Stand & Pray Devotional - Day 67

“My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; for whom the LORD loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.” Now no chastening seems to be joyful at the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. 
Hebrews 12:5-11CloseHebrews 12:5-11 And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children?* He said,"My child,* don't make light of the LORD's discipline,  and don't give up when he corrects you. For the LORD disciplines those he loves,  and he punishes each one he accepts as his child."* As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? If God doesn't discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn't we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever?* For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God's discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it's painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt)

DAY 67: "His Refining"

Trials and testing—they come for a reason. They reveal what is in our hearts and help us know the areas where we need to be refined. The Lord always watches over us as we go through trials and temptations, and He never allows us to go through them without making a way of escape. Lord, we pray that all that we face today would serve to make us more like You and drive us into a deeper understanding of what You want to do in each of our lives.