When You’re Chastened

[Christ4Ever]

"You should know in your heart that as a man chastens his son, [so] the LORD your God chastens you. Deuteronomy 8:5 NKJV

After forty years in the wilderness, the Israelites were ready to enter Canaan, which God had promised to Abraham’s descendants. The book of Deuteronomy contains Moses’ final instructions before the people crossed the Jordan River to possess the land.

With his decades of God-ordained leadership, Moses had credibility. His listeners were a younger generation of Israelites—the children and grandchildren of those who’d escaped slavery in Egypt. Because the older Israelites had complained and rebelled, God decreed that only two of that entire generation—the faithful spies Caleb and Joshua—would live to enter Canaan.

Not even Moses would step foot in the land. He’d been banished for dishonoring God inn an angry outburst as the people whined about water. But in his disappointment, Moses saw God’s chastening as good, and he encouraged the people to welcome discipline as a father’s loving guidance.

Even the best human father will fail at his job. But God, in His complete knowledge and selfless love, chastens His children for their perfect benefit—now and forever. When you’re going through hard times, ask God what He’s trying to teach you. Consider in your heart that He’s being a very good Father.

Prayer: Lord, I don’t always enjoy chastening, but I know I need it. Guide me in Your perfect ways.

 

[complete]

(2 Cor. 1:3-11)
'Blessed be God,
.. even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
.... the Father of mercies,
...... and the God of all comfort;
........ Who comforteth us in all our tribulation,
.......... that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble,
............ by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
(vv. 3-4)

For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us,
.. so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.
.... And whether we be afflicted,
...... it is for your consolation and salvation,
........ which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer:
.......... or whether we be comforted,
............ it is for your consolation and salvation.
.............. And our hope of you is steadfast,
................ knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings,
.................. so shall ye be also of the consolation.'
(vv. 5-7)

'For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant
.. of our trouble which came to us in Asia,
.... that we were pressed out of measure, above strength,
...... insomuch that we despaired even of life:
........ But we had the sentence of death in ourselves,
.......... that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:
(vv. 8-9)

* Paul and His fellow-workers were subjected to a time of trouble, which was immeasurable, and beyond their strength, to the point that they despaired, 'even of life'. For they needed to learn an important lesson, which was, not to trust in themselves and their own strength, but in God, who raises the dead. For their hope was not for this life only, but they had the hope of a resurrection life to come: and it was this hope that would enable them to endure.

'Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith;
Who for the joy that was set before Him
endured the cross, despising the shame,
and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.'
(Heb 12:2)

Man can kill the body, but it is God alone who is able to destroy both body and soul in hell ( that is the grave)(Mat. 10:28): and He alone who can raise it from the dead.

Praise God!

 

[Christ4Ever]

Dear Sister, @complete
I have to ask...how long did it take you to do all the "dots" before each one?

Appreciate the Word you shared! Alleluia!!!

With the Love of Christ Jesus.
YBIC
Nick
\o/
<><

 

[complete]

Dear Sister, @complete
I have to ask...how long did it take you to do all the "dots" before each one?

Appreciate the Word you shared! Alleluia!!!

With the Love of Christ Jesus.
YBIC
Nick
\o/
<><

Hi @Christ4Ever,

Time passes quickly when you are having fun.

I find that I take in what is written when I break the wording down like this, and the import of what is being said takes on form, and becomes real to me. Yes it concentrates the mind on what is actually written. I hope it has the same effect on others, and is not a cause of irritation.

With love in Christ Jesus
Chris