Day 233

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Judgment Coming

Scripture

August 20—Ezekiel 20-24: Pronouncements of Judgment

Observation

Lest Judah think that God is judging her impulsively on the basis of present sins, Ezekiel retreats into the nation's past and catalogs the periods of rebellion that the people have displayed. God has been patient with them down through the centuries, but now their cup is full and judgment must come. As God wields the sword of judgment and prepares the smelting furnace of his anger, it is clear that Judah is about to meet the same fate that befell her sister Israel: strong discipline for stubborn rebellion.

Application

Thought for the day: Parents who are afraid to put their foot down usually have children who step on toes. 

Discipline has been defined as "that painful reproof that everyone needs but no one wants." It is the price you pay for failing to learn your lesson the first time, either as a child of your parents or as a child of your heavenly Father. No parent enjoys administering discipline to a wayward child. But there is something more painful to a parent than giving a spanking, and this is giving repeated spankings for the same offense. Why? Because discipline has only achieved its goal when it produces a change of conduct. Tears of remorse may show a contrite heart, but unless followed by acts of repentance the discipline has failed to achieve its desired end.

Where is God bringing divine discipline to bear on your life today? And what response is God looking for out of your momentarily painful experience? Find a quiet corner to sit in as you ponder and complete this sentence: "Because I know that discipline, though painful, will be unprofitable until I respond correctly, today with God's help I will show that I have learned my lesson by..."

Prayer

Thank you, Almighty God, that our prayers can move you. So, we pray for guidance for the ways we should discipline ourselves and our children in a time where spanking is no longer allowed by law. We know we can use time-out methods, taking away privileges and reflect on what Jesus would do but we want our discipline to be effective in bringing us and ours closer to you. We devote ourselves fully to you today in prayer, action and teaching our children to pray. And, we pray this in Jesus' name! Amen!
 

Teach Them to Pray!


© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business!

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