Month: August 2015

Be glad God disciplines those He loves and so should we.

Read: Revelations 3:19 

I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.

Get rid of pride and be humble instead.

Read: Proverbs 29:23

Pride ends in humiliation,

   while humility brings honor.

When a sincere request is made on behalf of others God shows mercy so always ask Him.

Read: Amos 7:2-6 

In my vision the locusts ate every green plant in sight. Then I said, “O Sovereign Lord, please forgive us or we will not survive, for Israel[a] is so small.”

3 So the Lord relented from this plan. “I will not do it,” he said.

4 Then the Sovereign Lord showed me another vision. I saw him preparing to punish his people with a great fire. The fire had burned up the depths of the sea and was devouring the entire land.5 Then I said, “O Sovereign Lord, please stop or we will not survive, for Israel is so small.”

6 Then the Lord relented from this plan, too. “I will not do that either,” said the Sovereign Lord.

It is wise and necessary to discipline your children.

Read: Proverbs 29: 15,17 

To discipline a child produces wisdom,

 but a mother is disgraced by an undisciplined child.

Discipline your children, and they will give you peace of mind
    and will make your heart glad.

Get God involved in everything you do!  

Read: Psalms 127:1 

Unless the Lord builds a house,

   the work of the builders is wasted.

Unless the Lord protects a city,

   guarding it with sentries will do no good.

When someone is going astray carefully reach out with caution and help them turn around.

Read: Jude 1:22-23

22 And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. 23 Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives.

Stay away from idols, fortune tellers and false teachers. Stick with what you know is truth so you won’t stumble and fall.

Read: Hosea 14:8-9 

“O Israel, stay away from idols!

   I am the one who answers your prayers and cares for you.

I am like a tree that is always green;

   all your fruit comes from me.”

9 Let those who are wise understand these things.

   Let those with discernment listen carefully.

The paths of the Lord are true and right,

   and righteous people live by walking in them.

   But in those paths sinners stumble and fall.

Do not be influenced by others’ bad behavior. No matter who they are.

Read: 3 John 1:11 

Dear friend, don’t let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good. Remember that those who do good prove that they are God’s children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God.

Constructive criticism can only help you. Don’t refuse it.  

Read: Proverbs 29:1 

Whoever stubbornly refuses to accept criticism

   will suddenly be destroyed beyond recovery.

Prayer should be an open and honest conversation with God.

Read:  Daniel 9:4-5

“O Lord, you are a great and awesome God! You always fulfill your covenant and keep your promises of unfailing love to those who love you and obey your commands. 5 But we have sinned and done wrong. We have rebelled against you and scorned your commands and regulations.”