Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Nourishing Theological Reflections from Experiences
Bible Portion :Hebrews 12:6-13
Key Verse
“For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” — Hebrews 12:6 (ESV)
Devotion
Key Verse
“For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” — Hebrews 12:6 (ESV)
Devotion
In our Christian journey, we face trials that can leave us questioning God's love and presence, wondering, “Does God even care?”
I remember the first time I left home. Raised in Bahrain, a tiny island in the Middle East, I was sheltered by my parents and never lacked anything. After high school, I ventured into a new country, facing mosquito bites, no air-conditioning, and constant rain due to cyclones. Two months in, I called my mom and told her I was done and wanted to come home.
The writer of Hebrews reminds us that the Lord's discipline is a sign of His love and acceptance. Just as a loving parent corrects their child, our Heavenly Father disciplines us for our ultimate good, aiming to cultivate righteousness and peace in our lives. My mother calmed me down, advising me to start each day with prayer and gratitude. The Lord taught me beautiful life lessons, and I grew to love the new land I called home for seven years. Growing up in a country that rained maybe twice a year at most, I became a lover of rain!
The passage also encourages us to endure hardship with perseverance. I had to wait nine months for my green card, often questioning why God delayed the process. However, those months brought unexpected blessings. I worked as a teacher in Bahrain, learnt to drive independently around Kerala, and spent precious time with my parents. I finally traveled to USA three days before COVID-19 hit Bahrain, a true miracle showing God’s hand in my life.
These experiences refine our character, strengthen our faith, and deepen our dependence on God. Though the process may be painful, it yields a harvest of righteousness for those who have been trained by it.
I remember the first time I left home. Raised in Bahrain, a tiny island in the Middle East, I was sheltered by my parents and never lacked anything. After high school, I ventured into a new country, facing mosquito bites, no air-conditioning, and constant rain due to cyclones. Two months in, I called my mom and told her I was done and wanted to come home.
The writer of Hebrews reminds us that the Lord's discipline is a sign of His love and acceptance. Just as a loving parent corrects their child, our Heavenly Father disciplines us for our ultimate good, aiming to cultivate righteousness and peace in our lives. My mother calmed me down, advising me to start each day with prayer and gratitude. The Lord taught me beautiful life lessons, and I grew to love the new land I called home for seven years. Growing up in a country that rained maybe twice a year at most, I became a lover of rain!
The passage also encourages us to endure hardship with perseverance. I had to wait nine months for my green card, often questioning why God delayed the process. However, those months brought unexpected blessings. I worked as a teacher in Bahrain, learnt to drive independently around Kerala, and spent precious time with my parents. I finally traveled to USA three days before COVID-19 hit Bahrain, a true miracle showing God’s hand in my life.
These experiences refine our character, strengthen our faith, and deepen our dependence on God. Though the process may be painful, it yields a harvest of righteousness for those who have been trained by it.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your loving discipline. Help us to see our trials as opportunities for growth and transformation. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.
Thought for the Day
Endure hardship with the assurance that God's discipline is a mark of His love and a pathway to righteousness.
Sharon Mariam Mathew (Kochamma)
St.Stephen’s Marthoma Church, New Jersey
St.Stephen’s Marthoma Church, New Jersey