August 22, 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . . Sometimes God Uses Pain To Correct Our Sinful Behavior . . . Not All The Pain And Suffering In The World Is Because Of Sin   (MQ)

Bible Study Verse

Psalm 32:9 

Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. (NIV)

Thoughts

Pain hurts. I think you will agree. I try to avoid it.

Sometimes hunting dogs are extremely hard headed. They want to hunt more than to obey you or to hunt with you. Frustration is defined by a bird dog running wild, charging ahead, and busting all the birds out of the field before the hunters arrive or can take a shot.

The electronic training collars provide a mild stimulus to the dog in training to correct bad behavior. When disobedience occurs, the pain of the electronic stimulation brings them under control and back to the handler.

(Jack M)

Action Point

Sometimes God uses pain to correct our sinful behavior. Psalm 32 is King David's testimony to this fact. Our verse speaks of the bridle used on horses and mules. The pressured pain inflicted by the bit in their mouth is what brings them into line and controls them. As they instinctively move to lessen the pain, the bit and bridle brings the horse or mule to the handler. Otherwise, uncontrolled and inaccessible, they are not useful.

Not all the pain and suffering in the world is because of sin. We live in a world that is cursed by sin and bad things happen because sin and its curse reign over this world. Many times when we wander, stray, or sin, God will use pain, illness, injury, or negative circumstances to get our attention and to bring us back to Him. 

When pain occurs, ask God to reveal to you if it is His corrective effort or just the natural product of a world turned upside down and in rebellion to Him.

His Word and His Spirit will guide you into all Truth. Read John 16:13. Listen to His still, small voice of correction and you will avoid the pain.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
Electronic training collars are effective in controlling hard headed, stubborn dogs. Buy a quality one. Consider one that gives a warning sound before the electrical stimulation. That will often correct the offending dog that has experience with the collar.