Donna is a wife, mother, grandmother, writer, and Biblical counselor. She has been blogging through the Bible each year since 2012. She loves God's Word and sharing how freeing and practical it is. She is certified through the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors.
Good advice and biblical truth aren’t always comfortable or pleasing to our sinful, selfish nature, but it’s the truth that will deliver us from the consequences of foolishness and sin. Bad advice, on the other hand, often tickles our ears and gives us the “go ahead” to do what we really want to do. So, how can we be sure we’re getting good advice?
And from our Old Testament reading:
During Solomon’s reign, prosperity was so great that silver was worth little more than stones. Yet, Solomon learned the hard way, that prosperity without the right focus on God is empty.
We see evidence of that all over the news these days. If wealth. beauty, fame, and success could bring peace and joy, Hollywood should be the happiest place on earth. And yet, its elites often go from one partner to another, from one “high” to another, with few finding true peace and satisfaction.
But it isn’t just Solomon and Hollywood’s elite who need to learn that truth!
And, finally, did each of us come into the kingdom for such a time as this?
The last days will produce many false teachers and shepherds who will teach outright lies, twist the truth, or leave out those things that are unpopular or politically incorrect. They will lead many astray with their unbiblical teaching. What can we do so we will recognize them and not fall victim to their deceit?
As women, many of us have grown up believing we are able to know what is going on in other people’s hearts, why they act as they do, and what they are really thinking. We sometimes call it women’s intuition. How does the Bible help us understand whether or not to trust those impressions?
By what are your children known? Do you see tendencies that, if not dealt with biblically, will produce attitudes and actions that are not pleasing to God? What will those attitudes look like if carried into adulthood? Could our lack of wise parenting hinder them as spouses or in other relationships? Today’s reading in Proverbs speaks to this issue. But good parenting, also, includes teaching our children to understand history, economics, and civic responsibility. This is not only important to our nation wherever we live but it is our responsibility before God.
And speaking of our nation, how do you view what is going on in our country? Do you believe God is chastising or pruning our nation? Could He be turning up the heat because of our rejection of Him and His truth? Are you praying about what you see happening or merely complaining?
What does it mean that God gives us the desires of our hearts? Is prayer like having a blank check with God? Should we expect God to give us anything we want when we ask in prayer? How should we interpret passages like the ones we’ll read today? Are there some simple principles we should know and understand that can help us?
We are all faced with decisions on a regular basis. Some of them are big and others seemingly small, but life is full of choices. You have probably read or had someone suggest you write out a pros and cons list to help you make a decision. But are there some other things we need to consider as believers or at least a deeper way of looking at the pros and cons of any situation? Elizabeth George provides us with four questions we can ask ourselves when faced with decisions.
Also, what can we learn from a first-century Roman centurion about hearing God’s Word?
Betrayal. Rejection. Hurt. Anger. Disappointment. You have probably experienced one or more of them. I know I have.
How should we respond when we’re hurt or betrayed by someone we trusted? Is there a super-weapon to deal with that kind of betrayal? Today’s post has 7 steps to follow when we have been wounded by an enemy or even a friend.
How do you handle conflict? Do you always have to have the last word? Does your temper quickly kick in? Even when you try to resolve conflicts well, does it seem that things only escalate? Are there some simple principles that when applied to conflicts can lead to peace instead?
And from our Old Testament reading:
What is your attitude toward the singing during Sunday morning worship? Is it something you see as nice “if you make it on time”? Do you purposely come in late to avoid it? What does the Bible teach about worship that might change your mind about its importance?
Should Christians drink alcohol? This is one of those questions with which many believers struggle. One person says it’s no big deal. Another says we shouldn’t drink and criticizes those who do.
At first glance, the Bible may even seem to contradict itself. In one passage it says wine is a blessing making the heart of man glad. Another says wine is a mocker.
So, how do you sort it all out? What does the Bible really say? How do you decide what’s right? Is it a personal decision? If so, are there some biblical guidelines to use in making that and other decisions?
What is baptism all about and why is it important? Is there something supernatural that happens? Does it save us? If not, why bother? Also, if it is important, is being baptized as a baby good enough?
