Daily Devotional. And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, MY SON, DESPISE NOT THOU THE CHASTENING OF THE LORD, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth HE CHASTENETH, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. IF YE ENDURE CHASTENING, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all (the Followers of Christ) are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Hebrews 12:5-8. Thayer Definition: Chastening, the whole training and education of children (which relates to the cultivation of mind and morals, and employs for this purpose now commands and admonitions, now reproof and punishment) It also includes the training and care of the body whatever in adults also cultivates the soul, especially by correcting mistakes and curbing passions. We’ve got to get our heads out of the prosperity preachers clouds. Chastening of the Lord IS a tough life. Without Chastening, you will NOT see Holiness. Without Holiness, you will NOT see the Lord. Because it is written, BE YE HOLY; FOR I AM HOLY. 1 Peter 1:16. Whatever God’s definition of Holy is, He REQUIRES us to be the same. Go ahead and try to tell Him it can’t be done, tell Him His Son didn’t provide a Way for you to BE HOLY. Only through Faith and Holiness are you going to see the Lord. So you want to go for HOLY? He’ll crush you like a piece of coal, cast aside the worldly dross, and what’s left of you will shine as a Diamond, suitable for His Purposes. He crushed his own Son on the Cross. His Son has a Cross for you to be crushed on, Chastened with, and Purified through. So what does Chastening get you??? ETERNITY WITH CHRIST IN HEAVEN!!! Go get Crushed, and, Be Blessed
