[Faith-talk] Fwd: Morning Thoughts for Thursday, May 12, 2011

[Amy Ragain]

Begin forwarded message:

> From: Stephen Smith <stevesmith1943 at me.com>
> Date: May 12, 2011 7:16:50 AM CDT
> To: Morning Thoughts 1 <stevesmith1943 at me.com>
> Subject: Morning Thoughts for Thursday, May 12, 2011
> 
> Hebrews 12:1-13 (NASB)
> [12:1] Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, [2] fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
> [3] For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
> [4] You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin; [5] and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons,
> “MY SON, DO NOT REGARD LIGHTLY THE DISCIPLINE OF THE LORD,
> NOR FAINT WHEN YOU ARE REPROVED BY HIM;
> [6] FOR THOSE WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE DISCIPLINES,
> AND HE SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES.”
> [7] It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? [8] But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. [9] Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? [10] For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness. [11] All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.
> [12]  Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, [13] and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed.
> 
> Good morning blessed family!!  How bright the sun is right now, bringing to mind the power of God to penetrate all blindness, all cloudiness of mind, body and spirit, to bring truth, wisdom and love to the front of our thoughts.  This process, this enlightenment, is made possible by the discipline of the Father, through the example of Jesus, His Son, and through the daily intercession of His Holy Spirit.  He gave us His Word and has never departed from us.  If we have a godly earthly father to show us the way, well and good; but, if we have none, we still, and will always have One who is closer than a brother, father or mother.  He is The One who provides light to our path, strength to our bodies and minds, who encourages our spirits, and who saves our very souls.  He is the Father of our family, the founder of our inheritance.  
> 
> Let us remain bonded in His love for us and freely share that love with everyone in this most precious family of all, the Family of God - as we truly are brother and sister, together and forever.  As we journey together, let us reach out to the lost, those without The Father, and let us offer our family as a sanctuary, into which they may be adopted.
> 
> With great love and hope!!
> 
> <3Steve:-))