Hebrew 12:7-13

 7Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not
disciplined by his father? 8If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes
discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9Moreover, we
have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How
much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10Our fathers
disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for
our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11No 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.  12Therefore, strengthen your
feeble arms and weak knees. 13”Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame
may not be disabled, but rather healed.

MEDITATION
1. Read the passage aloud slowly.  Read the passage again.
2. How might God use the “trouble you’re in” to train you?  Don’t jump on
the first thing that comes to mind.  Sit quietly for a while and see what God
brings to mind.  How might I cooperate better with God in this training?
Once again, the first thing that comes to mind might not be from God, but
an old tape from the past.  So take time to listen.
3. Pray.  Ask the Spirit to search my heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed
sin.  Take some time to confess and repent before the Lord and thank Him
for His forgiveness.

Personal Note:
"God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness."

God is disciplining me to shape me to become more like him, which means holiness.  Currently, I am disciplined in intense studying for the interview from the organization overseeing my church.  As a pastor, I am required to be doctrinally competent.  I need prayer for diligence studying and reflecting on my core beliefs.