hiking2christ

So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak  and lame will not fall but become strong.

– Hebrews 12:12-13

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 this way.

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?

– Hebrews 12: 7-9 NLT

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.”

– Hebrews 12:5-6 NLT

This was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders sent priests and temple assistants from Jerusalem to ask John, “Who are you?” He came right out and said, “I am not the Messiah.” “Well then, who are you?” they asked. “Are you Elijah?” “No,” he replied.  “Are you the prophet we are expecting?” “No.” “Then who are you? We need an answer for those who sent us. What do you have to sayabout yourself?” John replied in the words of the prophet Isaiah: ” I am a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Clear the way for the Lord’s coming!'”

– John 1:19-23 NLT

John testified about him when he shouted to the crowds, “This is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘Someone is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.'”

– John 1:15 NLT

So the word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.

– John 1:14 NLT