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Pre-teen girl sitting alone and looking out the window with text that reads, The Devastation of Favoritism & How to Prevent It

14 Jan

“The Devastation of Favoritism & How to Prevent It” January 14

Posted by Donna Reidland God's Word Day by Day

Today we’ll see once again that sinful behavior has consequences. And when it comes to parenting, one of the most devastating sins is favoritism. Add selfishness and manipulation to the equation and you have a destructive combination that can tear families apart. Isaac and Rebekah had to learn that lesson the hard way.

The consequences of favoritism, selfishness, and other sins can be long-lasting and painful to our families, too. How can we recognize and prevent those things in our parenting?

We’ll also read about the difference between righteous anger and sinful anger, the chastening of the Lord, and the importance of defending the faith in love.

Annoyed woman with long hair and a red sweater with text that reads, Have You Failed to Appreciate God's Blessings?

13 Jan

“Have You Failed to Appreciate God’s Blessings?” January 13

Posted by Donna Reidland God's Word Day by Day

Isaac’s twins, Jacob and Esau, grew up to be two very different men. Esau was a hunter and a man’s man. Jacob, it seems, was a mama’s boy and a homebody. Each of their parents favored one son over the other. Their favoritism would lead to serious issues in the family. But Esau had bigger problems. With complete disregard for the blessings of God, he would give away his birthright for some instant gratification. How can we be sure we never do the same thing?

Woman hiding behind a big red hat with text that reads, Are You Honest & Transparent or Do You Hide Who You Are?

12 Jan

“Are You Honest & Transparent or Do You Hide Who You Are?” January 12

Posted by Donna Reidland God's Word Day by Day

Are you usually open, honest, and transparent or do you tend to hide who you are? Before you answer, think about the different relationships, social situations, and environments in which you find yourself.

The truth is many of us rather than being transparent are overly concerned about what people think of us. We’re concerned about first impressions. We struggle with thoughts like, “If people really knew me, they wouldn’t want to be my friend (co-worker, employer, etc.)” This plays out in dating relationships, in families, in the workplace, with our friends, with strangers, inside the church, and even with God.

What is it that makes us want to hide or try to be what others expect us to be? And why is it so important that we learn to be appropriately open and transparent with God and with people?

Woman's hands praying with an open bible and a stack of books with text that reads, Asking Abraham to Sacrifice His Son

11 Jan

“Asking Abraham to Sacrifice His Son” January 11

Posted by Donna Reidland God's Word Day by Day

Some passages in the Bible are easy to understand, including many of the basic truths about God. But some are harder like God asking Abraham to sacrifice Isaac and must be understood in light of other Scripture and God’s character. Today’s Old Testament passage is one of those. In our New Testament reading, we’ll see how God can use all things, even Satan and demons to bring about His purposes.

Toy camper van painted orange with luggage on top and text that reads, When It's Time to Go

10 Jan

“When It’s Time to Go” January 10

Posted by Donna Reidland God's Word Day by Day

While we’re not of this world, we are to live in it. But are there are times when we need to remove ourselves and our families from certain environments, whether that is a workplace, a school system, a circle of friends, or a city? If so, how do we stay strong enough in the Lord to be salt and light, yet discerning enough to know when it’s time to go?

Also, read about what Jesus said about respect for authority, His Mercy in our weakness, and the importance of allowing God’s Word to control our inner attitudes, as well as, our outward actions.

Young woman with her head down and her hand on her forehead with text that reads, What If God Said, "I Never Knew You"?

09 Jan

“What If God Said, ‘I Never Knew You’?” January 9

Posted by Donna Reidland God's Word Day by Day

Jesus gave a pretty serious warning in Matthew 7 when He said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven …” There are people, sitting in church every Sunday, who believe they are headed for heaven when they’re really in danger of hearing the words, “I never knew you, depart from me …” In today’s post, you’ll find out what does and doesn’t save you so you’ll never hear those words.

Also, read about the importance of making sure we see clearly before we can be of any help to others and what it really means to build your house on the Rock. Finally, from our Old Testament reading, we’ll talk about how some sins like homosexuality cry out for God’s judgment and what God expects of us in the meantime.

American flag against a blue sky with text that reads, The Spiritual State of Our Country

08 Jan

“The Spiritual State of Our Country” January 8

Posted by Donna Reidland God's Word Day by Day

Each year the President of the United States delivers a State of the Union address. Every year presidents try to paint a picture of their party’s successes and show us how much our country needs what their administration has to offer. Depending on your worldview and the person in office, you may agree or disagree with their assessment.

But as important as the political and economic state of our country is, as Christians, we should be even more concerned about the spiritual state of our country. Are you? And what can we do about it?

Collage of people praying with text that reads, Are You Frustrated with your prayer life?

07 Jan

“Are You Frustrated with Your Prayer Life?” January 7

Posted by Donna Reidland God's Word Day by Day

Do you ever feel inadequate or frustrated with your prayer life? If so, you’re not alone. It appears even the disciples wanted more when they said, “Lord, teach us to pray.” In our New Testament reading, we’ll talk about Jesus’ outline for prayer and how we can use it during our devotional time, along with another help that can lead to a more consistent, satisfying prayer life. We’ll also talk about our motives for praying and other things we do.

From our Old Testament reading check out “How Do You Evaluate Opportunities?” See how not to make decisions and some ways to evaluate opportunities.

Also, today, “The Joy of Spiritual Prosperity,” “The Fear of God,” and “The Importance of Forgiveness.”

Female surgeon preparing for surgery with text that reads, Do You Need Some Radical Surgery?

06 Jan

“Do You Need Some Radical Surgery?” January 6

Posted by Donna Reidland God's Word Day by Day

Do you need to perform some radical surgery before something in your life causes you to sin? Do you need to take a scalpel to some habit or attitude or set some boundaries to protect your marriage or someone else’s? And on the subject of marriage, what does the Bible say about divorce? Is it ever allowable? What if you’re just not happy or you have fallen out of love? What does God say about these very real issues? Jesus addressed all these things in the “Sermon on the Mount” in today’s New Testament reading.

Are you struggling with any of these questions and concerns or do you know someone else who is? The Bible encourages us to seek help and godly counsel when necessary. So, is it possible a biblical counselor could help? Find out more about what biblical counselors do and how it could be just what you or someone else needs.

Collage of people who are struggling with shame with text that reads, When You're Struggling with Shame

05 Jan

“When You’re Struggling with Shame” January 5

Posted by Donna Reidland God's Word Day by Day

In today’s readings, we will once again look at Noah and his family. God called Noah a righteous man, yet we’ll see that he was barely off the ark before he sinned. The result was shame and loss of respect within his own family.

And when it comes to God, shame can cause us to avoid prayer, Bible reading, and going to church in a foolish attempt to run from God. But there is a better way!

We’ll, also, talk about being made in the image of God, the quality of our “salt,” the danger of dishonoring our parents, and responding to the sins of others.

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“The Devastation of Favoritism & How to Prevent It” January 14

“Have You Failed to Appreciate God’s Blessings?” January 13

“Are You Honest & Transparent or Do You Hide Who You Are?” January 12

“Asking Abraham to Sacrifice His Son” January 11

“When It’s Time to Go” January 10

“What If God Said, ‘I Never Knew You’?” January 9

“The Spiritual State of Our Country” January 8

“Are You Frustrated with Your Prayer Life?” January 7

“Do You Need Some Radical Surgery?” January 6

“When You’re Struggling with Shame” January 5

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