Identity: His Own Child

Today's passage to reflect on is Hebrews 12:5-12. We are not under God's wrath, but he loves us enough to discipline us and train us to be holy. I prayed through this passage, phrase by phrase. That means I read a phrase or sentence and then prayed using the ideas in that phrase--possibly giving thanks or praising God, sometimes asking for insight or help in living it, etc. It's a great way to reflect on Scripture and interact with God at the same time.

"No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living..." (Hebrews 12:11). This is one of the main ideas in Talent is Overrated and Outliers, both based on extensive research. People become great at business, sports, playing an instrument, parenting, etc. through deliberate practice. One of the key characteristics of deliberate practice is that it's not fun. It's very hard, tedious, mentally exhausting. But the outcomes are greatness, mastery, greater success.