Feeling His Love

"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."  Proverbs 3:11-12

Do you feel God's love?  His presence?

As a youngster, I can remember getting into trouble, usually with my older brother and sister, and I would feel the love of my father on my backside as a result.  I deserved it.  And strangely, even then I knew how much he loved me and wanted the best for me in the midst of correction. 

There have been many times I have felt my father's love like that.  And, many more times I have felt my Heavenly Father's love like that.

Have you?

I mentioned previously that I've been praying, asking God to refine me and make me into the person he wants me to be, a fruitful branch on His vine, pure and holy, a vessel He can use for any noble purpose.  And though I am often simple-minded, I am not naive enough to think that this will come without cost, without additional discipline and correction.  God answers prayer.

Hebrews 12:7 says, "Let God train you, for he is doing what any loving father does for his children. Whoever heard of a son who was never corrected?"

I've been feeling the Heavenly Father's love lately.  Have you?

Revelation 3:19 lovingly reminds us, "Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent."

And, Hebrews 12:11 tells us, "Being punished isn’t enjoyable while it is happening—it hurts! But afterwards we can see the result, a quiet growth in grace and character."

It is this result, this growth in grace and character, that brings real joy.

Goodnight, Runners.