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One Bread, One Body - Reflection for January 31, 2007

DISCIPLINES FOR THE DISCIPLE

"Do not disdain the discipline of the Lord nor lose heart when He reproves you; for whom the Lord loves, He disciplines." –Hebrews 12:5-6

The Lord commands us neither to disdain His discipline nor lose heart when we receive it. To obey these commands, it would be helpful to know what His discipline is. Some think every suffering is the discipline of the Lord. Yet is arthritis, pneumonia, or a car accident God's discipline? Keys to recognizing the Lord's discipline are:

  1. Is this discipline making you a better disciple of Jesus?
  2. Are peace and justice the fruits of this discipline? (Heb 12:11)
  3. Is this something a loving father would do for His child? (Heb 12:7)

Examples of the Father's discipline are:

Do not disdain the disciplines of the Lord (Heb 12:5).

PRAYER: Father, may I let You father me through Your provision, affection, teaching, correction, and discipline.
PROMISE: "Bless the Lord, O my soul; and forget not all His benefits." –Ps 103:2
PRAISE: St. John Bosco taught service and humility, "the method that Jesus used with the apostles!"

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Acknowledgement

Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:

· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College