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.
While we cannot know another person’s heart and motives (and we need to be careful not to think we can), it’s a misunderstanding of the Bible to think we are never to judge someone else’s behavior. In fact, there is a great danger in not judging sin, especially to the person caught up in it.
But it’s not just in the lives of others that we need to judge sin. In today’s post, you’ll find a great list of questions to regularly ask yourself so you don’t fall into habits that can hurt your relationship with God and destroy your relationships with the people you love.
We’ll also read about some things to consider when going through a test or a trial and some of the traps that can lead to sexual immorality.
God clearly commands us, even as adults, to honor and respect our parents. Yet, most of us grew up in homes with imperfect parents. Some have even endured physical, sexual, or verbal abuse. How do we honor our parents when we believe they have failed us, sometimes miserably?