7 Principles of God's Discipline

"'For those whom the Lord loves He disciplines.  And He scourges every son whom He receives.'  It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 

"But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. -- All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful;" Hebrews12:6-7, 11a

"He will never allow any adversity in our lives that is not ultimately for our good. -- God disciplines us with reluctance, though He dies it faithfully.  He does not delight in our adversities, but He will not spare us that which we need to grow more and more into the likeness of His Son."*

Principles:  

1. God disciplines those He loves.  

2. He loves every one He receives.  
3. Discipline builds endurance for the future.  

4. God regards us as sons and daughters.  

5. God gave us an example of the love of our earthly father (hoping fathers would be good fathers).  

6. By discipline we show our "family" relationship with God's family.  
7. Discipline is meant to grow us into the beloved image of God's Son, Jesus Christ!

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:   For the family and friends of James Foley, so brutally slain in Syria and for the situation developing around this.

For those trying to stem the devastation of Ebola in Africa.

UPDATE:  Patti's beloved husband, John who recently had a stroke is home now and starting rehab to help him read and see more clearly again -- the family needs prayers during this time, especially Patti.  She thanks each of you for your faithfulness...the Lord has given John a soft peace that is making this time of growth easier for all.

For those touched and confused by the suicide of Robin Williams, especially his family.

NEW PRAYER REQUEST:  A dear friend, Jen, has fallen and needs to regain her strength.  For Louise for healing in their family.

UPDATE - Baby Saige is doing so well and her parents thank each of you for praying for her.  She comes to church with her parents and sister now. She is a very happy little one who looks and acts like a "normal" 8 mo. old!  She will not need another surgery until she is 3-5 yrs. old!

UPDATE -Heath's grandma writes: "Heath started school the first day. His hand continues to get stronger. He is taking keyboarding which will help his hand development and he will be graded differently. I know that without all the prayers and good Christian friends his outcome would have been different. Once again, I want to thank you so much, words can't express my gratitude." Laurie

UPDATE:  For 29 year old Sara - that she goes home to the care of her parents while she is so unwell. and for her brother who needs God's wisdom for a business-related matter.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: Pray for David R as he manages his macular degeneration and praise the Lord for the installation of his wheelchair ramp on his birthday.

Carla (and Paul, David and Matthew) has been hired by a group in New York and will be moving there in September.  Please pray for everything to go smoothly for them and that they will be happy in their new environment.

Update on Patty, who lost her three year old daughter four years ago has sent a most amazing letter of thanksgiving.  She is not 100% but says she is around 85%.  There has been little progress with her yet, a very difficult loss for her, to be sure." 

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  Pray for my brother, Tim, that his COPD (cardio-pulmonary artery disease) is manageable for him and that he will have the patience and wisdom to cope with the limitations. 

Pray the Lord quiets Adrian's heart as he struggles with pain.   His battle with cancer continues.  Give his doctors wisdom and compassion.

UPDATE ON ISAIAS' FATHER:  Isaias father is still struggling physically.  The family is there with him now as Isaias must go on the road to minister to others.  Please pray Isaias can return soon to be with his father.

Pray for someone suspected of having esophageal cancer - had tests in hospital recently.  No results yet.  And another who has cancer surgery.  They are hoping they got it all.

For Audley and Beverly’s situation and his return to the ministry.  For Nancy who continues to grow stronger after her life-threatening head injury a few years ago, and for Fred as he cares for her. 

Please pray for Maedhros, who is having a serious operation soon.  Pray for BG that his blinding headaches will finally stop.

Please pray for Chester as he continues to struggle through a host of medical challenges and poor care.  Give him energy, strength and resolve.  Bettina needs our prayers to give her strength and wisdom. 

Pray for Raven as she regains her strength from the cancer treatments. 

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  Paul NS continues to struggle in finding work.  He grows weary and discouraged.  Pray God will grant him patience and hope and a job so his health will also improve.

Hans:  Pray he will find a good job soon.

Carla has asked us to pray for:  Tanya who has lost her senior role.  Please give her grace through this time and trust, to know God has things firmly in His hands.

Please pray for Michael, a man who is humble and without a home or a job who needs a chance to get his life back to normal. 

Deepak needs prayer that his work efforts begin to bear fruit as he works through the grief of his father passing.  He needs strength and resolve to make wise decisions.

Justin B and his father in India need prayer that Justin will find work in his field of BPO and voice in the Lord's perfect time. 

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  Pray the Lord’s hand is dramatically apparent in the lives of all who receive and read this devotion...that His mighty works would be worked out in each life for His purposes in surprising and wonderful ways!

Elaine and Jim starting a new ministry in Hong Kong - that the Lord will strengthen their resolve and their hands.

Isaias & Judith need our continued prayers for protection and good health.  They lead the efforts of Ambassadors for Christ in the Philippines.  The financial needs are so great, please consider contributing...just click on Ambassadors for Christ link above. 

For Linda and Ian.  For Rob and his daughter.  For Reg.  Pray for Annette and Lyle and their wonderful family.  Pray for wisdom for my brother as he deals with an important matter.  For David K, in his studies and Matthew K as he grows up.  

PRAY FOR THE WORLD:  Pray for revival in the USA to continue.   Pray for Birgit who is in Germany.  Please pray for the many individuals in Singapore, China and India.  Just recently the WeakDay Devotion blog is being read by many people there!  God is mysterious!  Pray for the Catholic Church and that the new Pope will always put Jesus first.  

* "Trusting God" is copyright protected since 1988 by Jerry Bridges.  All rights are reserved, including translations.  The ISBN is 08910-91742.  I quote carefully and respectfully from his wonderful book.

Vine Weekend Assignment

"'I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.  Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He lifts up; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it, that it may bear more fruit.  You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 

"'Abide in Me, and I in you.  As the branches cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.  I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing.

"'If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch, and dries up; and they gather them and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.  If you abide in Me, and My Word abides in you, ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you.

"'By this is My Father glorified;, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.  Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love.  These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.'" John 15:1-11

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT:  Print out or write out this wonderful passage in John.  Read it at least four times, each time circle or underline something special the Lord reveals to you through this exercise.  It is a mighty treasure trove of wisdom AND assurance....a sure way to build trust is to keep looking at the One you are putting your trust in...because it is a continual action...Enjoy!

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:   For the family and friends of James Foley, so brutally slain in Syria and for the situation developing around this.

For those trying to stem the devastation of Ebola in Africa.

UPDATE:  Patti's beloved husband, John who recently had a stroke is home now and starting rehab to help him read and see more clearly again -- the family needs prayers during this time, especially Patti.  She thanks each of you for your faithfulness...the Lord has given John a soft peace that is making this time of growth easier for all.

For those touched and confused by the suicide of Robin Williams, especially his family.

NEW PRAYER REQUEST:  A dear friend, Jen, has fallen and needs to regain her strength.  For Louise for healing in their family.

UPDATE - Baby Saige is doing so well and her parents thank each of you for praying for her.  She comes to church with her parents and sister now. She is a very happy little one who looks and acts like a "normal" 8 mo. old!  She will not need another surgery until she is 3-5 yrs. old!

UPDATE -Heath's grandma writes: "Heath started school the first day. His hand continues to get stronger. He is taking keyboarding which will help his hand development and he will be graded differently. I know that without all the prayers and good Christian friends his outcome would have been different. Once again, I want to thank you so much, words can't express my gratitude." Laurie

UPDATE:  For 29 year old Sara - that she goes home to the care of her parents while she is so unwell. and for her brother who needs God's wisdom for a business-related matter.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: Pray for David R as he manages his macular degeneration and praise the Lord for the installation of his wheelchair ramp on his birthday.

Carla (and Paul, David and Matthew) has been hired by a group in New York and will be moving there in September.  Please pray for everything to go smoothly for them and that they will be happy in their new environment.

Update on Patty, who lost her three year old daughter four years ago has sent a most amazing letter of thanksgiving.  She is not 100% but says she is around 85%.  There has been little progress with her yet, a very difficult loss for her, to be sure." 

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  Pray for my brother, Tim, that his COPD (cardio-pulmonary artery disease) is manageable for him and that he will have the patience and wisdom to cope with the limitations. 

Pray the Lord quiets Adrian's heart as he struggles with pain.   His battle with cancer continues.  Give his doctors wisdom and compassion.

UPDATE ON ISAIAS' FATHER:  Isaias father is still struggling physically.  The family is there with him now as Isaias must go on the road to minister to others.  Please pray Isaias can return soon to be with his father.

Pray for someone suspected of having esophageal cancer - had tests in hospital recently.  No results yet.  And another who has cancer surgery.  They are hoping they got it all.

For Audley and Beverly’s situation and his return to the ministry.  For Nancy who continues to grow stronger after her life-threatening head injury a few years ago, and for Fred as he cares for her. 

Please pray for Maedhros, who is having a serious operation soon.  Pray for BG that his blinding headaches will finally stop.

Please pray for Chester as he continues to struggle through a host of medical challenges and poor care.  Give him energy, strength and resolve.  Bettina needs our prayers to give her strength and wisdom. 

Pray for Raven as she regains her strength from the cancer treatments. 

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  Paul NS continues to struggle in finding work.  He grows weary and discouraged.  Pray God will grant him patience and hope and a job so his health will also improve.

Hans:  Pray he will find a good job soon.

Carla has asked us to pray for:  Tanya who has lost her senior role.  Please give her grace through this time and trust, to know God has things firmly in His hands.

Please pray for Michael, a man who is humble and without a home or a job who needs a chance to get his life back to normal. 

Deepak needs prayer that his work efforts begin to bear fruit as he works through the grief of his father passing.  He needs strength and resolve to make wise decisions.

Justin B and his father in India need prayer that Justin will find work in his field of BPO and voice in the Lord's perfect time. 

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  Pray the Lord’s hand is dramatically apparent in the lives of all who receive and read this devotion...that His mighty works would be worked out in each life for His purposes in surprising and wonderful ways!

Elaine and Jim starting a new ministry in Hong Kong - that the Lord will strengthen their resolve and their hands.

Isaias & Judith need our continued prayers for protection and good health.  They lead the efforts of Ambassadors for Christ in the Philippines.  The financial needs are so great, please consider contributing...just click on Ambassadors for Christ link above. 

For Linda and Ian.  For Rob and his daughter.  For Reg.  Pray for Annette and Lyle and their wonderful family.  Pray for wisdom for my brother as he deals with an important matter.  For David K, in his studies and Matthew K as he grows up.  

PRAY FOR THE WORLD:  Pray for revival in the USA to continue.   Pray for Birgit who is in Germany.  Please pray for the many individuals in Singapore, China and India.  Just recently the WeakDay Devotion blog is being read by many people there!  God is mysterious!  Pray for the Catholic Church and that the new Pope will always put Jesus first.  

* "Trusting God" is copyright protected since 1988 by Jerry Bridges.  All rights are reserved, including translations.  The ISBN is 08910-91742.  I quote carefully and respectfully from his wonderful book.

Proof of God's Love

"You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin; and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, 'My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor faint when you are reproved by Him' for those whom the Lord loves He disciplines, and He scourges every son whom He receives.'

"It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline?  But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 

"Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live?" Hebrews 12:4-9

"We mistakenly look for tokens [proof] of God's love in happiness.  We should instead look for them in His faithful and persistent work to conform us to Christ. 

"As Philip Hughes has observed, 'Discipline is the mark not of a harsh and heartless father but of a father who is deeply and lovingly concerned for the well-being of his son.' [Philip E. Hughes, A Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews, (Grand Rapids: Eerdman's Publishing Company, 1977), page 528]"

Proof of God's love?  Just read the prayer requests, the updates and all the praise points over the years! 

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:   For the family and friends of James Foley, so brutally slain in Syria and for the situation developing around this.

For those trying to stem the devastation of Ebola in Africa.

UPDATE:  Patti's beloved husband, John who recently had a stroke is home now and starting rehab to help him read and see more clearly again -- the family needs prayers during this time, especially Patti.  She thanks each of you for your faithfulness...the Lord has given John a soft peace that is making this time of growth easier for all.

For those touched and confused by the suicide of Robin Williams, especially his family.

NEW PRAYER REQUEST:  A dear friend, Jen, has fallen and needs to regain her strength.  For Louise for healing in their family.

UPDATE - Baby Saige is doing so well and her parents thank each of you for praying for her.  She comes to church with her parents and sister now. She is a very happy little one who looks and acts like a "normal" 8 mo. old!  She will not need another surgery until she is 3-5 yrs. old!

UPDATE -Heath's grandma writes: "Heath started school the first day. His hand continues to get stronger. He is taking keyboarding which will help his hand development and he will be graded differently. I know that without all the prayers and good Christian friends his outcome would have been different. Once again, I want to thank you so much, words can't express my gratitude." Laurie

UPDATE:  For 29 year old Sara - that she goes home to the care of her parents while she is so unwell. and for her brother who needs God's wisdom for a business-related matter.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: Pray for David R as he manages his macular degeneration and praise the Lord for the installation of his wheelchair ramp on his birthday.

Carla (and Paul, David and Matthew) has been hired by a group in New York and will be moving there in September.  Please pray for everything to go smoothly for them and that they will be happy in their new environment.

Update on Patty, who lost her three year old daughter four years ago has sent a most amazing letter of thanksgiving.  She is not 100% but says she is around 85%.  There has been little progress with her yet, a very difficult loss for her, to be sure." 

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  Pray for my brother, Tim, that his COPD (cardio-pulmonary artery disease) is manageable for him and that he will have the patience and wisdom to cope with the limitations. 

Pray the Lord quiets Adrian's heart as he struggles with pain.   His battle with cancer continues.  Give his doctors wisdom and compassion.

UPDATE ON ISAIAS' FATHER:  Isaias father is still struggling physically.  The family is there with him now as Isaias must go on the road to minister to others.  Please pray Isaias can return soon to be with his father.

Pray for someone suspected of having esophageal cancer - had tests in hospital recently.  No results yet.  And another who has cancer surgery.  They are hoping they got it all.

For Audley and Beverly’s situation and his return to the ministry.  For Nancy who continues to grow stronger after her life-threatening head injury a few years ago, and for Fred as he cares for her. 

Please pray for Maedhros, who is having a serious operation soon.  Pray for BG that his blinding headaches will finally stop.

Please pray for Chester as he continues to struggle through a host of medical challenges and poor care.  Give him energy, strength and resolve.  Bettina needs our prayers to give her strength and wisdom. 

Pray for Raven as she regains her strength from the cancer treatments. 

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  Paul NS continues to struggle in finding work.  He grows weary and discouraged.  Pray God will grant him patience and hope and a job so his health will also improve.

Hans:  Pray he will find a good job soon.

Carla has asked us to pray for:  Tanya who has lost her senior role.  Please give her grace through this time and trust, to know God has things firmly in His hands.

Please pray for Michael, a man who is humble and without a home or a job who needs a chance to get his life back to normal. 

Deepak needs prayer that his work efforts begin to bear fruit as he works through the grief of his father passing.  He needs strength and resolve to make wise decisions.

Justin B and his father in India need prayer that Justin will find work in his field of BPO and voice in the Lord's perfect time. 

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  Pray the Lord’s hand is dramatically apparent in the lives of all who receive and read this devotion...that His mighty works would be worked out in each life for His purposes in surprising and wonderful ways!

Elaine and Jim starting a new ministry in Hong Kong - that the Lord will strengthen their resolve and their hands.

Isaias & Judith need our continued prayers for protection and good health.  They lead the efforts of Ambassadors for Christ in the Philippines.  The financial needs are so great, please consider contributing...just click on Ambassadors for Christ link above. 

For Linda and Ian.  For Rob and his daughter.  For Reg.  Pray for Annette and Lyle and their wonderful family.  Pray for wisdom for my brother as he deals with an important matter.  For David K, in his studies and Matthew K as he grows up.  

PRAY FOR THE WORLD:  Pray for revival in the USA to continue.   Pray for Birgit who is in Germany.  Please pray for the many individuals in Singapore, China and India.  Just recently the WeakDay Devotion blog is being read by many people there!  God is mysterious!  Pray for the Catholic Church and that the new Pope will always put Jesus first.  

* "Trusting God" is copyright protected since 1988 by Jerry Bridges.  All rights are reserved, including translations.  The ISBN is 08910-91742.  I quote carefully and respectfully from his wonderful book.

Circumstantial Perspective

"Remember my affliction and my wandering, the wormwood and bitterness.  Surely my soul remembers.  And is bowed down within me.  This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope.

"The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail.  They are new EVERY morning; great is Thy faithfulness. 

"'The Lord is my portion, says my soul, therefore I have hope in Him.'  The Lord is good to those who wait for Him." Lamentations 3:19-25

"We must see our circumstances through God's love instead of, as we are prone to do, seeing God's love through our circumstances."*

We can remember Jesus walking on the water to the boat filled with confused and hopeful disciples....and Peter seeking to be nearer his Lord stepping out of the boat.  He was just fine as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus...but the moment he took time to consider the dire circumstances of the raging waves around him he began to sink.  But Jesus was there. 

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:   For the family and friends of James Foley, so brutally slain in Syria and for the situation developing around this.

For those trying to stem the devastation of Ebola in Africa.

Patti's beloved husband, John who just had a stroke is home now and starting rehab to heal him read and see more clearly again -- the family needs prayers during this time, especially Patti.

For those touched and confused by the suicide of Robin Williams, especially his family.

NEW PRAYER REQUEST:  A dear friend, Jen, has fallen and needs to regain her strength.  For Louise for healing in their family.

For 29 year old Sara - for strengthening and revival of heart and her brother who needs God's wisdom for a business-related matter.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: Pray for David R as he manages his macular degeneration and praise the Lord for the installation of his wheelchair ramp on his birthday.

Carla (and Paul, David and Matthew) has been hired by a group in New York and will be moving there in September.  Please pray for everything to go smoothly for them and that they will be happy in their new environment.

Update on Patty, who lost her three year old daughter four years ago has sent a most amazing letter of thanksgiving.  She is not 100% but says she is around 85%.  There has been little progress with her yet, a very difficult loss for her, to be sure." 

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  Pray for my brother, Tim, that his COPD (cardio-pulmonary artery disease) is manageable for him and that he will have the patience and wisdom to cope with the limitations. 

Pray the Lord quiets Adrian's heart as he struggles with pain.   His battle with cancer continues.  Give his doctors wisdom and compassion.

UPDATE ON ISAIAS' FATHER:  Isaias father is still struggling physically.  The family is there with him now as Isaias must go on the road to minister to others.  Please pray Isaias can return soon to be with his father.

Pray for someone suspected of having esophageal cancer - had tests in hospital recently.  No results yet.  And another who has cancer surgery.  They are hoping they got it all.

For Audley and Beverly’s situation and his return to the ministry.  For Nancy who continues to grow stronger after her life-threatening head injury a few years ago, and for Fred as he cares for her. 

Please pray for Maedhros, who is having a serious operation soon.  Pray for BG that his blinding headaches will finally stop.

Please pray for Chester as he continues to struggle through a host of medical challenges and poor care.  Give him energy, strength and resolve.  Bettina needs our prayers to give her strength and wisdom. 

Pray for Raven as she regains her strength from the cancer treatments. 

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  Paul NS continues to struggle in finding work.  He grows weary and discouraged.  Pray God will grant him patience and hope and a job so his health will also improve.

Hans:  Pray he will find a good job soon.

Carla has asked us to pray for:  Tanya who has lost her senior role.  Please give her grace through this time and trust, to know God has things firmly in His hands.

Please pray for Michael, a man who is humble and without a home or a job who needs a chance to get his life back to normal. 

Deepak needs prayer that his work efforts begin to bear fruit as he works through the grief of his father passing.  He needs strength and resolve to make wise decisions.

Justin B and his father in India need prayer that Justin will find work in his field of BPO and voice in the Lord's perfect time. 

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  Pray the Lord’s hand is dramatically apparent in the lives of all who receive and read this devotion...that His mighty works would be worked out in each life for His purposes in surprising and wonderful ways!

UPDATE from Elaine and Jim : "Just want to thank you for remembering us (new ministry in Hong Kong).  We surely appreciate prayers for God's leading and protection.  It's no surprise that the enemy doesn't like what we are doing, so it shouldn't be a surprise for us to be battling spiritual warfare, but we need God's loving protection to handle all."

Those dealing with the Malasian Airlines flight shot down.  That the world remains calm and take time to sort this out and come to a peaceful resolution.  That right may prevail and all the families who lost loved ones will find comfort over time.

Isaias & Judith need our continued prayers for protection and good health.  They lead the efforts of Ambassadors for Christ in the Philippines.  The financial needs are so great, please consider contributing...just click on Ambassadors for Christ link above. 

For Linda and Ian.  For Rob and his daughter.  For Reg.  Pray for Annette and Lyle and their wonderful family.  Pray for wisdom for my brother as he deals with an important matter.  For David K, in his studies and Matthew K as he grows up.  

PRAY FOR THE WORLD:  Pray for revival in the USA to continue.   Pray for Birgit who is in Germany.  Please pray for the many individuals in Singapore, China and India.  Just recently the WeakDay Devotion blog is being read by many people there!  God is mysterious!  Pray for the Catholic Church and that the new Pope will always put Jesus first.  

* "Trusting God" is copyright protected since 1988 by Jerry Bridges.  All rights are reserved, including translations.  The ISBN is 08910-91742.  I quote carefully and respectfully from his wonderful book.