“The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: And he that hath it shall abide satisfied; He shall not be visited with evil. A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, And will not so much as bring it to his mouth again. Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: And reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge. He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, Is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach. Cease, my son, to hear the instruction That causeth to err from the words of knowledge. An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: And the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity. Judgments are prepared for scorners, And stripes for the back of fools.”
Proverbs 19:23-29 KJV
https://bible.com/bible/1/pro.19.23-29.KJV
Live Prepared
Pause and think of the people who, at a moment’s notice, have to be ready for anything. Maybe your list includes first responders, the military, athletes, teachers, parents, pilots, surgeons, or pastors.
But does your list include you?
As followers of Jesus, we are called to…
“…Be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
1 Peter 3:15 NIV
We can’t expect people to observe what Jesus has commanded unless we are also observing His commands ourselves.
Do we want people to learn about God’s love? Then we need to show God’s love to people. Do we want people to learn about Jesus’ compassion? Then we need to be compassionate. Do we want people to give generously? Then we need to be good stewards of our own money. Do we want people to study God’s Word? Then we need to study it for ourselves.
When you give Jesus control over your life, you allow His ...