5 Also you have forgotten the counsel which speaks with you as sons:
“My son, don’t despise the discipline of Adonai
or become despondent when he corrects you.
6 For Adonai disciplines those he loves
and whips everyone he accepts as a son.”[c]
7 Regard your endurance as discipline; God is dealing with you as sons. For what son goes undisciplined by his father? 8 All legitimate sons undergo discipline; so if you don’t, you’re a mamzer and not a son!
9 Furthermore, we had physical fathers who disciplined us, and we respected them; how much more should we submit to our spiritual Father and live! 10 For they disciplined us only for a short time and only as best they could; but he disciplines us in a way that provides genuine benefit to us and enables us to share in his holiness.
11 Now, all discipline, while it is happening, does indeed seem painful, not enjoyable; but for those who have been trained by it, it later produces its peaceful fruit, which is righteousness. 12 So,
strengthen your drooping arms,
and steady your tottering knees;[d]
13 and
make a level path for your feet;[e]
so that what has been injured will not get wrenched out of joint but rather will be healed.[Footnotes:
Hebrews 12:2 Habakkuk 2:4
Hebrews 12:2 Psalm 110:1
Hebrews 12:6 Proverbs 3:11–12
Hebrews 12:12 Isaiah 35:3
Hebrews 12:13 Proverbs 4:26]
RG AUDIO 061215
"Life’s Marathon" by Author: Josh Broward
Marathons are becoming a spiritual discipline for our church. Last year about 15 people ran the Chicago marathon to raise money for clean water wells in Africa. This year, about 20 are running. They train together for eight months, running for countless miles and hours, all so that little kids will not die of diarrhea and other preventable diseases.
In addition to the physical and mental demands, nearly all our runners describe this as a deeply spiritual experience. They are praying during those hours on the road. They are learning to live for others. They are building holistic endurance. They are learning to depend on God and each other.
They are also learning the importance of the simple discipline of looking up at the road ahead instead of looking down at their feet. Focusing on the destination ahead lifts their spirits and enables their bodies to continue.
Life is a marathon. It requires training if you want to run with perseverance. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus.
Hymn for Today: "How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord" by Author: K.; Author (attributed to): George Keith; Author: R. Keen (c. 1787)
1. How firm a foundation you saints of the Lord,
is laid for your faith in his excellent Word!
What more can he say than to you he has said,
to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?
2. "Fear not, I am with you, O be not dismayed,
for I am your God, and will still give you aid;
I'll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand,
upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.
3. "When through the deep waters I call you to go,
the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow,
for I will be with you in trouble to bless,
and sanctify to you your deepest distress.
4. "When through fiery trials your pathway shall lie,
my grace all-sufficient shall be your supply;
the flame shall not hurt you; I only design
your dross to consume and your gold to refine.
5. "The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose
I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
that soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I'll never, no, never, no never forsake!"
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