Harvest of Righteousness
Date: May 19, 2023
I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional.
B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Word and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases
S - Summarize and Share
You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?
B - Bible Verse: Hebrews 12:11 (NIV): "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."
L - Listen for God's Word and Pray: Dear Lord, help me to receive your Word and understand the message you have for me in this verse. Give me the strength to endure discipline and trust that it will produce a harvest of righteousness and peace in my life. Teach me to be disciplined in all areas of my life so that I can become the person you want me to be. Amen.
E - Explore the History and Meaning: Author and Context: The book of Hebrews was written by an unknown author, but it is believed to have been written to Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and considering abandoning their faith. This particular verse comes from a section of the book in which the author is encouraging the readers to persevere through trials and challenges, comparing the Christian life to a race that requires discipline and endurance.
Meaning: In this verse, the author acknowledges that discipline is not easy or pleasant in the moment, but it is necessary for growth and maturity. The "harvest of righteousness and peace" that is produced through discipline is a result of being trained by it. This means that discipline is not a one-time event, but a process of ongoing training and learning.
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases: Key Words or Phrases: "discipline", "painful", "harvest of righteousness and peace", "trained"
"Discipline" refers to training or correction that is intended to improve behavior or character.
"Painful" indicates that discipline is not easy or enjoyable, but requires perseverance and endurance.
"Harvest of righteousness and peace" suggests that discipline ultimately produces positive results, such as increased righteousness and inner peace.
"Trained" emphasizes the ongoing nature of discipline as a process of learning and growth.
S - Summarize and Share:
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you had to face some tough discipline or correction? I know, it's never fun or pleasant in the moment, right? But here's the thing I've come to realize: even though it may be painful at the time, discipline has a way of shaping us and bringing about something truly beautiful in our lives.
You see, in Hebrews 12:11, it talks about how discipline may not feel pleasant in the moment. It's like going through a tough workout or a challenging task that stretches us beyond our comfort zone. But guess what? That discomfort is not in vain. It's actually a necessary part of our growth and development.
Think about it this way: just like a gardener prunes a plant to help it grow healthier and bear more fruit, our heavenly Father uses discipline to shape us into the people He knows we can become. He's not out to punish or harm us; rather, He lovingly corrects and guides us on the path of righteousness.
And here's the beautiful part: when we willingly embrace discipline, when we choose to learn and grow from it, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace in our lives. It's like reaping the benefits of all that hard work and perseverance.
Now, I'll be honest, discipline is not always easy. It requires patience, endurance, and a whole lot of trust. But trust me when I say this: it's worth it. The growth, the transformation, the peace that comes from living a disciplined life, it's absolutely worth it.
So, here's my challenge to you, and to myself as well: let's not shy away from discipline. Instead, let's embrace it as an opportunity for growth and change. Let's allow God to shape us and mold us into the individuals He created us to be.
Maybe there's an area in your life right now where you sense the need for discipline. It could be in your thoughts, your actions, your relationships, or your spiritual life. Take a moment to reflect on it. Ask God to guide you, to show you where discipline is needed, and to give you the strength to persevere through it.
And as you journey through this process of discipline, know that you're not alone. God is right there with you, cheering you on, supporting you, and pouring out His grace upon you. He's invested in your growth, and He wants to see you flourish.
So, let's walk this path of discipline together, knowing that on the other side of the discomfort, there's a beautiful harvest waiting for us—a harvest of righteousness, peace, and a closer relationship with our loving Heavenly Father.
Bible Cross References:
Psalm 94:12: "Blessed is the one you discipline, Lord, the one you teach from your law."
Proverbs 3:11-12: "My child, don't reject the Lord's discipline, and don't be upset when he corrects you. For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights."
Psalm 94:12: "Blessed is the one you discipline, Lord, the one you teach from your law."
Proverbs 3:11-12: "My child, don't reject the Lord's discipline, and don't be upset when he corrects you. For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights."
Matthew 7:16-20: "By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them."
Galatians 6:7-8: "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life."