The world is full of people who are caught in patterns of sin, who are without hope, who have been hurt or disappointed by others, or who are spiritually deluded. Many of them are our co-workers, our friends and neighbors, and others God has placed in our lives. How can we make a difference in their lives? Our New Testament passage shows us four ways.
We’ll also look at how so many today call evil good and good evil. Many things that are advocated would have seemed impossible 10 years ago. It makes us wonder how people can be so blinded to the truth. But it’s not just unbelievers who can become deluded. How can we avoid spiritual delusion in our own lives?
And finally, read about overcoming evil and the only One who is “hope-worthy.”
Are you struggling with discouragement? It might be discouragement about what is going on in the world, in our nation, in your family, or in your personal life. In today’s reading, a man who knew God and understood His dealings with His people well still struggled with discouragement. What was God’s response to him and how does it apply to us?
Also, read about conditions in the last days and warnings about not turning to the world for answers to our problems.
Tent-making, sewing and Bible study have one thing in common. They all require the ability to “cut it straight.”
When a seamstress cuts out the pieces of a pattern, she must do so accurately or the pieces won’t fit together properly. As a tent-maker, Paul understood this principle because it also applied to his trade. And he used the same language to explain the importance of accuracy in our study of God’s Word. Today we’ll look at ten important principles that will help us “cut it straight.”
What is God’s “umbrella of protection” and how do we stay under it in the home, in the workplace, and in other areas of life? How, also, do we put ourselves outside of His protective authority? And how does the Church itself act as an umbrella of protection for its members?
We live in a world that can be dangerous at times. And there is wisdom in being mindful of genuine danger. But could there be a kind of fear that is wrong, even sinful? Could it lead to guilt, anxiety, and paranoia? And when it does, could it be part of God’s early warning system to keep us from experiencing deeper emotional or spiritual issues?
In today’s other readings, we’ll look at God’s faithfulness in hard times. And on our part, the importance of doing what is morally right and not what appears to benefit us at the moment. We’ll, also, talk about a biblical view of authority and contentment in our circumstances whatever they may be.
We have become an entitlement society. Young people think they are entitled to the latest smartphone or electronic gadget. Former employees believe they are entitled to compensation whether or not they were faithful employees. And men and women of all ages, physical conditions, and situations seem intent on living off whatever they can get. Of course, there are times when churches, families, and even strangers, should take care of others, especially widows, but the Bible gives careful instructions for the dispensing of such help.
Also, read about the cost of obedience, what it has cost others, and what Jesus said about the cost of not standing up for the truth.
Many people today want to throw the Bible out completely. They try to discredit God’s people by saying we’re intolerant and mean-spirited when we call for a biblical standard. Attempting to destroy God’s Word is nothing new, but God will preserve it and one day judge those who try to destroy it just as He did in Jeremiah’s time.
While we can rejoice that God will deal with evil men who reject His Word, we may need to examine our own attitudes toward Scripture, as well. How do you view the Bible? As a cafeteria line where you can pick and choose what you like? Do you cut and paste it at will? Do you view it as merely a book of nice suggestions for living or do you view it as God’s Word and allow it to direct every area of your life?
Do you know someone who used to come to church, but somewhere along the line they became discouraged, even angry at God? Maybe He didn’t answer their prayers or work the way they thought He should. Or, perhaps, they suffered some tragedy.
Maybe that’s you! If you have walked away from God because of something He has allowed in your life or because you’ve been hurt or disillusioned by someone or something in the church, could it be you had a wrong understanding of who God is or how He works?
Today we’ll, also, talk about prayer, obedience, godly friends, requirements for church leadership, and the importance of good doctrine.
I was meeting with a sister in Christ about the struggles in her marriage. We had been discussing the role of women. On this occasion, we were talking about submission. She responded, “I’m an educated woman! Why should I submit to him?” Since then I’ve heard many such comments. But I’ve never forgotten how saddened I was by her statement and the awareness of how much feminism has infiltrated the church.
Many of us, though we want to live godly lives, chafe against some of the Bible’s teaching on women, including submission. We’re told on the one hand that we are equal to men, yet we are to submit to our husbands and male leaders in the church. So, are submission and equality mutually exclusive?
What thoughts run your life? What do you think about in those idle moments? Are you nursing old hurts and disappointments? Do you spend your time focused on what your spouse, your children, or others do wrong? Do you feel like you’re a victim of thoughts that run rampant in your head? Is it possible that your thoughts have a bigger impact on your life than you know? Could wrong thoughts, actually be running your life and stealing your peace and joy in the process?
