We Pray For America!
- God’s Correction
The Lord reproves him whom he loves. – Proverbs 3:12
No one likes to be told they are doing something wrong. However, it is necessary, or you would not learn what is right. Parents repeat instructions to small children so often, they might be tempted to record their voices saying, “Buckle up! Brush your teeth before you go to bed! Don’t tease your sister!” And there are times when discipline is required to get the point across. All this is done in love, as good parents desire what is best for their children.
God is a good Father. Today’s verse says that the Lord reproves those He loves. Although His correction may seem harsh at times (particularly in the Old Testament), He is love (1 John 4:8). Anything He does to correct His people is for their own good, to align them with the right things for His purpose, and to deepen their relationship with Him. The writer of the book of Hebrews quotes today’s verse in his exhortation about God’s discipline (Hebrews 12:6).
Though circumstances in your life may not be going well, you can still seek to love the Lord in all possible ways and love your neighbors as yourself (Matthew 22:37-39). Pray for the hearts of the citizens of this nation to turn to the Lord to be unified and healed from the wounds of these volatile times. “We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For your sake, O my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name” (Daniel 9:18-19, NKJV).
Today’s Verse: Proverbs 3:12
for the Lord reproves him whom he loves,
as a father the son in whom he delights.All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Hebrews 12:4-13
4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?
“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
nor be weary when reproved by him.
6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and chastises every son whom he receives.”7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
12 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
TODAY’S NATIONAL LEADER FOR PRAYER
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- Chuck Grassley, Senator from Iowa
Chuck Grassley, Senator from Iowa
- Born – September 1933 in New Hartford, Iowa
- Education – B.A., M.A., University of Northern Iowa; University of Iowa
- Military Service – None
- Profession – Educator, farmer, factory worker
- Political Experience – Iowa House of Representatives, U.S. House of Representatives
- In office since – 1981
- Family – Married to Barbara Speicher, 5 children
- Religious Affiliation – Baptist
- Chuck Grassley, Senator from Iowa
CONTINUE PRAYING WITH US
Read the Daily Prayer Briefing to view the president’s schedule and to pray for the day’s current events.
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