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.
God’s desire for us is for holiness. But holiness is more than our outward actions. It’s about what’s going on in our hearts. God repeatedly emphasizes the need for us to allow Him to work in our hearts. In the book of James, He gives us two powerful illustrations about how our thinking, part of what’s going on in our heart or inner man, affects our growth in holiness or conversely allows us to give in to sin.
Also, read about how we’re to respond when an enemy falls and the purpose of spiritual gifts.
Though we all know it’s there, most of us give little thought to what the conscience is, how it works, and why it’s important. We may find it annoying when our conscience keeps us from enjoying the things we want to do. In fact, some psychologists have told us our problem is a conscience that has been programmed by outdated religious ideas that keep us from being who we really are. They say we should throw off the shackles of our conscience. That, often, has a certain appeal to our sinful nature. But what is the conscience, why is it one of God’s mercies, and why might it need re-informing?
Often when we harbor some sin, we console ourselves by claiming it only affects us. But both when we sin and when we choose to respond as we should, we never do it in isolation. The effect of our behavior on our children and others can be profound and long-lasting. Will we affect them for good or evil? What are we teaching them by our example?
Also, read about the conclusion of the Book of Ecclesiastes and the sweetness of God’s wisdom.
God’s wisdom can help us avoid many problems, but ignoring it can lead to all kinds of trouble and heartache in every area of life. When it comes to the decision of whether or not to marry someone, God’s Word provides an abundance of wisdom and caution that can save us from years of heartache. We ignore those premarital red flags at our own peril. Even if you are already married, these are important truths to understand when you have opportunities to minister to others, including your children, regarding their dating relationships.
Also, read about one secret to contentment, why our criminal justice system often doesn’t deter crime, some important questions to consider before exercising our “freedoms” in Christ, and what it really means to “eat, drink, and be merry.”
Note: This is a longer post than usual because of the list of red flags. If you’re not interested in that list, you can skip it and read the other sections.
The Bible is full of promises for those who will trust in God. One of God’s promises is very important for those going through tests and trials. But this promise has good news and bad. And if we don’t understand it, we can make our trials much worse. Perhaps, even last longer.
The Bible has a great deal to say about money. Today’s reading talks about the futility of money without peace, contentment, and someone to share it. And warns us that if we take it for granted or live like there is no tomorrow, we may find we are working only to give it away or wake up and find it all gone.
Also, read about the importance of wise friends and counselors, how God’s Word never changes, and the value of laying down our lives for the cause of Christ.
FREEDOM … we love it and as believers, we have a great deal of freedom in Christ. But we are also called to love and prefer others. So how much freedom are you willing to give up out of love for your spouse or your brother or sister in Christ if something is a stumbling block to them? And what about preferences? Are you more concerned about your likes and desires or about preferring someone else?
Who are the influencers in your life … who captivates your attention … who do you hang out with? What do you spend your time reading and listening to? And what do the answers to those questions have to do with where you have put your treasure? Before you answer … you might want to read today’s post!
Also, whether you are married or single, how contented are you? How can discontent in this area, especially if you are single, lead to disaster?
What does the Bible say about marriage and divorce? Is divorce always forbidden? What about remarriage, singleness, and sex, both inside and outside of marriage? Does the Bible really address those subjects and, if so, does it have any relevance for today?
Also, in the book of Job, God talks about many of the amazing animals He created: the horse with all his strength and fearlessness, the hawk, the eagle, and a huge sea creature called Leviathan.
In fact, He dedicated an entire chapter, 34 verses, to this creature called Leviathan. Was he a giant reptile, possibly a dinosaur? And what was the point of it all?
Finally, our Proverbs passage talks about the drunkard and how, even after a hangover, he runs to look for his next drink. The world wants us to believe he can’t help it, that it’s a disease called alcoholism, but what does the Bible say?
Does the Bible talk about Dinosaurs? Is it possible that people in the Bible knew about and perhaps had seen them? You might be surprised by what many scientists and theologians have to say.
Also, find out about some incredible resources for those interested in learning more about creation science and dinosaurs. If you’re a homeschooler, a parent, or just someone who wants to learn more, you can check them out in today’s post.
