May 4

All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. Heb. 12: 11.

This is perhaps one the strongest understatements in the bible. All discipline from the Lord is certainly not joyful. It can seem to be downright awful. Yet, as He says in verse 6 of this chapter: "For those whom the Lord loves He disciplines, and He scourges every son whom He receives". This must be the origin of all "tough love". Let me say that I feel greatly loved!

It is amazing how many ways the Lord can find to discipline. He may simply let us go until we are at the end of our rope. He may put persons in our lives that truly "bug" us beyond belief. They are there not for us to try to change, but because it is we who must change. He will cause us to see our weakness so we will realize it must be turned over to Him. He will cause us to see our strengths and how they get in His way. All of this can be frustrating if we have a mind to trust in self-- which is probably why He is disciplining us in the first place. Sometimes I marvel at His patience!

One of the areas where I need discipline is in time management. I really don't know where it goes. We have this luxury of choosing to spend our time on self, when we should be dedicating it to His service. There are many things He would have me do if only I could "find the time". Where have I hidden it?

Today, Lord, help me see the opportunities to go where You go and to be an outward expression of Your will. Nudge me or even "spank" me when I get out of line. Remind me of Your love through your discipline. And afterwards I will experience the peaceful fruit of righteousness. Amen.
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