Correction Confirmed

A couple of days ago I shared God's question He posed to me regarding correction.  I was listening to a Joyce Meyer podcast as I went jogging that day.  She is teaching on the 23rd Psalm and about 1/2 the message was about correction and the need to receive it when necessary!  God is so amazing.

Psalm 23:4  Even when I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid, for You are close beside me.  Your rod and Your staff protect and comfort me.  

Is there something to be said about the fact that when we are in the darkest places we are comforted not just by the Shepherd's presence and protection, but by His correcting discipline as well?  Hmmm, another "God question" perhaps?

Hebrews 12:5-11  And have you entirely forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you, His children?  He said, "My child, don't ignore it when the Lord disciplines you, and don't be discouraged when He corrects you.  For the Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes those He accepts as His children."  As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as His own children.  Whoever heard of a child who was never disciplined?  If God doesn't discipline you as He does all of His children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really His children after all. Since we respect our earthly fathers who disciplined us, should we not all the more cheerfully submit to the discipline of our heavenly Father and live forever.?  For our earthy fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how.  But God's discipline is always right and good for us because it means we will share in His holiness.  No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening--it is painful!  But afterward there will be a quiet harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.  

I thank the Lord for good discipline.  For His perfect correction.  Lord, help me to be humble and submit to Your chastisement, Your direction....even when it comes from other people.  Help me to learn, to change when needed and to grow in my likeness to Jesus.

Romans 8:28-29  And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.  For God knew His people in advance, and He chose them to become like His Son, so that His Son would be the first born, with many brothers and sisters.