No 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.
(Hebrews 12:11)

Although I don't think of discipline as painful, it certainly can be difficult at times.  I'm grateful that my parents were gentle disciplinarians, making sure that I got the message without making their point in a harsh manner.  God makes His point in a gentle manner too.  The more we discipline ourselves to obey the Word of God, the better our life becomes.  We gain, not lose, by discipline.  We learn by being disciplined.  We become better people with discipline.  So don't think of discipline with a negative connotation.  Look at it as a learning experience to benefit and enrich your life.  It's another priceless gift from God.

Whoever spares the rod hates their children,
but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.
(Proverbs 12:24)

It was a little difficult to concentrate on the sermon this morning due to "distractions."  I think parents want to befriend their children instead of giving them boundaries and rules. This certainly doesn't help them to mature into thoughtful, responsible adults.  The day will come when you can befriend your child and not have to be the disciplinarian.  Until then, be a parent and teach them to conduct themselves properly.  Your efforts will not go unrewarded.

 

No 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.
(Hebrews 12:11)

The discipline of studying the Bible has become a pleasant ritual for me. It hasn't always been this way, as the Bible appeared to me as a book of complex mysteries that seemed too deep for my simple brain to process. However, the more I've studied the Bible, the easier it becomes, the more pleasant it becomes, and the more life changing it becomes. I now look forward to opening this amazing book and searching for scripture that offers me hope in all circumstances. The discipline and perseverance of Bible study reaps priceless rewards!

If you are new to Bible study, don't give up and don't get frustrated with yourself if you have trouble understanding the scripture. I'm not the sharpest crayon in the box and I have gained amazing insight, slowly but surely, by trusting God to open my mind to the scripture that fills my needs. The discipline of continued study will fill you with peace and understanding, one scriptural nugget at a time.