society today. However, we as Christians are not of this world, but of another. We are the adopted, ingrafted heirs in Jesus Christ. Knowing that, I am part of his family, I know when I need to stop..think..and act on his righteousness and the wisdom I get from the word. I will forward this devotional to many that are struggling with the stress from … Discipline! We tend to make life hard when Jesus said, “his yoke was light!”
thank you all l enjoyed going thru teh mail, you gave me so much hope, l was going thru and am still going thru tough times but l have discovered that god has a way of answering our prayers not the way we want him to answer we have to listern and wait need not to be impatient, we need lots of patients, but as humans we tend to want answers like yesterday, this is when god teaches us to have patience, discipline is hard to take but we treasure it for the future
wow what powerful words. God tests our faith at times disapline is a part of that just like we disapline our children He does it because he loves us!!
blessings
sharon b
Hope that didn’t sound “too pat”!! Am speaking from my own experience here.. Trials sometimes are so hard to bear and understand..But His Discipline is done with great love to guide us to a better pathway? He is a loving Father who doesn’t punish for punishments sake is how I view Him!! We humans do a good enough job of Punishing on our own! We are hard on ourselves, and hard on others when we are that way!! Am learning, though, in my almost 64 years now..that HE sometimes “allows” to let me learn. And? He is always right!! Sometimes, we in our human condition do “exercise our free will” and jump before we ask Him? Am I the only one whose had that experience?! Whereas? When am in His Precious Presence, get still, “listen”..and most of all “wait” on His answers? Great peace comes forward..Even if the answer I wanted isn’t fast forthcoming..or even never comes…It is knowing HE is doing the thing that will be best for me. He is omnipotent and knows waaaaay more than fran ever will! Take heart, though!! LOL..It took many years for me to get to this point..And can say, categorically..His way is certainly best! Fran finally got it..PTL!!! And? What a gracious, forgiving Father He is..Never holds a grudge, never says “told you so”..Just Lamentations 3:23-24 every day!!! Hope this makes sense?!!
Please elaborate?
He “disciplines” out of love for us? We do the “punishing” when we lean on our own understanding, etc. There’s a distinct difference :)
Thanks June, for the reference :-} .
They are strong words, but they are very true. I can vouch for them!
If I am dissatisfied with, or at war within, myself, I can easily start looking outside of myself (but not to God) to try to change or “fix” the way I feel.
When I first got a good-paying job, I went through a period of shopping at least once a day, in order to feel better. Sometimes those good feelings didn’t last any longer than it took me to get back in the car and start my engine.
Many times, I have also made plans to do something or another in order to feel better about myself, and then gotten into conflicts with others who “interfered with” or “got in the way” of my accomplishing my goals.
In either case, when I didn’t get what I thought I would, I tried even harder to get it. Then the consequences started to kick in.
Like James says, the source of the problem is inside me. I don’t get dissatisfied with, or fight with myself when my relationship with Jesus is good. It’s when I take things into my own hands that the problems start. If God withholds something I want because I am operating out of self-will, then I guess you can say He IS disciplining me.
Even though I forget, He knows I am happier when my will is aligned with His (and so are those around me). Why would a loving God feed into behaviour and attitudes that would make a child of His miserable?
If He doesn’t give me false relief when I want it, I’ll eventually get desperate enough to turn to Him. That’s the idea behind not giving me what I want, anyway.
Trust me, I HATE being disciplined! I almost always see it as punishment instead of something that comes out of His love for me. And when I see it as punishment, I get mad and I rebell.
Or I get very confused. It is very hard for me to see punishment as having anything to do with love. I see it as retaliation, instead (and retaliation is rarely, if ever, virtuous, in my mind).
But as long as I can see discipline as something that comes out of love, and is intended for my good, it is easier to take. Sometimes, then, it is even comforting!
Bless All of you for these precious sharings already today. It is an absolute “priviledge” to come and “read your hearts” here each day! Along with others, pray as am reading.. June L! You had me crying last night and today with your deep thoughts..His Wisdom in you blesses us more than a few words could say…I cried reading Dorothy and Ann Davis’ recent sharings and realizing what makes them so special…ALL of you so precious. Chris reaching out to Him through incredible pain (let’s be in agreement for healing of her body!).. Sharon’s triumph with Him over Breast Cancer and sincere prayers for others..Jackie’s triumph on behalf of the Lord at church the other night… Damage from abuse didn’t stop her glow from HIM, at all..The Lord giving fresh perspective through her that night.. Wish there was space to thank each one individually..But, you are ALL treasures..old friends on here..and new ones each day..And am never disappointed when coming to this “special well of inspiration”!
“Lord Jesus, thank you for making us your children and loving us so much you do “chasten”..but only for our ultimate good and the GOLD you bring forth in us as you do.. Bless every precious ONE who comes to this site, Father, in whatever way they need this day..Thank you for the Wisdom we learn here and the beautiful sharing ..Thank you, sweet Jesus for the gifts of each one you’ve brought here and for making us your “Vines”, Lord!! Help us to keep “pressing on” and “seeking YOU”.. Amen and Amen”.
We are also blessed to be called His Children..and a good, loving parent has to “correct” out of love for a child’s maturing and future. Sometimes? It is hard for us to understand, at the time, but at the end of a trial? We realize that it is HIS Perfect Love that has fine tuned us and prepared us work in His Kingdom. We are able to comfort another He will place in our pathways when we are ready!
Dianne, that scripture reference is James 4:1-3:
“1What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? 2You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. 3When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.”
These are strong words from James. I must admit I have been in financial struggles before thinking I wanted something I really couldn’t afford and didn’t need. I’m sure most of us can say we have been there, done that. The Lord has taught me over the years to seek Him before buying on credit. Lots of times He has graciously changed my mind about a major purchase. Here is an example:
Several years ago I decided I wanted a new bedroom suite. We didn’t have the money for it, but I was retired and working partime, and knew I could pay it off in installments. I spotted a beautiful bedroom set called “Nostalgia”. It was antique lokking and just what I wanted. Yet, I prayed and asked God’s bessing on this. It didn’t come like I expected. The day before I was going to make the purchase, I walked into my bedroom, and all of a sudden the used set we had been using for years looked more beautiful than the one I was about to purchase. The bed I already have is big, beautiful, real wood, and nostalgic. My husband, whom I had talked into letting me buy a new bedroom suite, could not believe I decided to keep what I had. From that experience, I have learned to trust the Lord with our major purchases, and expenses because “Father knows best.”
Precious Nancy, Praying the Lord will guide you and give you wisdom in how to pay for these purchases. He has the answer when we don’t, and He is so much more creative than we can ever imagine. Bless you!
Nancy, I don’t know for sure whether you are being disciplined or not. I can say that God wants us to give joyfully, and that He does not want to foster self-based living.
If He is disciplining you, my guess is that not having recieved the blessings that you are hoping for is because you are giving more with strings attached. That is, with impure (selfish) motive (financial improvement), instead of out of simple gratitude and love and a desire to give.
I don’t know the chapter and verse, but the in the book of James (maybe) it says that when we don’t recieve it is because we aren’t asking “rightly,” that we are asking in order to spend what we get on ourselves.
Increasing giving in order to get more is a lot like asking God for something, so I’m thinking these principals might apply here. I don’t know for sure, but I think these ideas might fit your situation.
I know for a fact that if it weren’t for the trials the Lord has allowed me to go through, I wouldn’t have the close relationship with Him that I have.It means so much to me and I would not trade it for anything.
I think about this often when I read these devotions and comments. For instance, when Ann Davis told about her mother dying when she was only ten. I thought no wonder this precious lady has learned to depend on the Lord, and loves Him so much. Dorothy tells how she faced a hugh obstacle just 10 years ago, but look where she is now. Then Jackie tells of her child’s illness, and other trials…yet she has a strong faith. Then Fran D tells how she lost a baby at birth, and many other trials that she has gone through: yet we can tell she a strong Godly Christian woman. We can tell Chris has had many trials yet she loves the Lord, and praises Him every day. Sharon has battled cancer, yet she loves the Lord, and thanks Him daily. Nancy has had many hardships, but loves the Lord and doesn’t give up. The authors of these devotions have faced many trials, but they continue to faithfully serve Him. Maia, Maureen, Barbara, Dianne, eve, all who comment here are a testimony of how He is changing lives through discipline.
I know many people that gave up on building a close relationship with the Lord after enduring a few trials. I feel sorry for them. They are missing out on so much.
Yes, the trials and the discipline are hard to go through, but necessary to mold us and shape us into the “vessels” He desires us to be. It will make even more sense when we reach our final destination which is Heaven. Praise Him!!
I,too, have recently been through a very trying time (and still am going through it) Although I professed to be a Christian for many years, it is through this trial, and my realizing that I must be obedient to God even when it means I will lose someone I love, that I have finally realized the full potential of a life with Jesus. It is by faith, and only faith, that I have been able to get through this ordeal thus far. When I have felt like I couldn’t live another minute, I cried out to God for strength and He has given me that strenth, and hope, and faith in what He has in store for me. Never before did I realize what my God can do for me if I just ask. I don’t know what lies ahead, or who He will put into my life, but I have a greater hope now because I have grown so much closer to Him. I believe he put this obstacle in my path simply because He knew that I was not living my life as I should be, and He knew that I desperately needed to grow in my Christian walk. He knows ALL!
Growing up I sometimes didn’t know why I was being disciliped. Now as an adult I can see why my parents did what they did. If I do wrong GOD will Make sure I am corrected for my wrong doing. I know I am not profect and sometimes I do the wrong thing. GOD will do what HE has to do to let me know I did wrong. I will take that punchishment because I deserve it.
I was wondering could any of you tell me if I am going through a trial right now. My daughter and I went to Europe last spring. I had to make some purchases on the trip. Now I am finacialy behind. I am trying to catch up with my bills but don’t seem to be able to. I thought it might be because I was’nt giving enough tithe so I started giving more and still I am behind. I am waiting for the blessings to come but they do not. I know that God does things in his own time and I am trying to believe that all things work out for them who love God. And I do love God and am trying to do his will. And I know he is with me because of other things in my life. Please pray.
We have such difficulty grasping the fact that real love also means real discipline. It is equally difficult to grasp that the God who created the universe loves ME enough to discipline me as HIS child. Here I am, 14 years after being saved, finally remembering to look for what HE is trying to teach me when troubles come. Thank you Father for loving us through our trials. You are an AWESOME GOD!
As a new Christian, I often asked, and sometimes still do, “Why God? Why are you doing this?” But then I see that the ultimate prize in the end is worth lifes struggles…closeness to my Father. PTL!!! Thank You ABBA, for always being there for me, even when I never knew your were; for loving me and showing me what it means to love thyself and others. I love and honor you my Lord. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen
Thank God, That He knows exactly what we need,and sometime it take trial to bring us closer to Him,I;m so ever grateful for the trials in my life cus,it through them that I got to know I had a heavenly Father and a loving one.
What a wonderful parallel and how true! We are often not grateful for discipline – but it is this that makes us a better person – thank you for reminding us that God loves us even when we’re going through trials.