Faith's Checkbook (By: C.H. Spurgeon)

                               Chastisement Not Forever


"I will afflict the descendants of David because of this, but not forever."
                                                                                   ~ 1 Kings 11:39




  "In the family of grace there is discipline. Solomon grievously provoked the God of his father; therefore, ten parts out of twelve of the kingdom were rent away and set up as a rival state. This was a sore affliction, and it came from the hand of God as the result of unholy conduct.
  The Lord will chasten His beloved servants if they cease to obey His laws. Perhaps at this very hour such chastening is upon us. Let us humbly cry, "O Lord, show me why you contend with me."

  What a sweet saving clause is that, "but not forever!" The punishment of sin is everlasting, but the fatherly chastisement of it for a child of God is but for a season. Remember, we are not under law, but under grace. Our present grief is meant to bring us to repentance, that we may not be destroyed with the wicked." (Charles H. Spurgeon ~ One Minute Devotions)