January 24 Daily Devotional

Monthly Theme:

The theme of the month is spiritual war. Jesus won the battle not by might but by obedience. He is the source of salvation for all who obey him. When we have stood the test, we will share Christ's glory.

Bible Reading:

Hebrews 12: 1–6

Bible Text:

You have forgotten that word of encouragement ... : "The Lord disciplines those he loves." (Heb. 12:5–6).

Devotional:

He says it kindly, but it is a rebuke: You have forgotten the connection between love and punishment.

Christians who face trials, opposition, or hardship often have one of two reactions. Strong people tend to make light of their problems, and weaker people come close to despair. However, both groups must remember that their Father in heaven is at work with them.

Proverbs 3:11 warns us about these two reactions. "Do not make light of the LORD's discipline." That is, don't be insensitive to the fact that the LORD is at work with you. And "do not lose heart," it goes on to say. That is, don't become discouraged.

People are usually quick to connect crime and punishment. When good things happen, they say, "I must have done something right." When things go wrong, they think, "I am being punished for something:'

Christians should be wiser. Jesus has been punished for our sins. We are now God's sons and daughters. God is not punishing us for crimes but educating us for glory. Parents who discipline their children are attempting to protect them from harm.

We must connect love and punishment. God's discipline shows that he loves us. Don't become cynical about that. Parents who withhold discipline from their children do not care for them.

Andrew Kuyvenhoven's Daylight, a modern devotional classic, was originally published in 1994. This edition is copyright by Faith Alive Christian Resources, from whom may be ordered Daylight, the predecessor of Twilight.

A man of many accomplishments, Andrew Kuyvenhoven is probably best known for his contributions to Today (formerly The Family Altar), a widely-used monthly devotional booklet associated with the Back to God Hour. Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations for this edition of Twilight are from the New International Version

Be sure to read the "Preface" and the "Acknowledgments" by the author.