Could some of our everyday habits actually be robbing us of God’s blessings?
Proverbs warns about drunkenness, gluttony, and laziness. We might read those words and immediately think, “That doesn’t apply to me.” But these heart issues can show up in ways that are much less obvious.
What about constantly escaping into our phones, entertainment, food, sports, shopping, or even leisure? What happens when good things become the things we look to for satisfaction, comfort, or escape?
We can end up trading the genuine blessings God has given us—our marriages, families, work, relationships, opportunities to serve, and most importantly, satisfaction in Him—for things that can never truly satisfy.
Also in today’s readings, can God use evil and suffering for good? How can an eternal perspective change the way we see what He allows in our lives?
And while it’s good to appreciate faithful pastors and Bible teachers, Paul has a warning for us: Are we following godly teachers—or are we in danger of following men instead of God?
Imagine waking up tomorrow morning to complete chaos.
Phones ringing unanswered. Cars abandoned. News anchors struggling to explain what has happened. Friends, neighbors, and family members suddenly gone.
Would you know exactly what had happened?
More importantly…
Would you be among those who disappeared—or would you still be here?
Whether you believe Christ’s return is near or many years away, Scripture repeatedly calls us to be ready. Today’s readings remind us that God’s judgment does not come without warning. Just as Judah experienced a season of mercy before judgment finally fell, our world is living under God’s patience today.
But His patience will not last forever.
We’ll look at Josiah’s remarkable response when he rediscovered God’s Word, why God delayed judgment for a time, and what the Bible says about the coming return of Christ. Most importantly, we’ll answer one of life’s greatest questions:
How can you know with certainty that you belong to Christ and are ready whenever He returns?
Finishing well … it’s probably something we all desire. No one wants to fall flat on his or her face or bring shame to the name of Christ after serving Him well. And yet, if we read through the history of God’s children, we see numerous people who started out well but didn’t end so well. And it’s not just people we read about in the Bible. Hardly a month goes by that we don’t learn about someone who once followed Christ faithfully, led others to Christ, even pastors, sometimes well-known pastors, who have had a moral failure of some kind or who have walked away from Christ. It’s heartbreaking. What allows one person to finish well while another fails miserably? Find out what can make the difference.
In the book of Isaiah, God said we were created for His glory. One definition for bringing someone glory is to give others the right opinion of that person. How do you look to others? If you claim to be a follower of Christ, do you live in a way that brings Him glory? If, like me, you believe you could do better, here are four ways we can better give others the right opinion of God.
Also, read about what often happens when we try to share our faith with those closest to us and how to keep an eternal perspective instead of being offended by a common reaction.
We live in a culture that is increasingly hostile to Christ and Christianity. Religious freedom and tolerance have been replaced with intolerance and, even, hatred. Are you prepared for what could very well come in our lifetimes and, indeed, is already happening?
Back during the height of the pandemic, I heard one commentator say that some pastors, actually, want to spread COVID-19 because it furthers their political agenda. We have all heard comments claiming Christians are uncaring about others and their struggles with sexual issues and unwanted pregnancies. Many believers actually work tirelessly to help those who struggle with sin and heartache. But that doesn’t stop God’s enemies from making blanket statements that would have been roundly criticized in times past.
And try defending your faith in a university or high school classroom. Young people are regularly humiliated and even attacked for speaking the truth. Christian teachers and professors are often denied positions in the name of tolerance, a word that has come to mean anything but that.
Or watch your average movie or TV program. I cringe when they make it obvious a character is a minister of some kind. He will probably be made to look foolish, hypocritical, or mean-spirited before it’s over.
Yet, we have probably just begun to experience the hostility and persecution that the Bible tells us will come. So, what can we do to prepare?
