Augustine (354–430) consulted astrologers when he was a young man. But as time went on, he became against the custom. Augustine questioned, "Why, in the life of twins—in their actions, the events that befall them, their professions, arts, honors, and other things pertaining to human life, as well as in their very deaths—is there often such a difference that, as far as these things are concerned, many entire strangers are more like them than they are like ea" because astrology presumes that the position of the stars at the time of our birth determines personality and the course of our life.
Proverbs 23:23 ESV / Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.
Tuesday, July 4, 2023
There is a God in heaven who reveals secrets. — Daniel 2:28
The great day of the Lord is . . . a day of trouble and distress. — Zephaniah 1:14-15
Numerous regions of the former Soviet Union are still roiled by unrest. Most of the country is still plagued by unrest, uprising, starvation, unemployment, and severe shortages. A well-known Russian journalist began referring to these times as the "time of trouble," or smutnoye vremya.
Similar language is used throughout the Bible to depict the events of the end times. They will take place at the period of time known in prophecy as "the day of the Lord" (Isa. 2:12-22). Humanity will experience unseen suffering during this horrible tribulation period. Earthquakes, starvation, conflict, and death will all occur (Rev. 6).
During this time, Jews will receive special treatment. The period will be marked by such severe persecution that Jeremiah 30:7 refers to it as "the time of Jacob's trouble." That verse, however, finishes with the magnificent proclamation that the Jews "shall be saved out of it." They will come to believe in the real Messiah during that difficult tribulation era.
We have personal difficulties as disciples of Christ. In his letter to the church, the apostle Peter stated, "If anyone suffers as a Christian, let him... glorify God" (1 Pet. 4:16). The Lord uses our individual "times of trouble" as an opportunity to demonstrate His provision, safety, and love.
We should live . . . godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope. — Titus 2:12-13
From a human perspective, there is no answer to the world's issues. In their attempts to address the unrest and escalating violence in society, leaders appear to be entirely frustrated. Only Christ's second coming offers a complete and lasting remedy. His dominion will be established when He returns. When this happens, "the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea" (Hab. 2:14). He will reign the nations in justice.
Let us continue to pray, work, and observe as we anticipate the coming of our Savior while "looking for the blessed hope"—this world's only hope.
Do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. — Matthew 23:3
Some people who oppose Christianity might not be as hostile to Christ as they are to hypocrisy. Ironically, they haven't considered the fact that Christ Himself was the staunchest opponent of hypocrisy.
Our actions and words can convey contradictory messages. Jesus criticized the hypocritical teachers of the law in today's reading and admonished His students, "Do not do according to their works; for they say, but do not do" (Mt. 23:3).
God forbid that any adversary of Christ will be swayed by our thoughtless hypocrisy. Lord, please grant us wisdom as "preachers."
God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; . . . for the former things have passed away. — Revelation 21:4
The Bible provides us with a few faith-inspiring views of what life will be like beyond death. According to Revelation 21:23, heaven will be a region of radiant brilliance. As we reunite with the people we formerly loved but were temporarily separated from, we are confident that it will be a place of reunion (1 Thess 4:17). According to Revelation 21:4, there will be "no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying."
But more than anything, when we cross over, we shall be glad because Jesus is there, and we will live forever with Him.
He who promised is faithful. — Hebrews 10:23
Such unwavering loyalty is what men and women who fear God are made of. It comes from the hearts of those who cling tenaciously to God's love in the face of adversity. And when you speak with these folks, they give God all the glory instead of taking any credit for their faithfulness.
God provides for our needs so that we can fulfill our commitments in accordance with His will as we continue to live in faith and appropriate His grace through Jesus Christ. And when He replies, "Well done," to us one day, we will answer, "It's all because You were faithful in keeping Your promises to us."
Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve . . . . But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. — Joshua 24:15
Joshua would have learned a valuable lesson from the tale. He was aware that a life with meaning required a specific goal. He exhorted his supporters, "Choose!" Decide against God if you're not going to live for Him. If you decide to live for God, let your actions demonstrate that choice. Decide, nevertheless, whatever you do! Joshua explicitly said that he and his family had decided to follow the Lord (24:15). He saw life as an arena where crucial choices were to be made rather than an amusement park.
How are you doing? All you will have to show for your days of living will be a loud fizzle if you don't choose to trust Christ and serve Him.
Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God. — Psalm 147:1
I am grateful for God's amazing salvation, and one of the ways I can share my happiness is by singing. I find it strange when people claim to be Christians but then acknowledge they rarely go to church, hardly ever listen to Christian music, and find hymn singing and listening to sermons boring. Since they are ignorant of both God and the joy of salvation, I can understand why atheists would say such a thing. However, believers do!
Consider your treasures in Christ often and in depth. You will desire to thank the Lord if you are joyful. The psalmist wrote: "It is good to sing praises to our God" (Ps. 147:1). And even if you are a terrible singer like I am, you will still utter a loud "Amen" to those words.
If they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. — 1 Corinthians 7:9
There are many of people who believe they can disregard God's moral laws, even among Christians.
In the first century, there were comparable temptations. Paul had to make it clear to the Corinthian believers that they had no business engaging in sexual immorality for this reason. He assured them that there was a solution if they discovered their passions growing so intense that they were unable to restrain their sexual cravings. It was discovered in marriage, not in an illicit relationship.
Let's do everything in our power to spread the joys and benefits of God-honoring love—the kind of love that is shared in marriage—at a time when immorality is still consuming individuals. Pure love can never be replaced.
Be still, and know that I am God. — Psalm 46:10
We all need to understand that God, in His wisdom, guides us into service while simultaneously giving us times to rest. Often, God understands that we will grow closer to Him through serene stillness while we crave the excitement of activity. Waiting when we would rather be working is a true test of consecration.
God directs both our steps and our stops. Just silently be still whenever your plans are derailed as you wait for God's clear guidance, His timing, and His will.
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What wilderness did the Israelites wander in?
What happened during the 40 years of wandering of the Israelites in the wilderness?
Why did the Israelites wander the wilderness?
How long did Israel wander in the wilderness?
Why did it take 40 years to get to the Promised Land?
How many Israelites died in the wilderness?
How deep is the Red Sea where the Israelites crossed?
How long were the Jews lost in the wilderness?
Why did Israel not enter the Promised Land?
What is the Promised Land called today?
How many wives did Moses have?
Who was not allowed to enter the Promised Land?
Was the Promised Land inhabited?
Who are the 12 tribes of Israel?
What happened to the Israelites when they disobey God?
What was the downfall of Israel in the Bible?
How did God punish the Israelites in the wilderness?
Why were the Jews in captivity for 70 years?
Why did God scatter the Israelites?
How many times did Israel go into exile?
How many years were the Israelites supposed to be in captivity?
Were the Hebrews enslaved in Egypt?
Why did God send the Jews to Egypt?
How long were the Israelites in Egypt as slaves?
I will sanctify My great name, which has been profaned among the nations. — Ezekiel 36:23
The Lord also harbors enmity toward His name. He said in Ezekiel 36 that His chosen people Israel's rebellious actions had brought shame upon Him. His name had been "profaned" throughout the peoples by them (v. 21).
When we as Christians live in disobedience to the Lord, the same thing occurs today. Our wicked deeds are a bad reflection of Him. When we fall short of God's holy standards, we don't just damage our personal reputation; we also provide unbelievers a justification for having a negative opinion of Him.
Jesus took great care to preserve the honor of His heavenly Father throughout His earthly ministry. We can be confident that the Lord will uphold His vow to punish His people for the "sake of His holy name" (v. 22) if we fall short of His standard. We should be inspired to live more obediently for God by His jealousy for the quality of His character.
Let's live for the Lord and for the glory of His name.
Jacob their father said to them, “. . . All these things are against me.” — Genesis 42:36
Jacob, poor Jacob, had run out of options. He was shocked to get distressing news from his sons who had just returned from Egypt, saying, "Everything is against me!" (NIV, Gen. 42:36).
He had been separated from Joseph. The land of Canaan was in famine. Simeon was a hostage who was being held. And now the youngest son, Benjamin, was being asked for as a ransom to free his sibling. The elderly patriarch found that extremely unbearable. He felt completely outmatched by these circumstances and that everything was working against him. But in fact, God was carrying out His wise plans.
It became increasingly evident that all these upsetting events were actually intended for Jacob's ultimate good as Jacob's agony eventually started to wind down. They prompted him to relocate to Egypt, where the Lord raised his progeny to become a powerful country. Even though Jacob had stated that these circumstances were working against him, God saw only things working in his favor.
Remember that "all things work together for good to those who love God" (Rom. 8:28) when it seems like everything is going wrong. Then, rather than grumbling, you'll be able to declare with assurance, "God is working for me!"
You may put everything in God's hands if you are aware that He is involved in everything. Stumblingblocks become steppingstones leading to His radiant house above as God "works together" all of our suffering and fills us with His love.
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What does Canaan mean in the Bible?
Why did God destroy Canaan?
What happened in Canaan in the Bible?
What is the Canaan of Christianity?
What God did the Canaanites worship?
Did the Canaanites believe in God?
Which religion promised the land of Canaan?
What race were the Canaanites?
What was a major difference between the Israelites and the Canaanites?
What are the Canaanites called today?
Did Israel wipe out all the Canaanites?
Who are the Canaanites in the Bible today?
What is the DNA of the Canaanites?
Who are the 7 people of Canaan?
Where is Sodom and Gomorrah today?
Where is Garden of Eden located today?
Who destroyed the original Bible?
What is the sin of Gomorrah?
Is Lot's wife Pillar of salt still standing?
Where is the pillar of salt located?
What does Gomorrah mean in English?
What does Sodom stand for?
What does Sodom mean in Hebrew?
What does it mean to call someone a Sodom?
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you. — John 14:27
What a proof of the courage and peace our Savior can give! What an inspiration for those of us who know Jesus as Savior to pursue everyday intimacy and intimacy with Him! The only thing that can deliver lasting joy and calm is that relationship.
When Christ rules the heart, the soul is flooded with peace. I praise the Lord Jesus Christ; I rely on divine love; and I firmly claim this Savior as mine.
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What is Phillip Brooks best remembered for?
What are the core values of Phillips Brooks School?
What is the history of the Phillips Brooks House?
What is the religion of Brooks school?
What are St Catherine's school core values?
What are the values of St Andrews Academy?
What is unique about St Andrews?
Why is St Andrews such a good course?
What subject is St Andrews known for?
What is the hardest course at St Andrews?
How hard is it to get into St Andrews?
What GPA is required for St Andrews?
Is it harder to get into St Andrews or Oxford?
How much is tuition at St Andrews in Scotland?
Is St Andrews an Ivy League?
What is the easiest Ivy League school to get into?
Why is St Andrews University so popular?
What is the most exclusive Ivy League school?
What is the hardest Ivy academically?
Which Ivy has the happiest students?
What is the hardest ivy to get into order?
What is the least toxic ivy?
Which is the prettiest ivy?
Which Ivy is the least expensive?
No chastening seems to be joyful . . . ; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness. — Hebrews 12:11
Hebrews 12 portrays the Christian life as an endeavor that entails training in righteousness, correction, and discipline. Such a race could not possibly be completed without a holy struggle against sin and the self. The battle can be just what we need at times.
God's correction is always kind and never harsh. God only has our best interests in mind when He allows His chastising hand to provide us a brief period of peace.
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What does this flag mean 🏳 🌈?
What is the symbol of pride?
What is rubber pride?
What is the polyamory symbol?
What is Solopoly?
What does V mean in polyamory?
What does KT mean in polyamory?
What is the black polyamory symbol?
What does LS mean in polyamory?
What is a comet relationship?
What do poly people call their partners?
What is meta in polyamory?
What is Chinese polyamory?
What is lap sitting polyamory?
What is a quad in polyamory?
What does infinity mean in polyamory?
Is there a hierarchy in polyamory?
Is a throuple different than poly?
What is a nesting partner?
What is a Polycule in polyamory?
What is the third called in a poly relationship?
What is closed polyamory?
What is the unicorn relationship rule?
What is garden party polyamory?
The Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground. — Genesis 2:7
Man has always been curious about how life first began. Frogs and toads were said to have evolved from the silt of the Nile by the ancient Egyptians. According to Aristotle, mice emerged from damp dirt, and worms arose from dew and slime.
Rejoice and be exceedingly glad. — Matthew 5:12
Are you content? What if we went beyond the cheery, transient emotion brought on by fortunate events and instead defined happiness as an enduring mood of joyous contentment, a deep-down condition of calm and hope? Are you happy now given that concept of happiness?
In His "Sermon on the Mount," our Lord provided us His guidelines for living a life that is genuinely joyful regardless of the circumstances. Although Matthew 5 is sometimes translated as "blessed," Jesus was actually offering contentment. He continually reassured His followers that following His teachings and having faith in Him would make them happy.
This treatment for unhappiness has been recommended by the Great Physician. Have you given it a try? Take advantage of it and celebrate with the "happy minority."
Whoever hides hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool. — Proverbs 10:18
God despises liars. They are rogues and villains who harbor a secret hatred in their hearts and speak lies.
Slandering has been elevated to a fine art by some. They would never kill someone else with a meat cleaver. These "hit men" are more cunning than that. They have mastered the art of defamation through gestures, winks, and malicious smiles.
Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. — Matthew 6:21
Take a look over the entries in your old checkbook registers one evening when you have some free time. You might find it fascinating—and even a little shocking—to learn how the money you've earned has been used.
The entries will be written in the style of a family history. They correctly reflect your preferences, routines, and hobbies and record all significant occurrences, including births, deaths, and illnesses.
They keep track of your travels, vacations, and other movements. They also reveal a lot about your excessive eating and dressing habits. The overall amount spent in each category will allow you to identify the expenses that put the biggest strain on your income, either out of necessity or on purpose.
A review of our finances could reveal how spiritual we are. Some hints can be found in the comparison between contributions made to the Lord's work and expenses for frivolous items. We need to look at our values if no money has gone to the church or to those in need but big sums have been spent for personal enjoyment.
Is your bank account a reflection of your "rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share" character? (1 Tim. 6:18).
Try auditing your checkbook today.
Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. — Psalm 121:4
We all struggle with the worry issue. Future apprehensions start to take hold over time. They ultimately become stronger and might possibly overpower you at that point. When anxiety starts to take the place of our faith, God's powerful shoulders start to bear the weight instead of our feeble ones. We worry. We're terrified. We are unable to fall asleep.
We must constantly remind ourselves that God is vigilant in situations like this. He is always awake (Psalm 121:4). He is aware of all things, including our fears (44:21). In every place, He is (139:7–10). Our world is under His control (Eph. 1:11). We have no reason to be afraid as a result.