Happy To Be Corrected By God ( Job 5:17 )

Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty:

Job 5:17

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You know growing up much like other kids I didn't like getting disciplined. Of course now looking back I see where it did me good. My mom knew what was best for me. She knew that in order for me to live right I need to do certain things in a certain way. Course like many can relate to me as children we grow up being rebellious. Why? Well, if you would have asked me a few years ago I would have said kids will be kids and yes to a degree that is true. The sad truth is much deeper, it is that we are living in a fallen world. Each day that passes it gets worse and worse . More and more families are more divided, crime continues to rise, and everyday sin become more common and acceptable. So as Christians how do we respond? By sharing the Gospel every chance we get. By living a life according to the Word of God. Yes I will admit it isn't easy,but we were never promised it would be( Matthew 7:14 ). Thing is waiting on us in heaven is a great reward of eternal life the greatest gift we ever got.

One problem with society in our fallen world is a lot of problems begin at home. Parents today simply don't care like they used to. I'm not saying there aren't parents that don't,but a majority don't. For us as Christians God is our heavenly Father and if He didn't correct us or punish when we did something He wouldn't be just. See God is love, but He is just as well. Remember when He chastises you its not that He doesn't love, but in fact that He does love and just wants to set you back on course( Hebrews 12:6-7 ).

Friends I've come under this chastisement myself a couple times and believe me I see where God was saying hey John ,you kinda slipped off course. He was demeaning or trying to tear me down. In fact after it was done I felt better cause God showed me somewhere I needed work on and two I immediately felt His love. So friends don't be afraid of chastisement,but don't go lookin' for it. The point is we are trying to live lives according to the gospel we share remember( 1 Corinthians 9:14 ).

For anyone reading this tonight who has not accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and personal Savior I invite you to do so. Ask Him into your heart and admit your a sinner in need of His forgiveness. Be real with Him and cast all your worries, doubts, and fears at His feet, the feet of mercy for He cares for you( 1 Peter 5:7 ). Repent of your old ways and find your identity in Jesus Christ( 2 Corinthians 5:17 ). Don't let your past or not being perfect get in the way( Psalm 103:12, Romans 3:23 ). Instead cast yourself upon His mercy( Luke 18:13 ). Remember He is waiting on you with arms wide open( John 3:16 ). In those arms you will find love( John 15:13 ), mercy( Romans 5:6-8 ), forgiveness( 1 John 1:9 ), and a grace that is sufficient( 2 Corinthians 12:9 ). Will you choose Him? Will you let Him set you free from the bonds of sin( John 8:36 ) ? I encourage you to do so. This is the single greatest choice you will ever make. It is a matter of life and death, life and death eternal( John 3:18 ). Don't wait, make the choice ( Matthew 24:36 )!


God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><