Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? . . . Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
—HEBREWS 12:7, 9–11
I HAVE SAID MANY times that I never received discipline from my dad that I did not deserve, but I did get away with some things that I could have used some discipline for. Having raised two daughters and now watching my granddaughters grow up, I fully appreciate what my dad and mom did for me in disciplining me to be a better man, a godly man. I know my heavenly Father will never make a mistake in making me a better man.
Prayer
Father, I praise You for the discipline You have used to make me a better man. Help me to grow in being a man who is full of respect, grace, truth, and integrity. Through Jesus I pray, amen.
—Al