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?
It’s hard not to be discouraged when our faith is under attack, our nation seems to be changing at warp speed, evil is called good, and good evil. While we have reasons for concern, could our discouragement point to something deeper?
Do your kids know your testimony, not just the parts you use to point out why they’re ungrateful or what would have happened to you if you had talked like that to your parents? Many of us would probably say, “no.”
Perhaps, we should remember that the Bible shows us the people in its pages, even those greatly used by God, with all their warts, sins, and shortcomings. It, also, shows us the consequences they faced as a result. Their stories serve as warnings to us and, ultimately, point us to the grace of God.
Those of us who are parents often pray our children will avoid the mistakes we’ve made and not suffer the same consequences. But do we share our testimonies with them? When we humbly share what God has done in our lives, it can open the door to real conversation.
But there are a couple of cautions in doing so. One is a wisdom issue and the other can cause all our talk and warnings to backfire.
What are the basics of the Christian faith? What does it mean to be a Christian? How do we know we can trust the Bible? Why did Jesus have to die? How is a person saved? Do you know how to answer those questions? And could you explain the basics of the Christian faith to someone else?
And from our reading in Proverbs:
Is there an angry person in your life? How do you respond to them? Do you make excuses? Do you give in to their selfish demands? How should you respond to people whose lives are characterized by anger? Find out in today’s post.
Are you inside God’s circle of blessings or have you put yourself on the outside? When we put ourselves outside of God’s circle of blessings, we risk shortening our lives and opening ourselves to God’s discipline.
And what about your children? Are you teaching them how to stay inside that circle of blessings? Today’s post has a simple illustration to help them (and you) understand why it’s so important.
And from our Old Testament reading:
God gave Saul the privilege of being Israel’s first king. He blessed him in many ways including giving him victory in battle, loyal men like the future king David, and a wise son in Jonathan. But Saul is a great example of one man’s failure to stay inside God’s circle of blessings.
