Monday, October 21, 2019

GOLDILOCKS DISCIPLINE



“’Therefore thus says the Lord in regard Jehoiakin the son of Josiah, king of Judah, ‘They will not lament for him: ‘Alas, my brother!’ or, ‘Alas, sister!’  They will not lament for him:  ‘Alas for the master!’ or, ‘Alas for his splendour!’ 

“’He will be buried with a donkey’s burial, dragged off and thrown out beyond the gates of Jerusalem.  Go up to Lebanon and cry out, and lift up your voice in Bashan; cry out also from Abarim, for all your lovers have been crushed.  I spoke to you in your prosperity; but you said, ‘I will not listen!’ 

“’This has been your practice from your youth, that you have not obeyed My voice.  The wind will sweep away [consume] all your shepherds, and your lovers will go into captivity; then you will surely be ashamed and humiliated because of all your wickedness.’” Jeremiah 22:18-22

From infancy, youth demonstrate their determination to do what they see is right in their own eyes.  Parents must discipline in an effective way.  But disciplining a youth is never easy, yet it is vital to the survival and thriving attitude of us all as we mature.   

Over the years, parents turned from decisive and ‘tough-love’ discipline to expressing tolerance through reasoning.  This academic idea was thought to ensure ‘freedom’ of creativity and individuality.  Discipline of any kind was feared to stifled a child and so most parents withdrew their hand. 

Yet without discipline, not only do youth risk their very lives at times, they believe they are not loved and grow into selfishly disruptive citizens craving attention, blaming others and caring for their own opinions rather than taking personal responsibility for their actions. 

When God steps in, He metes out perfect discipline to preserve His creation.  And like the old fairy tale about Goldilocks, He always chooses what is ‘just right’ for the moment.

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, who still prays for you each morning.  Darlene

PS:  Please pray for this ministry.  This is the 20th year of endeavouring to serve others in His name to offer a smattering of Scripture daily.  Find my statement of faith by clicking (or cut and paste this link into your Web browser):  https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com   You can find the WeakDay Devotion online by doing a Google search for “WeakDay Devotion”  (Also, there is a “Google Blogger” app you can download to read them on your phone.)

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS and some UPDATES too!

  • ·        USA – that the Lord would demonstrate His power in unexpected and uniting way during these times of unrest and confusion.  Help hearts settle and rest in Him alone.  And let the truth of God’s Word and ways overcome the drive to destroy our founding Bible-based values.
  • ·        UPDATE - Scott Scott’s wife abandoned him and this two children Sophia (10) and Grady (8) a couple of years ago and he has proved to be a caring and loving single father to them.  Recently, he began dating a wonderful Christian woman and is very happy.  Please continue to pray he seeks the Lord for himself and his children. 
  • ·        Yalawe diagnosed with lymphoma and who has been under various and vigorous treatment for nearly a year now, returns to the hospital for more surgery this week (15 October).  Please pray for his full recovery and that his health providers and family would be extra gentle with him.
  • ·        Jen – my sweet friend in the UK— recovering from the loss of her beloved companion dog, Honey and a variety of health challenges.  Pray she rests well and that her health care providers are skilful, wise and compassionate.  Pray also for her neighbour, Pat who has been like a sister to her during this difficult time. 
  • ·        SJ – as he struggles with circumstances he did not anticipate.  Pray for his willingness, for wisdom of his counsellors as he wanders through this dark time.  Pray for his ability to rest  and forgive himself.
  • ·        UPDATE Sarah – Her mother thanks you for your faithful prayers.  She is still wandering around looking for herself and trying to avoid family.  Pray the Lord grabs her hand and brings her back to reality soon and that her family trusts the Lord more to know He has a plan for her.
  • ·        Terri – her relationship of 13 years has just broken and she needs prayers to travel through this journey.
  • ·        UPDATE - Adrian - (Julia’s son now 8 years old and in 3rd grade) Is in a special program at school for 1/2 days but refuses to do any work involving writing/ spelling or learning new things from his teachers. Still displaying some symptoms of autism. 
  • ·        Tracey – Pray Tracey finds a new role that will satisfy her and allow her to grow and share her skills and wisdom.
  • ·        UPDATE Robin - age 52, completed breast cancer treatment and seems to be doing well.  She is thankful for your prayers and asks you to continue praying for full recovery and for blessings for those who are supporting her.  
  • ·        UPDATE Robin - age 52, completed breast cancer treatment and seems to be doing well.  She is thankful for your prayers and asks you to continue praying for full recovery and for blessings for those who are supporting her.  
  • ·        UPDATE - Patti’s Best Friend earlier this year lost both her parents within six months after years of caring for them.  Pray her life begins to settle and that she focuses now on her own family and that she and her husband enjoy a few weeks in Florida together. 
  • ·        UPDATE - Julia – (Patti’s daughter) now teaching half-time to ensure her physical and emotional health (still dealing with symptoms from a concussion over a year ago).  It gives her more time to be with her two children (ages 5 and 8), both of whom have challenges.  Pray for her strength, patience and resolute heart as she helps her children grow up.
  • ·        Me – Will continue to lead the Bible study at work as long as the Lord allows on Thursday afternoons.  There are a variety of individuals who attended and all with a hunger to learn more about God’s Word!  Pray for my wisdom to share the Word for His glory.

PRAY FOR THOSE IN FULL-TIME SERVICE

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