By Pastor Bob Lawrenz
Years ago, the children were taught a praise song for a church presentation. The lyrics included this line: "Praise Him for the good, Praise Him for the bad..." While Satan is always working against our salvation, God is always working towards it! And sometimes, that includes His version of "tough love." It's a reminder of Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for the good, to them that love God and are the called according to His purpose." All things: could be a scary prospect, like the consequences of sin!
When we weigh the promises of God I the Bible, against some of our habits and behaviors, it only stands to reason that God will want to get our attention and speak to us about some of them. Sometimes, He will speak encouraging words to build us up, and other times, they might be somewhat less encouraging and even critical. And yes, even those times are praise-worthy, because God is looking out for our best interests.
In 2 Timothy 3:16, the Apostle Paul's Spirit-filled words are these: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, (and) for instruction in righteousness." If we dwell on that, we will conclude that God wants His truth, His reproof, His correction, and His righteousness in our lives. This is where comparing personal behaviors against His Word will bring us to our knees, and drive us back toward Him!
That restores us back into good fellowship with our Maker. Rather than counting on His grace and mercy, we are affirmed in the relationship! Of Lazarus' sisters, Martha, and Mary, Jesus said that Mary has chosen the better part, to sit at His feet and hear His words. And by allowing Jesus' words wash over her, Mary was promoting the renewing of her mind, cleansing it with the washing of water by the word, as husbands are called to do for their wives according to Ephesians 5:26.
Is Jesus your husbandman? As Christians, we'll respond with a resounding "Yes!" And this is praise-worthy!
"Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grevious: nevertheless afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to them which are exercised thereby." Hebrews 12:11
~ Disciple and Discipline are from the same root word. ~
