When our kids were growing up, we would correct them when they called one another stupid. You probably do the same thing. So, I was surprised to find out that God calls us stupid when we act a certain way. That’s a pretty harsh criticism when you realize the word translated stupid comes from a word meaning “to graze.” One who acts this way is like an ignorant animal, as the old saying goes, “dumb as an ox.” So, what is it we do that would cause God to call us “stupid”? And what does it have to do with what the cross says about us? Check out today’s post to find out.
A few years ago as I was reading about the Day of Atonement, the Feast of Booths, and all the animal sacrifices required, I thought about a funny thing that happened years before and how a sarcastic teenager reminded me about the cost of our redemption.
Also, what does a law about keeping our word have to say about God’s view of authority and how do we demonstrate our obedience in this area to our children and others?
What is God’s will for your life? For mine? I wonder how many times we have asked or, at least, thought about that question? Today we’ll look at some things we can be sure are God’s will for us. We will, also, discover some questions and principles that can guide us in decisions where God’s will is not as clearly spelled out. These principles can be applied even in those gray areas with which believers struggle.
In today’s Old Testament reading, we see God’s swift punishment for idolatry. Though God is patient and merciful with us, it doesn’t mean He’s changed His mind about sin. Sin and idolatry still have painful consequences. But the problem is that idolatry has a blinding effect. And we can become blind to our blindness.
We end up blinded about how we grieve the Holy Spirit when we sin against God, blinded about the extent of our sin and how it hurts others, blinded to the source of our sinful choices, and finally, blinded to how easy it is to justify our sin.
So, how can we tell if something in our lives, even something good, has become an idol?
Trusting God in an uncertain world … Is it even possible?
Jesus warned believers there would be a time when wars, earthquakes, famines, and other disasters would be more and more common. He compared them to birth pains, getting stronger and more frequent as the delivery approaches. He went on to warn of persecution and betrayal, even from members of our own families.
We live in a world of uncertainty today. Biblical morality is coming under increasing criticism. It’s attacked and condemned as mean-spirited, self-righteous, homophobic and worse. Religious liberties are being threatened and it will probably get worse.
We can add to that list of uncertainties the continued concerns over COVID-19 and future pandemics and the repercussions of long term shut downs.
So, how can we stay faithful and continue trusting God in a changing, uncertain world?
God has a lot to say about generosity. In today’s post, we’ll talk about a woman whose faith and generosity were commended by Jesus and talked about for over two thousand years. We’ll, also, look at others who had the wrong heart attitude about giving.
In our Old Testament reading, we’ll look at one of the most interesting stories in the book of Numbers where God used a talking donkey to get his point across to a greedy, ungodly man.
What do our clothing and behavior say about us? Does our freedom in Christ mean we have a right to dress any way we choose? If men have a problem with it, is that their problem? What about off-color language? Is it simply part of life in today’s world? And what, if anything, do modesty and discretion have to do with pig’s noses?
Today, we’ll also look at what it mean to worship God, how our whining affects our children, why God did not allow Moses to go into the Promised Land, and why we should pay our taxes.
How does God guide His people? Psalm 32 tells us He guides us with His eye. What does that mean? It involves His Word, His Holy Spirit and the circumstances of our lives. But there is something we cannot do without if we want God’s leading.
Also, is it possible that God not only wants to guide and direct your life and mine, but to do great things in and through you and me? What assurances do we have of that fact?
I couldn’t help but notice how today’s readings seem to fit together. This happens often and really shouldn’t come as a surprise since the Bible is really one book inspired by one Author … God Himself. And He has seen fit to make it the primary way He communicates with His children. That should be an encouragement to each of us to develop the discipline of regular Bible reading.
What are presumptuous sins and why did David pray for God to keep him from them? Conversely, what are respectable sins? Could there be some sins that are understandable and excusable?
Also, why does God talk so much in the Bible about the importance of remembering what He has done for us? What do we need to remember in our battle with sin? Find out the answers to these and other questions in today’s post.
What does it mean that God visits the iniquity or the sins of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation? Are those children doomed spiritually? Are they bound to repeat their parents’ sins? Will they bear the guilt or the punishment for their parents’ wrongdoings?
Find out in today’s post. Also, why is it so important to read Scripture in light of other Scripture? And is it wise to co-sign someone else’s loan?
