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The Best Route



No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening. It's painful!
But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest
of right living for those who are trained
in this way.

Hebrews 12:11

My husband got a new GPS and I like it much better than his old one. Now when we make the wrong turn, the classy English voice says: "alternate route" one time. This is so much easier to take than hearing "off course" repeatedly!

Discipline is one of those topics that feels like the "off course" reprimand. This is not God's intent. He is so much more loving than a human. I know He disciplines in love regardless of how it feels at the time. I don't always realize when I'm off course. Not only does He get me back on track, but His process trains me for holiness.

I'm remembering that when He disciplines one of His children, three things happen:
1. It's painful temporarily.
2. A blessing is promised from it.
3. In the end, it leads to a purpose!

Spiritual Sundays is a great place of inspiration and is hosted by Charlotte & Ginger. Go here.


Comments

  1. VintagesouthernlifeJanuary 8, 2011 at 8:22 AM

    None of us like discipline but His is always with love.
    Thanks for sharing, Annette

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousJanuary 8, 2011 at 10:07 AM

    AMEN!!!
    1. It's painful temporarily.
    2. A blessing is promised from it.
    3. In the end, it leads to a purpose!

    JO
    LazyonLoblolly

    ReplyDelete
  3. Nikki (Sarah)January 8, 2011 at 11:30 AM

    great analogy...and really encouraging words.

    ReplyDelete
  4. LorenJanuary 8, 2011 at 12:30 PM

    Amen Mary! Remembering that He disciplines those HE loves is key!

    Love you

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousJanuary 8, 2011 at 4:27 PM

    So true!





























































    Amen!
    I always enjoy your blog, and thank you so much for your sweet comments and encouragement, my friend!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Lisa notes...January 8, 2011 at 6:17 PM

    It's good to remember those three things. Nicely done!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Ginger~~Enchanting CottageJanuary 8, 2011 at 9:17 PM

    I love your analogy! I wish the Lord only had to tell me once. Sometimes I think he has to tell me twice. before I get it.
    God Bless,
    Ginger

    ReplyDelete
  8. Sandi@ Rose Chintz CottageJanuary 9, 2011 at 11:00 AM

    What a great post, Mary! The three steps, I must commit to memory and remember these while going through a trial. Thanks for sharing.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

    ReplyDelete
  9. Sandi@ Rose Chintz CottageJanuary 9, 2011 at 11:07 AM

    Hi Mary,
    I tried to leave a comment earlier but I see it didn't go on so I'm back to leave another. I like the three steps you mentioned in your post and I am going to commit them to memory which will help when going through a trial. Excellent post! Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful day.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

    ReplyDelete
  10. CharlotteJanuary 9, 2011 at 12:16 PM

    We've never had a GPS. I think it would be really handy to have. I think it is important to remember that God disciplines His children. He does it because He loves us and I'm thankful for it. Thank you for this reminder.
    Blessings,
    Charlotte

    ReplyDelete
  11. Musings of A MinisterJanuary 9, 2011 at 12:34 PM

    Great post. Something we all need to hear and think about. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  12. MTJJanuary 9, 2011 at 12:47 PM

    Hi Saleslady371,

    Discipline, "it leads to a purpose." I can think of nothing better than living a disciplined life with purpose. Thank you for sharing these inspirational words.

    Blessings and peace.

    MTJ

    ReplyDelete
  13. Just Be RealJanuary 9, 2011 at 4:30 PM

    Appreciate the post and reminder. Very encouraging Mary, thank you. Blessings.

    ReplyDelete
  14. RCUBEsJanuary 9, 2011 at 5:42 PM

    Sometimes we don't realize that discipline, though painful, is an act of love. My husband got me a new one few days ago also to replace the other I was borrowing from him. But I never really use them a lot. Only when I go to those unfamiliar places. But how much more do we truly need His guidance not only in unfamiliar roads, but even on the ones we're on now? There's always that chance of driving off course when we start to not rely on His Voice. God bless you sister Mary and keeping you in prayers. Thank you for yours. Love you in Christ!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Deborah Kay at The Paint SplashJanuary 9, 2011 at 10:10 PM

    Great thoughts. Our GPS say"recalculating" every time you turn off course. Sometimes I want to yell back" I am not, I just have to go to the bathroom" You would think someone could come up with a smarter one he he he. Blessings, Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  16. Kathleen January 10, 2011 at 4:07 PM

    Mmmm ... I'm thinking you've lived this out well over the years given the name of Carrie's blog: Pain to Purpose. Sounds like it was caught more than taught.

    Great thoughts, friend!

    Kathleen

    ReplyDelete
  17. Kelly LJanuary 10, 2011 at 6:28 PM

    Great post... I am so lucky to serve an amazing God even when He makes me look in the mirror to guide me in the right direction..

    Love to you
    Kelly
    I've Become My Mother

    ReplyDelete
  18. SharonJanuary 10, 2011 at 8:58 PM

    It's funny how God leads we "bloggers" to write about the same topics sometimes. Just Sunday I posted something about getting "lost" -

    I love the thoughts that you added to the ones I was thinking!

    GOD BLESS!

    ReplyDelete
  19. JackieJanuary 12, 2011 at 9:33 AM

    Amen, Mary!

    These were the encouraging words I needed today!!

    He is Faithful!

    Love and Hugs!
    Jackie

    ReplyDelete
  20. LisaShawJanuary 12, 2011 at 3:05 PM

    This is powerful and so true! Thank you for sharing! I'm grateful for His hand of discipline as it's a true promise provided to those whom He loves.

    Blessings to you!

    ReplyDelete

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