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During the Lenten season, followers of Jesus spend a great deal of time reflecting upon the sufferings of Jesus, beginning with His time of testing and temptation in the desert before His earthly ministry began. We have spent some time this week, also reflecting upon the role that suffering plays in the lives of those who follow Jesus and how God works to bring goodness and beauty out of the times of pain and hardship in our lives.
For today’s reflection, please take a few moments to look at the words in the box below. How do you think these words might be connected to each other? What inner responses are you experiencing as you read the words?
The words in the box are key words found in two New Testament passages (found below) that speak on the topic of suffering and tribulation and how those times in the lives of believers can be times of learning and growth…enabling and enlarging us to become more and more like Jesus.
At this time, you are invited to read and meditate on these scriptures and if you are willing and able…to pray the prayer of surrender below.
Hebrews 12:10-12 (New International Version)
Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, 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.
Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.
Romans 5:3-5 (New American Standard Bible)
And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Prayer for this moment:
Lord, have your way in me.
Please add an entry to this blog to share any thoughts or reflections about today’s Lenten devotion.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
7th Day of Lent
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1 comments:
i grew up in a household that spanked. so i used to read passages about God's discipline through that lens. God's discipline = painful punishment for wrongdoing.
but once i started working with children after college, i realized that discipline encompasses a much broader spectrum than punishment, and could be thought of more as instruction. (think: disciple, learner)
less like, "bad girl! now i spank you and this hurts me more than it hurts you!" and more like,
"when we eat soup, we use a spoon. here's how to use a spoon. no, don't put your hand in that, because it's too hot for your hand. here, let me kiss your hand. ok, now hold the spoon like this....no, spoons aren't for throwing, they are for eating.....oh, great job using the spoon! you got some in your mouth! and some on your shirt - but that's ok, i can wash it when we're done. wow! look at you eating like mommy and daddy!"
thanks for the reminder that God is lovingly instructing us. that even in the uncomfortable, painful, or just hum-drum moments, our perfect Father is there showing us how, correcting us, cheering us on.
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