When someone is training for a job—any job—they must eventually make the shift from studying to practicing.
The apostle Paul knew how important such a transition was, which is why—even while confined to a Roman prison—he recorded the following words for the believers in Philippi, Greece:
“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
Philippians 4:9 NIV
Paul had taught them. Paul had trained them. Paul had loved them. And that’s why, from the isolation of a jail cell, Paul empowered them to live out what they’d learned.
Jesus, too, was passionate about His followers not just trying to look good or to sound good, but to do good—with a heart that genuinely wanted to glorify God. James, the half brother of Jesus, also wrote about not just listening to the Word, but doing what it says.
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.
James 1:22-24 ESV
It’s one thing to know about something, but it’s an entirely different thing to put that knowledge into practice.
The peace of God is a gift that He gives us. It’s something we experience as we draw near to Him by living in a way that honors Him. If we know His will but don’t do anything about it—that shows that we don’t really want to honor God. But if we do His will, then our actions illustrate that our identity is rooted in Christ. And our closeness to Christ allows us to experience His peace.
Doing the will of God—not just learning about the will of God—unleashes the peace of God.
So today, study what Paul taught and modeled (which is ultimately what Jesus taught and modeled). And then, ask yourself: “What is God teaching me about Himself, myself, and other people? How can I apply His teachings to my life?”
Living Within the Hope of God
Have you ever accidentally seen the end of a movie first? Knowing the ending probably shapes the way you understand the rest of the story.
Well, if you skip to the last few chapters of the Bible, you'll be skipping over a lot of really good stuff—but you'll also see how God will one day make all things right again. He will restore things that are lost, repair things that are broken, heal things that are fragmented, and ultimately make everything new. He will wipe away every tear and heal every broken heart.
That promise for the future should shape the way we live today. As Psalm 30:5 says, there are times in life that are filled with sorrow and grief. These are very real seasons that every person will experience.
The promises of God give us hope to endure difficult seasons. We know that even though things are broken and sorrowful right now, they won’t always be like that. One day God will restore things to how they are supposed to be.
As the Psalmist says, weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning. That “morning” might not be tomorrow morning, or even a morning next week. But one day, God will come with a bright new morning in which everything will be just as He wants.
Until that time, we are tasked with living faithful lives to God while holding tight to the promises and hope that He gives us. Scripture is filled with other promises that God gives us to hold onto in various seasons of our life.
Take a moment to think of a few of God’s promises that are true for you today. Meditate on them. Let them fill you with hope as you follow after God.
Blessed are the Persecuted
It’s not always easy to stand for what’s right—especially when someone makes fun of you, gossips about you, lies about you, or even abuses you because of your decision.
But when sharing the eighth of the beatitudes—a series of promises Jesus made about God’s Kingdom—Jesus offered some hope:
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 5:10 NIV
Leading up to this verse, Jesus had spoken unexpected blessings over an unlikely group: the poor in spirit, those who were mourning, the meek, those craving righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, and the peacemakers. Finally, He offered a blessing to the persecuted.
Jesus elaborated:
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Matthew 5:11-12 NIV
Now, we won’t be blessed for facing the consequences of our own terrible decisions. But Jesus is saying that you will be rewarded when you are shamed, canceled, or even physically persecuted because of Him.
Jesus knows what it’s like to suffer for the sake of righteousness.
You will be blessed for standing up for what is right, for trusting in God’s Word, and for defending those who cannot defend themselves. And when it gets hard, remember: you’re not alone.
The prophets before us were mocked, beaten, and even killed. Jesus’ disciples, the ones hearing these words, would also suffer and die because of their beliefs. They were persecuted for doing things differently: for loving their neighbors, fighting for sexual purity, resting on the Sabbath, and most of all, for declaring Jesus as Lord.
So no matter what it costs you, you will be blessed for standing up for what is right. Jesus says that yours is the kingdom of heaven.
Working for Peace
One look at the world around us and it’s clear: peace isn’t going to make itself.
Nations are warring and people are fighting and arguing. You may even have some personal relationships filled with bitterness and contempt. Thankfully, we can lean into Jesus’ wisdom in the seventh beatitude:
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
Matthew 5:9 NIV
Let's be clear: peacemaking is different from peacekeeping. In fact, Jesus assured us that as long as we’re on this earth, we will face trouble. There will be chaos, division, misunderstandings, and a need for making peace. And that is why…
Peacemaking requires action.
Yes, peacemaking compels us out of our comfortable bubbles. But for those who are willing to step into the tender space of making peace, here are some thoughts to help you lead the way:
Peacemakers lead the way with humility. None of us are perfect and we all need grace. None of us are God, but we all need Him. Leading with a posture of humility is key.
Peacemakers lead the way with empathy. Even when we disagree with someone, respectfully listening and seeking to understand their perspective is essential for making peace.
Peacemakers lead the way with truth and grace. Any time Jesus interacted with people, He did so with both truth and grace. We must have both to accurately represent Him.
Peacemakers lead the way to the feet of Jesus. Apart from Him, we can do nothing. Apart from Him, we are nothing. When we realize our mutual brokenness, as well as our mutual need for Christ, everything can change.
Seeking to be a mediator for those in disagreement doesn’t mean that every problem will be solved—immediately or ever. But when we invite God into those spaces and commit to the hard work of peacemaking, He can do more than we can imagine.
Is Your Heart Pure? (From Sunday)
What do you think about when you hear the word pure?
Do you picture a tall glass of crystal clear water? A freshly washed load of white sheets? Or maybe someone who’s morally wholesome and good?
In the sixth of the beatitudes—a series of promises Jesus made about God’s Kingdom—Jesus said this:
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”
Matthew 5:8 NIV
The word "pure" means clean or blameless, free from corruption or contamination, purified by fire, or unstained by guilt. None of us can truly be pure on our own—despite our best efforts.
Before Jesus showed up, the highest ranking Levitical priests were charged with ministering and mediating in the holiest spaces (inside the tabernacle in the wilderness and, later, the temple in Jerusalem)—where God’s presence dwelled on earth. But even they had to be purified over and over again.
Now, because of Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice on the cross, He has paved the way for us. His blood covered our sins, and when we accept the sacrifice, He makes us pure. Now and forever, we can “come boldly to the throne of our gracious God,” where we can find mercy and grace when we need it most (Hebrews 4:16). Now, our bodies are the modern-day temples where God’s Spirit has chosen to dwell.
Being pure of heart is not about being perfect, but trusting in Jesus to purify our souls.
As Isaiah once prophesied…
“Come now, let’s settle this,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.”
Isaiah 1:18 NLT
Severe Mercies
Think back on a time when you were shown mercy…
Maybe you owed someone money, but they decided to cancel your debt. Maybe you hurt someone you love, but they gave you another chance. Maybe you made a huge mistake, but you received forgiveness instead of punishment.
In the fifth of the beatitudes, a series of promises Jesus made about God’s Kingdom, Jesus said this:
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
Matthew 5:7 NIV
Because we are imperfect sinners who have all fallen short of God’s glorious standards, we all deserve death. We all deserve punishment. We all deserve to be eternally separated from God.
“But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)”
Ephesians 2:4-5 NLT
Jesus is passionate about justice and righteousness while simultaneously fervent about grace and mercy.
That’s why He paid the ultimate price for us—so that we could truly live. That’s why He conquered the grave—to mercifully save our souls. That’s why He sent His Spirit—so that we could also show mercy.
To be clear, grace and mercy, while similar, aren't the same. Grace is getting what you don’t deserve (an unwarranted gift) while mercy is not getting what you do deserve (judgment and wrath).
And while it’s easier said than done, His people are called to be merciful. Even when someone has wronged you. Yes, even when they don’t deserve your kindness. Yes, even when you don’t feel like being merciful.
Jesus has shown us mercy. And now? We can offer it to others.
What Do You Crave?
Every day, multiple times a day, little alarms are triggered inside your brain. They make your stomach growl, your mouth water, or your mind become fixed on that which you crave.
God gave us physical needs that mirror our spiritual needs, too. Needs that must be met to stay healthy and alive. Needs that must be satisfied over and over again. In fact, food is often used in the Bible as a metaphor for our spiritual needs (it's called "our daily bread" in Matthew and the "pure milk" of the Word in 1 Peter, to name a couple.)
In the fourth beatitude, which are a series of promises Jesus made about God’s Kingdom, Jesus said this:
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”
Matthew 5:6 NIV
Do you long for righteousness and justice? Do you desire the ways of God? Do you yearn for His kingdom to come? Do you want to be someone who chases after that which can never truly satisfy, or someone who hungers and thirsts after God?
In this upside-down kingdom where Jesus is Lord, the poor can be rich, the weak can be strong, and the empty can be filled.
Jesus Christ not only holds the keys to “living water,” but He is the “Bread of Life.” So, when you feel Him prompting your heart—to fight for justice, to love the unloved, to stand up for what’s right (even when it’s not popular)—pay attention.
He stands ready to fill you with everything you need.
The #1 Regret of a 70 Year Old Christian
This article comes from Crosswalk.com
Do you have any regrets?
I had a lunch with an elderly woman recently, a woman whom I’ve enjoyed Christian fellowship with for years. This woman is filled with wisdom and insights and knowledge. So when I asked her about the biggestregret of her life, I knew she’d respond well. But I didn’t know her words would be so impactful.
“Pursue holiness,” she responded.
“If I would have known that God wanted me to pursue holiness when I was in my twenties, that would have changed the trajectory of my life, and saved me a lot of heartache. Young people need to learn how to pursue holiness.”
I was speechless. And I’m a blogger.
Is there a more important message for young Christians today?
This is a good word not just for young Christians, but all Christians, yes. But I think this is something young Christians particularly need. We young folk tend to be more concerned with being cool than being holy. And this is a problem. Paul tells us that God saved us so that we might be holy (Ephesians 1:4) — a pursuit that Christians can seek with effort, without being self-justifying.
Still, “pursue holiness” may seem daunting or ambiguous. So here’s a few reminders for young Christians on this great pursuit.
1) Recognize that the pursuit of holiness is important.
God wants you to pursue holiness. Seems obvious, right? It’s not. Many young Christians are not hearing this message. It needs to be seasoned with grace, of course, but mentioned often in our pulpits, in our books, in our posts. The first step is recognition.
2) Get mentors.
To be fair, it’s hard to find mentors. Really hard. People are busy and have a hard enough time looking out for themselves let alone the soul of another. But don’t give up. Pray that God will give you mentors, and that he will surround you with older, wiser Christians.
3) Develop a strong devotional life.
I’m always amazed at how many Christians I meet who rarely spend time alone with God. Community is vital (more on that in a bit), but the regular rhythm of personal devotions is essential, one that young Christians would do well to develop sooner than later.
4) Read books on holiness.
I don’t say this often, but R.C. Sproul’s book, The Holiness of God, changed my life, and is (and will probably remain) one of the best books I’ve ever read. I had been a Christian for years and knew little about God’s holiness. Sproul paints a picture of God’s holiness that, for me, changed the way I viewed the Christian life. I wish every Christian would read it.
Of course, it’s easy to read books on holiness and not pursue holiness. But here’s a few that may help:
The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul
The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges
The Hole in our Holiness by Kevin DeYoung
Holiness by J.C. Ryle
5) Stay in community.
Lone rangers are dead rangers. To pursue holiness, you need the church. Stay in community. God’s people will help you become more like Christ.
6) Remember that holiness is about grace-driven effort.
It’s easy to get legalistic when talking about holiness. But I think too many Christians are quick to throw up the legalism flag when checked on this matter, partly to hide immaturity or to defend some idol. Yet, it’s easy to let the pendulum swing too far on either side. There needs to be a balance. You will fail often in this pursuit, and that’s okay: because Jesus is for failures and failures only. But don’t become so holy that you stop trying. As Kevin DeYoung says, “Let’s not be more ‘gospel-centered’ than the Bible. The Bible is not afraid of words like striving, fighting, effort, and work.”
What do you think?
I needed to write this piece more than you needed to read it. I’ve by no means perfected holiness, but who has? Glorification will come for God’s elect. But now, it’s sanctification. It’s enjoying Jesus and striving to become more like him. This message of holiness is for you and I. And I hope you take heed. After all, I don’t want you to end up with the same regret.
Meekness Isn't Weakness
Everything around us—the world, the culture, the people—tends to applaud power and strength, independence and intelligence, boldness and superiority.
But in the third beatitude—a series of promises Jesus made about God’s Kingdom—Jesus highlighted something different, saying:
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”
Matthew 5:5 NIV
The English word "meek" comes from the Greek word "praeis." It means gentle, humble, or submissive; modest, mild, or unpretentious. In fact, when Paul describes the “fruits of the Spirit” (traits developed in His people by His Spirit), the words "meekness" and "gentleness" are often used interchangeably.
But, let’s be clear: If such descriptions paint a frail and feeble picture in your mind, you can be certain that meekness isn’t weakness.
Meekness is strength under control. It's power submitted to God’s authority.
Now, if “meek” isn’t a word that you’d use to currently describe yourself, that’s okay. Jesus wasn’t speaking to those who had it all together—and He isn’t expecting a perfect version of us, either. Instead, He’s extending a blessing on who His people were (and are) becoming.
God is continually developing these beatitude traits inside of His followers. He's refining, sanctifying, and transforming us to be more and more like Him.
In Scripture, Jesus Himself is called “meek.” But as you probably know, He was far from passive, apathetic, or a pushover. Instead of relying on His own power—like summoning legions of angels to avoid hanging on that cross—He leaned into God’s strength and restrained His limitless power.
Jesus’ upside-down kingdom will be packed with those who harness their strength for God’s glory and who humble themselves at His feet.
Good Grief
Can anything good come from grief? From mourning a deep loss? From weeping over a profoundly heavy heartache?
While grief is a necessary part of life, no one longs to grieve. But in the second beatitude—a series of promises Jesus made about God’s Kingdom—Jesus said this:
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
Matthew 5:4 ESV
No one can appreciate rain more than someone who’s lived in the desert. No one can value food more than someone who’s truly been starving. And no one can know God as their Comforter like someone who’s desperately needed comfort.
Unfortunately, death, decay, and disappointment are a part of this world. But even in our sorrow and suffering, God stands ready to comfort us—in unique and meaningful ways that only He can.
The Holy Spirit is often called the “Comforter,” as well as “Helper,” “Counselor,” or “Advocate.” But regardless of what He’s called, it’s always who He is. Even in our grief, He’s always a God who has our best in mind.
And so, how does God comfort us? He does this through His Spirit, through His Word, and by working in and through His people.
Do you have the eyes to see how He’s pursuing you? Have you opened your heart to His comfort?
If you are a follower of Christ who is mourning today, remember: Jesus Himself promised that you will be comforted. He’s always good, He’s always faithful, and He’s right here, ready to help.
Hope for the Poor in Spirit
Jesus began His famous Sermon on the Mount with an upside-down perspective and eight counter-cultural blessings—commonly known as the beatitudes.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 5:3 ESV
To be physically poor is to lack resources or material possessions. The word "poor" might trigger a mental image of someone who can’t pay their bills, can’t break free from the cycle of poverty, or can’t afford food, clothing, or shelter.
So what does it mean to be spiritually poor, and why does Jesus think that’s a good thing?
Those who realize their own spiritual poverty know that, without God, they are spiritually bankrupt. Those who are poor in spirit understand the desperation of their situation—that they can have nothing, do nothing, and be nothing without Him. Those who are poor in spirit recognize that it’s humility, not pride or self-reliance, that’s a common characteristic in the kingdom of heaven.
Those who are poor in spirit know that they can’t, but they trust that God can.
If we’re honest, most of us would prefer to be rich, comfortable, and self-dependent. We would rather lack nothing. But even if we happen to be financially stable or wealthy, we cannot save our own souls.
We were created to need God.
So if you’re feeling weak, weary, or worn out, it’s okay. If you feel like you have nothing to offer, Jesus actually says that you are blessed.
When you have a need, He can meet it. When you’re not enough, He already is. And when you feel poor in spirit, you are in the perfect position to be saved and filled by God.
Give God Your Fears
Where do you turn in times of difficulty? Who do you reach out to when something happens? All of us need other people in our life who can help us through tough times. We cannot make it through life alone, we should always have people who can help us.
However, when something happens in our life, our first reaction should be to come to God first. While other people can help meet our physical needs, God is the only one who can meet our deepest needs.
I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.
Psalm 34:4-5 NIV
Just as God answered the writer of Psalm 34, God is also ready and available to us through prayer. God is not hidden or far away. He is present, and waiting for us to spend time with Him. Because He is the one who created us, He knows everything about us. He knows how we feel and exactly what we need.
The psalmist says that God delivered him from all of his fears. God desires to deliver you from your fears as well. In Philippians 4:6-7, God’s Word says to not be anxious or fearful about anything, but rather, go to God in prayer, and He will give us peace. God is the source of all peace and security, but we need to go to Him with our fears.
Psalm 34:5 says that those who spend time with God will be free of shame. As we are freed from the mistakes of our past, we will begin to walk in the newness of life. When we walk with God through life, we walk in the light that He provides, rather than the darkness of the world around us. He protects us from harm and keeps us from shame.
God is waiting to spend time with you and give you His peace. Spend some time today in prayer, asking God to remove your fears and replace them with His strength.
True Humility and Wisdom
God granted King Solomon, the great King of Israel, wisdom beyond measure. From this, King Solomon penned much of the book of Proverbs, providing insight and knowledge regarding right living before God.
Solomon begins the book of Proverbs with this statement:
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Proverbs 1:7 ESV
He repeats this truth in our Verse of the Day:
“The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.”
Proverbs 22:4 ESV
King Solomon had more riches than we can imagine. He was honored among the nations and had a full and prosperous life. We might not be kings, but the truth of this statement is timeless.
Hundreds of years later, Paul wrote a prayer for the Christians in his letter to the Ephesians that can provide context for Proverbs 22:4.
“…the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe … ”
Ephesians 1:17-19 ESV
His prayer teaches us that by coming to God and His Word with humility, God will give us spiritual wisdom and knowledge. And because of our faith in Him, God honors us and gives us riches that only come with belonging in Christ Jesus. He blesses us because of His great love.
It is through humility and a holy fear of God that we receive His promises of riches, honor, and life. Some of those promises will come to pass on earth, but all of them will be fulfilled when Jesus returns one day. And as we see the fulfillment of God’s promises, our response will be to give God the glory.
Strong in Hope
Psalm 31 is a heartfelt prayer of King David, a man who experienced numerous trials and challenges throughout his life. It’s a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments of our lives, God remains steadfast and faithful to those who seek Him.
In Psalm 31:21-22, David feels trapped. He recalls a time when he was in a city under siege, feeling cut off from God's sight, engulfed by feelings of despair and isolation. But David didn’t lose sight of God's character and faithfulness. He cried out to the Lord for mercy, and in response, God heard his plea and extended His hand.
Have you ever felt trapped?
This passage is a reminder that God's love and mercy are never far away. When we call out to Him in earnest, He hears our cries and responds with compassion.
“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.”
Psalm 31:24 NIV
This verse is a rallying cry, an invitation to anchor our souls in the hope that comes from our relationship with God. But there are two things we have to remember about hope in the Lord.
First, hope isn’t just optimism. It’s a profound trust in His character and promises. It’s knowing that God is our ever-present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1) and that His love for us is steadfast and unchanging (Psalm 136:26). When we place our hope in God, we tap into a source of strength that transcends our circumstances.
Second, hope in the Lord is not passive, but active. It empowers us to face challenges head-on, knowing that we are not alone in our struggles. Our hope rests on the One who hears our cries and responds with love and mercy.
In times of distress, when we feel like we are cut off from God's sight, remember the wonders of His love displayed in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Him, you’ll find the ultimate expression of God's unfailing love for us.
A Gift Worth Receiving
After Jesus healed a man who had been paralyzed for almost four decades, the religious Jews were angry with Him. This may seem strange, because healing is a good thing, but Jesus performed this miracle on the Sabbath—the day of rest. In the Old Testament, God gave believers a long list of rules to follow in order to stay right with Him, and these rules included honoring the Sabbath.
But in the New Testament, Jesus was sent to change our relationship with the Father. By sacrificing Himself on the cross, He gave us access to a relationship with God—so that long list of rules was no longer needed. Throughout Jesus' life, He shows people the nature of this new relationship. But because it didn’t line up with what the religious establishment believed, they were angry with Him.
In John 5, Jesus justifies these changes through revealing His true authority. By calling God His Father, He shared that He was equal to God. This angered the religious Jews, but it gives us a deeper look into the relationship between the Father and Son.
Jesus tells us that the Father and Son are united in love. The Son does not ‘work’ for the Father—instead they work together, and the work Jesus does perfectly reflects the will of His Father.
This relationship reveals that Jesus has authority to give us eternal life with Him.
Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.
John 5:24 ESV
When we hear God’s Word and believe in Jesus, we have access to a relationship with Him that will last forever. Unlike the Jews in the Old Testament before this new covenant, we don’t have to follow strict laws perfectly to gain salvation.
All we have to do is accept the gift Jesus has given us through His authority.
If Satan wrote a book on parenting...
Some time ago I read an advice column that responded to a woman who had become disillusioned with her husband and enamored with someone else. And as I read it I thought to myself, “I’m pretty sure that’s exactly how Satan would counsel if he was asked.” That got me thinking about how Satan might function as a marriage counselorand also how he might function as a parenting expert. To that end…
If Satan wrote a book on parenting, he would insist that children are primarily a lifestyle choice, a kind of accessory to life some people may choose and others may reject according to their own desires. He would insist that there is no intrinsic good in having children and that God doesn’t much care whether married couples choose to have them or not. He would want them to shrug off as quaint or antiquated the passages in Scripture that say things like “children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward” (Psalm 127:3) or the Creation Mandate that says, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it” (Genesis 1:28). “It doesn’t matter what God wants,” he would say. “What matters is what you want.”
If Satan wrote a book on parenting, he would want people who have children to feel superior to those who want to but cannot. He would want those who are unable to have children to feel that God must somehow be opposed to them or be punishing them and want them to believe that they are missing out on something essential to the good and God-honoring life. He would want such people to feel miserable while others held them as objects of pity or divine disfavor.
If Satan wrote a book on parenting, he would want people to regard children as mostly a bother, as a choice that tends to hamper happiness as much as it enhances or amplifies it. He would want parents to think more of the financial cost, the cost to a free and affluent lifestyle, or the cost to vocational progress. He would want couples to dread children even more than they desire them.
If Satan wrote a book on parenting, he would want parents who don’t regard children as a bother to regard them as the whole point and purpose of life, to treat them like little gods. He would want parents to form their entire identity around their children and to be held idolatrously captive to them.
If Satan wrote a book on parenting, he would be sure to tell his readers that the world’s population is a problem, and that the earth is suffering because of the number of human beings who inhabit it. Therefore, humanity ought to do its best to suppress the birthrate, and to have smaller families rather than larger ones. He would want people to hesitate to have children at all and to feel a sense of guilt and remorse should they choose to have them. “The most responsible people choose not to procreate,” he would say. “You need to think about this faltering planet.”
If Satan wrote a book on parenting, he would want parents to believe that there is no great benefit to raising children in the context of a family, much less a traditional family made up of one man married to one woman, covenantally bound together for life. He would insist that children can be equally conceived and birthed in any number of ways, to any combination of people, for any given reason.
If Satan wrote a book on parenting, he would want parents to think that a genetic link between parents and their children is so important that they should not even consider adopting children. He would want them to regard biological children as intrinsically superior to adopted children. He would love to hear people express that adoption is too dangerous, too uncertain, and too disruptive to even consider.
If Satan wrote a book on parenting, he would want parents to believe that their children’s defiance is simple, sinless, and inconsequential. He would want parents to tacitly believe that children are born in a state of innocence rather than sinfulness and that parents should express no great concern when their children defy them, rebel against them, and act out against them. After all, “kids will be kids.”
If Satan wrote a book on parenting, he would want parents to believe it is best to refrain from disciplining their children. Though the Bible may say “Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart,” (Proverbs 29:17) Satan would insist that children have no need of consistent discipline. To the contrary, he would insist that consistent discipline will hurt them, harm them, or possibly even destroy them. He would insist that any discipline, and especially physical discipline, is tantamount to abuse.
If Satan wrote a book on parenting, he would want you to believe that if you do choose to discipline your children, it is best to flex some muscle and lay a good beating on them. He would want you to think that they respond best to the fear of your fury. He would want you to set aside self-control in your discipline and to hit them hard, to hit them frequently, and to hit them without mercy. He would not want you to consider the contradiction that you shouldn’t discipline them, but when you do, you should discipline them abusively.
If Satan wrote a book on parenting, he would want you to raise them in strict accordance with law rather than gospel, with strict rules rather than free grace. He would want parents to physically discipline them, then abandon them in their pain and misery, wondering how they can once again earn their parents’ favor. He would never want the consequences of their sin to lead to a discussion of the gift of God’s forgiving grace through Christ.
If Satan wrote a book on parenting, he would want people to believe that it is the task of children to teach their parents more than it is the task of parents to teach their children. He has ably presented in a host of modern shows and movies that children, by virtue of their youthful innocence and their greater ability to understand the modern world, have wisdom their parents lack. Parents, after all, are jaded by their many years and their antiquated experiences. They should humbly listen to their children and be taught by them rather than the opposite.
If Satan wrote a book on parenting, he would want parents to know that they should prioritize their children ahead of their marriage. He would want parents to prefer their children to one another, to orient their lives around their children instead of around their marriage. Ideally, he would pit a husband against his wife and a wife against her husband in the raising of the children and in all their activities.
If Satan wrote a book on parenting, he would want parents to believe that children must be kept constantly busy, and that they thrive best when they are enrolled in every extracurricular course and play on every team. He would want all of this activity to dominate the family’s time and attention. He would insist it’s best if the family reaches the end of the week and collapses with exhaustion because of all they have done.
If Satan wrote a book on parenting, he would want parents to prioritize participation in sports and activities ahead of participation in the local church. The church should take second or third place in their list of priorities. “There is time for that later in life; at this stage it is best to immerse them in activities and experiences. And if you’re worn out and need a day of rest, rest at home on Sunday.”
If Satan wrote a book on parenting, he would want people to believe children are sexual creatures who need to have their sexuality awoken at a very early age. They should see many things, have many experiences, and consider many options and alternatives. He would love and laud a term like “gender assigned at birth.” “Let them see all kinds of expressions of gender and sexuality, let them ask who they are and how they would like to express themselves. Let them do this at the youngest age possible.”
If Satan wrote a book on parenting, he would prescribe that parents give their children early and unfettered access to electronic devices and social media platforms. “Let them use TikTok. Let them browse Instagram. Let them spend their days on Reddit. No harm will come.”
If Satan wrote a book on parenting, he would want people to believe that children belong to society as much as to parents and that the government ought to have more of a say in their raising than their own parents. He would want society to regard family as a hindrance or even a danger to a child’s freedom of self-expression. “Let them be who and what they want at school and be certain you never tell the parents.”
If Satan wrote a book on parenting, he would want parents to be a little embarrassed about their faith in Jesus Christ, to think it’s best if parents don’t really raise their children in “the discipline and instruction of the Lord,” but instead help them keep their options open. “Don’t emphasize family devotions or you may just turn them off the faith; don’t read them the Bible before bed or they will think you’re a zealot; don’t insist they participate in the life of the church or they’ll someday turn against it all.”
Come to think about it, as I look at the world around me, I can’t help but wonder if Satan actually has written a book on parenting because it seems so many are obeying his instructions and following his advice…
This post comes from Tim Challie’s “Informing the Reforming”
The One To Whom We Speak
There is much to be said about prayer, but as is the case with all important topics, it is vital that we start with the basics. Fundamentally, prayer consists of a conversation between us and the Lord, and in any conversation, we must be cognizant of who the participants are. In other words, in order to get prayer right, we must know who God is and who we are. We will start by considering who God is.
Around the world, Americans are known for being more informal than the residents of other countries. We lack an established monarchy. We are casual in our dress and in our speech in many places where formality once reigned. On the whole, our relationships with our supervisors and with those whom we supervise tend toward looseness or toward being more relaxed than was the case in generations past.
These developments have not been without positive effects; yet, there have been negatives as well. This informality has extended even to how we regard our relationship with God. We view God only as a friend. Of course, we can call Jesus our “friend” (John 15:15) in the sense that He is far more loyal to us than any other person is. The trouble is that we all too often see our Creator as our “buddy” or “pal” in such a way that we are on the same level that He is. This should not be. God, indeed, is friendly toward us, but He remains our Sovereign. When we approach Him as our friend, we do not approach Him as we do our other friends but as the God who is “majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders” (Ex. 15:11).
This means that we must ever be in awe of our Creator. When we approach Him in prayer, we must remember who He is—the Lord God Almighty who is deserving of all honor, glory, and praise (1 Tim. 1:17). We must bow to His greatness, worshiping Him and remembering that He upholds us by His grace.
CORAM DEO Living before the face of God
When we approach God in prayer, we are approaching One who is our friend but also our Lord and Master. He is friendly and kind toward us, but we take our commands from Him, not He from us. When we go before God in prayer, let us remember that He is our King and that we owe Him all that we are.
Calm in the Storm
One of the most well-known stories in Jesus' life is the calming of the storm (Matthew 8:23–27, Mark 4:35–41, and Luke 8:22–25).
Think about the disciples hanging out on a boat with Jesus when a life-threatening storm erupts on the water. They’re unprepared to face it. Panicking, they realize they might die. The entire time this is happening, Jesus is sleeping peacefully.
Instead of looking at Jesus’ reaction to their situation, the disciples allowed their situation to dictate their reactions.
After begging Jesus to do something, He calms the storm … but not before asking them, “Why are you afraid?”
His gentle rebuke wasn’t because they didn’t believe Jesus could save them from the storm, but because they struggled to believe He would see them through it.
They knew Jesus was in their boat, they just didn’t understand what He was fully capable of doing.
Jesus was their strength through the storm and over the storm.
Jesus was their provider, protector, healer, and leader.
Jesus was their source of peace and power.
And the same God who was with the disciples in the boat is with us. No matter what your current storm looks like—Jesus is near. There is not a situation you have gone through that Jesus hasn’t endured beside you.
Jesus was, and is, and is to come. He was there at the beginning of time, and He will be there at the end of it. He has seen every event in human history, and He has not forsaken anyone who cries out for Him and trusts in Him.
Nothing is impossible for God, and His character never changes. He is for you, and not against you—that’s why you have nothing to fear. And that is why today, you can make Isaiah 41:13 your own personal promise:
“For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”
Prayers for Anxiety
The feeling of anxiety might be one of the most common human experiences. Every person, at some level, has felt anxious or worried. While it is a common human experience, that doesn’t mean that it’s the ideal human experience that God wants for us.
Anxiety can often occur in moments when we feel like we’re losing control of a situation, or maybe even when we feel helpless. We can feel anxious when we’re uncomfortable or nervous.
In each of these scenarios, God wants to provide an answer and a help for when we’re struggling. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul encourages the church community there to bring all of their worries and anxiety to God through prayer.
While we sometimes think we can fix our problems, we’re actually inadequate at it. God is the only one who truly knows exactly what we need.
In Scripture, God is called our Provider, our Healer, and our Sustainer. He is ready and willing to help us when we’re in need. Because of that, we have so much to be thankful for, just like Paul says.
Regardless of whether or not you’re worried or anxious right now, we should all make a habit of running to God with our desires and worries. Our first response should be prayer. Before we're overcome with anxiety, we train ourselves how to respond to it—by turning to God.
Take a moment today to pause and pray to God. As Paul says, present your prayers and requests to God. Tell Him what you need and what you might be struggling with. And thank Him for always being present and willing to help.
Worthy
We have a powerful Creator, but it’s easy to forget how magnificent He is. We live in a world filled with His miracles, but it’s common to become desensitized to the wonder of it all.
God created something from nothing—speaking life, meaning, and purpose into existence. He is the author of everything. He is worthy of our worship.
Whales roam the seas, bears scavenge the mountaintops, fireflies light up the countryside. People explore the world, build skyscrapers, cook meals, develop languages, and form complex relationships—with God and with each other.
"You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being."
Revelation 4:11
“All things,” as the verse says, includes everything we can see and even the things we can’t—both the visible and invisible. “All things” also includes you.
You were intentionally and uniquely designed by God. You were put on this planet on purpose—at this specific time in history. You have been empowered to shine and share His love, in a distinct and special way that’s completely unique to you.
So take a moment to recognize, God made you and He loves you. He is worthy of your praise.