READ Hebrews 12
Following the example of Christ, we are to endure the chastening of God in our lives.

INSIGHT
We don’t mind suffering some things as long as someone else is suffering too; we don’t like to be the only one. Few things make us feel worse than when everything seems to be going well for everyone else and we are in the throes of suffering. The writer of Hebrews encourages us to endure our present sufferings as Christians in this world by reminding us that Christ suffered for us and that we ought, therefore, to be willing to suffer for Him. One of Jesus’ highest points of integrity is that He never asks us to do anything for Him that He is not willing to do for us.

PRAYER
The Word of God is alive, and we can use it to worship and praise the One who gave it:
My mouth is full of praise
And honor to you all day long.
But I will hope continually
And will praise you more and more.  
My mouth will tell about your righteousness
And your salvation all day long,
Though I cannot sum them up.  
I come because of the mighty acts of the Lord God;
I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone.  
God, you have taught me from my youth,
And I still proclaim your wondrous works  
(Psalm 71:8, 14-17).

Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
I will purify them from all the iniquity
They have committed against me,
And I will forgive all the iniquities
They have committed against me,
Rebelling against me (Jeremiah 33:8).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
This is my command: Love one another as I have loved you (John 15:12).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

• Greater personal discipline
• Christians worldwide who are persecuted for their faith
• Whatever else is on your heart

Finally, close with this prayer to the Lord:
Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us — to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21).