Day 10: Young Men and Women
Word:
As we grow in discipleship we move into the stage of young men and women in the spirit. In this season as God’s Word metabolizes in our lives, we develop spiritual strength and begin to walk consistently in the Spirit and in victory over both our flesh and the evil one. This stage brings challenges as well through trials, discipline and hardship, where it is easy to lose heart. It is also a phase, where we can stagnate through spending our strength on the wrong things: the deceitfulness of riches, the cares of this life and the desire for other things. But God is with us as a Father with a maturing son or daughter, training us for maturity. As you meditate on the Scriptures for today, let the Lord love you and speak to you about His heart for you in this stage of discipleship.
Scriptures For Today:
As you read today's Scriptures, read slowly and attentively, allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to you as you meditate on His Word.
1 John 2.12-14 I am writing to you, little children, because your sins have been forgiven you for His name's sake. I am writing to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I have written to you, children, because you know the Father. I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.
Hebrews 12.1-13 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says,
“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”
Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 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.
Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.
Worship:
Prayer:
Jesus, thank You that You are making me strong in Your Word. Would you give me strength today in the midst of trials and difficulty, that they might have their full work and produce a harvest of righteousness and peace in my life!
Listen & Obey:
Spend two minutes in silent, listening prayer. Write down what you sense the Holy Spirit speaking to you.
Here are some prompts to assist you:
Lord, what do You want to speak to me from these passages of Scripture as I start my day?
How do You want me to apply this truth today?
Who do I need to share this with today?