Criticism. Correction. Rebuke.
Most of us don’t naturally welcome them.
Even when instruction is given lovingly—or is exactly what we need—our first reaction is often defensiveness, self-justification, hurt, or even anger. Why? Because correction confronts something deep within all of us: pride.
But what if God is using even difficult people, uncomfortable conversations, or unfair criticism as tools to shape our hearts and grow us spiritually?
Today’s readings challenge us to examine whether we truly have a teachable spirit. Do we humbly receive wisdom and instruction, or do we resist correction because we think too highly of ourselves? Scripture says that rejecting wise rebuke is actually harming our own souls, while humility opens the door to wisdom, understanding, and maturity.
We’ll also see that even David—a man after God’s own heart—still struggled at times to trust the Lord fully, resorting instead to his own plans and schemes. Yet through both failure and correction, God continued His sovereign work in David’s life.
And finally, we’ll be reminded of a beautiful prayer every believer should pray: that God would open our eyes to understand His Word and set our hearts ablaze with His truth.
Because a humble, teachable heart is fertile ground for spiritual growth.
Is the Bible enough to help us live life in our complex world? Is it enough when we’re faced with difficult issues like abuse, neglect, addiction, and sickness? What does it mean when we say God’s Word is inerrant and sufficient and what does it have to do with you and the problems you face?
Also, read about how God spared His servants from a fiery furnace, how He caused a prideful man to live like a brute animal, how He removes power from kings and leaders and gives it to whomever He wills, and how a fool allows his emotions to rule him.
Where is God when life is hard? Does He allow tests and trials in our lives because He is angry? Do they mean He doesn’t love us? And if our trials are the result of God’s discipline, how should we respond?
Also, what is the one character quality that will enable us to be all Christ wants us to be, the one without which we cannot come to God or love Him the way we should? It’s the same quality required to love and serve others, lead in a godly way, communicate biblically, resolve conflict, deal with the sins of others, and resist sin ourselves. So, what is it?
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.
What is the one sin we all struggle with? And why is it so important we acknowledge and deal with it? It’s important because, as one writer said, “It is one of the most loathed sins in God’s sight.” “The question is not ‘Do I have it?’ but ‘Where is it?’ and ‘How much of it do I have?’” Our Old Testament reading gives us a great illustration of what this sin can do when not dealt with. So, what is it, and where does it show up in your life? You might be surprised.
Family feuds can be some of the most difficult to settle, yet God places a high priority on unity and peace within our biological families and within the family of God.
Sometimes that can be challenging to achieve in the midst of family feuds and misunderstandings. And there are times when we do all we can to be at peace with someone but the other person simply won’t. There can, also, be times when choosing what might look like peace is really a compromise at the cost of truth and righteousness.
God’s Word has much to say about pride, humility, and wise living. When we heed its counsel, it can help us avoid many of the pitfalls that lead to embarrassment, humiliation, and disaster. But when we don’t, and we become prideful, we often think we can handle things, especially temptation, and don’t need God’s help.
Even within Jesus’ inner circle, prideful, self-confident Peter had told Jesus he would never deny Him. Yet, three denials later, as he heard that rooster crow, he must have experienced the worst grief and humiliation of his life!
In what way might you be thinking or saying, “I would never ________” … you fill in the blank?
Today we’re going to look at one of the biggest issues parents, step-parents, and children face when two families become one … favoritism. We’ll also look at the need to view the blended family as one and how to avoid having a child-centered home.
Is there really one verse that could change your marriage forever? Could it change other relationships, as well? I believe there is! First, let me say that knowing this verse won’t change your marriage. Even memorizing this verse...
