His Enemies

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 8

Gold Nugget

Verse 13: “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate.” 

Commentary

There is an appropriate time to assume someone an enemy that posses as an enemy to the innocent. It's important to point out that we don't select our enemies, they select us. Should they choose to hate and oppose us, they are (by definition) our enemy whether we want them to be or not. Let's put it this way, once I was stolen from, lied about, threatened and all around abused by a friend of one of my relatives. I had tried to help this person and all was good until I was being taken advantage of extensively. After much suffering and refusing to be abused any longer, I refused anymore charity to them. That's when the abuse worsened. I was hurt badly and took time to recover financially from theft and property damage. All of this was bad, but the real pain came later when I learned that my relative remained close friends with this person. I couldn't understand how my family member could still see someone as a dear friend who had severely abused me.

If someone mistreats my children - they have declared me their enemy. (All of this is assuming that my children are innocent of the cause to which they where deemed an enemy.) When we entered into a relationship with God, His enemies should have become our enemies. A few of His enemies are "evil, pride, arrogance, a perverse mouth and the evil way" As today's "gold nugget" says, we should "hate" these things. How can we be a friend and family member to God and be a close friend to this world? Using my emotions to draw from, I can imagine how Jesus feels when we are friendly to the world that rejected, beat, abused and murdered Him? Consider these profound words from 1 John 2:15-17 "15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life-is not of the Father but is of the world." 

Prayer

Lord, I will not be friends to those that have declared you as their enemy. You will not find me in the arms of those that abuse and reject you. If they reject you, they have rejected me. I will consider your hurt when I am tempted to embrace this world and its pleasures. Amen

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LOAN-ley Hearts

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 6

Gold Nugget

Verse 1-2: "1 My son, if you become surety for your friend, If you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger, 2 You are snared by the words of your mouth; You are taken by the words of your mouth. "

Commentary 

When I was a little boy, my grandfather told me that a "handshake" was as binding as a contract. Today things are different. Maybe I shouldn't be, but I am still shocked when people don't honor their word. It is better to have not agreed to anything than to turn from your word. That brings me to today's "gold nugget". The word surety from this verse means what it sounds like. "...if you become surety for your friend". "Sure" meaning absolute, without doubt or wavering -a guarantee. If you are a guarantee for someone today and they don't pay their debt, you will pay it for them. This is often times referred to as a co-signer. When you have co-signed, "You are snared by the words of your mouth; you are taken by the words of your mouth.” Many Christians do not practice co-signing because of this very scripture and they have perfect grounds for it.

The scriptures teach us to be very careful when we guarantee another person. If we vouch for someone and they back out, we may be left standing there when the lender comes for his money. He will not hesitate to take from your family. I see this scripture like Jesus' words in Luke Chapter 6, "34 And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. 35 But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High." The way these tie together for me is through the fact that Jesus says to loan and do not hope for it back. If it does come back, you have not lost anything even though you were willing to. If it doesn't come back, you have only lost what you were willing to lose. Continuing with Jesus' words, we see that lending to someone and expecting it back is more like asking someone to hold your money for you. If they are in need and you can meet it, just do it and forget about it.

Prayer

Lord, help me to remember that who I associate for and vouch for should be people of character and not an offence to you and your name. Remind me also to give without hoping for a return or keeping score. Amen

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Righteousness Pays Off

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 10

Gold Nugget

Verse 2: "Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, But righteousness delivers from death." 

Commentary

It was probably over twenty years ago. I was on the 4th floor of a structure in the hottest part of the Texas summer heat, during the hottest part of the day. I had been working longer than I should have without taking a break and drinking water. I knew the signs of overheating. I had stopped sweating and could feel my body temperature rising as I pressed into my work. I was determined to finish bolting everything up before going downstairs for a water break. For some reason, there wasn't any water on the structure. Finally the last bolt was tightened and I headed for the stairs. One of the client representatives was coming up the stairs and scolded me up one side and down the other for heading downstairs. I stood there silent, sure that he would feel bad when I was able to tell him that I hadn't had a chance to get a drink of water for several hours and would return to the area when I replenished my fluids. However, his scolding went on into a fit and borderline tantrum. I wondered why he would treat anyone so badly. I finally had all the abuse I felt the Lord would expect me to endure and headed down the stairs and left him to his tantrum.

It was the next day that I was called into my supervisor's office. I was told not to return to that work site and that they had another site for me to work at. I was concerned that the story had been misinterpreted if not outright lied about. They told me not to worry about it. The client representative had called my foreman, general foreman and superintendent into the office with other representatives. The man went on and on about how I had disrespected him, talked back to him and so on. I felt the blood start to curdle under my skin, until the next thing he said calmed me instantly. He said, "But, we knew he was lying." I wondered for a minute why they didn't even ask me my side of the story before determining the man had lied. He went on to say, "We just sat there listening to him, thinking, this doesn't sound like Steve, and then he said you cussed him out and we knew he was lying." Even the other clients in the room that knew me didn't believe him. They said, "We have worked with Steve for years and years and have never heard him say a single curse word, even in the most challenging situations." Just to keep things smooth, they moved me to another area for a few days.

Today's "gold nugget" speaks on this very subject. "Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, but righteousness delivers from death." Despite the wicked behavior of an ungodly man, it didn't profit him anything and because of the reputation of serving God consistently, I was delivered from harm. Be sure of this, God's Word is truth and every precept that you accept and practice will pay off for you in due season.

Prayer

Lord, I am grateful that your Word is true and I will purpose to continue in it. Forgive me of the areas I have failed you in and ask for your mercy and grace to sustain me. Amen

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The 49ers

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 8

Gold Nugget

Verse 34-35: 34 Blessed is the man who listens to me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at the posts of my doors. 35 For whoever finds me finds life, And obtains favor from the Lord;

Commentary

Again in proverbs we see the consistent parable of wisdom as something to be sought after. More precious than silver, more costly than gold, and of greater beauty and honor than rubies. In the gold rush of 1849 - some 300,000 people staked everything they owned on the possibility of getting rich by finding gold in California. By land and by sea, people risked life and limb to travel to California in hopes of becoming wealthy. About half of those traveled by wagon through harsh terrain and unforeseen dangerous conditions. Giving up all they had, they felt confident that all of their sacrifices would pay off. A few people did well, some broke even while most lost everything.

The pursuit of gold, silver and rubies has been the driving force for man since some of the earliest mentions in scripture. As evident by the gold rush of 1849, using the passion that a man would have and would continue to have, the proverbs relate that sort of commitment, passion and drive to the pursuit of wisdom. Willing to sacrifice luxuries and work their fingers to the bone, the 49ers ate drank and dreamed of finding this precious commodity. We as Christians should pursue without fail the wisdom and knowledge of God. We need to chase after the wisdom and knowledge of God. He promises us that He will lead us to it, but it isn't low hanging fruit. This is a necessity that requires effort and commitment on our part to gain the rewards from God. "He is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him." Hebrews 11:6

Prayer

Lord, Thank you for reminding me of the need to press on through these proverbs as well as the rest of your Word. I need to stay committed to reading your Word and be patient with the time it takes to be revealed to me. I want to be consistent and passionate to pursue you in your Word, knowing that I will find wisdom and understanding in due season. Amen

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Flattering Lips

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 7

Gold Nugget
Verse 21: “With her enticing speech she caused him to yield, with her flattering lips she seduced him.”

Commentary

The old saying goes, “You catch more flies with honey than vinegar.” This is true regarding sin and foolish decisions. They often have a very appealing lure to them. If someone tried to lure you away from your spouse, they wouldn’t say things like, “Come my love, let us cause immeasurable pain to your children. Enjoy the passion of a long and beautiful divorce.” The truth may be just as real as those words, but the sales pitch of sin only focuses on the temporary pleasures and leaves out the devastating and destructive results. Today’s “gold nugget” reminds us that, “With her enticing speech she caused him to yield, with her flattering lips she seduced him.”

The Scriptures describe sin as words that drop like honey. The appeal of choosing sin is as sweet as honey and seems to only bring pleasure, but misery is as guaranteed. The suffering will be more destructive than the temporary pleasure that sin and temptation has to offer. If we really understood and accepted this we would be more resistant to sin. One of the greatest traps for falling into sinful situations is not knowing or believing the pain of sin. If you are not rooted in and standing on the Word, you can fall for anything. Prepare yourself with a steady intake of the scriptures and a knowledge that the devil is a liar and will present sin as an ALMOST irresistible lure.

Prayer
Lord, help me to remember that nothing this world has to offer me is worth the suffering it brings. No temptation is comparable to the peace and joy that comes from knowing and conforming to your Word. Amen

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Listening to the Lord

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 1

Gold Nugget

Verse 33: “But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.”

Commentary

As we start a new month, it is beneficial for us to revisit a foundational truth. Our confidence and security lies in our being obedient to our loving Maker. Our ability and choice to “listen” to His voice sets the stage for the tempo and stability for our life. “Listen” means different things to different people. All though our society believes everything is open to our own perspective, some things are absolute. No mater how we slice it, neglecting to read our bible will put us in direct opposition to today's "gold nugget". God has many things to say to us and made it all available in His Word. Neglecting to find out what He has to say in His written Word is not “listening” to Him. When today’s “gold nugget” says, “But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.”, it is not sufficient to sit there assuming you will hear some audible thunderous voice telling you what He expects of you. Taking advantage of the bible that is so readily available and reading it is how we “listen”.

He has so much to say to us and chose to write it down. Yet we don’t take the time to read it. If we won’t “listen” to Him in His written Word, we will not recognize His voice in any other area of our life. It is ridiculous to pretend we have a relationship with Him and yet don’t “listen” to Him. If our “gold nugget” is true, then it must also be true to say, “But whoever doesn’t listen to me will not dwell safely, and will not be secure, but will fear of evil.” “Listening” to Him in His word will (as the scriptures say) be “like a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105) The truth in His Word will increase your faith and remove your fear. Neglecting His Word will ensure the opposite.

Prayer

Lord, help me to “listen” to you in your Word. When I read it, I want to “listen” to you through it.  I will “listen” to what you are saying to me and respond accordingly. Amen

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The Poor Man's Kingdom

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 30

Gold Nugget

Verse 13: “There is a generation—oh, how lofty are their eyes! And their eyelids are lifted up.” 

Commentary

One of the biggest obstacles to people finding the Lord is the lack of humility in our present society.  While on a crusade in Mexico years ago, it seemed as if the moving of the Spirit of God was more prevalent and consistent than in most American church services. I remember asking the Lord why I had not seen such a moving in the states. As crazy as it may sound, I believe God spoke to me on this. If I understood Him correctly, it is because of the poverty. Just as the scriptures speak of the difficulty in a rich man entering the Kingdom of Heaven, people that are self sufficient often find it hard to think of themselves as being in need of a Savior that provides for them. All those who enter the Kingdom of God, must do so on their knees.

The message of the Gospel centers on acknowledgement of our insufficiencies and putting our trust in someone else to provide for us. People that are in emotional or financial distress are usually quick to embrace the Gospel. People that live in abundance often find it hard to see a need for anything in their life that they are not providing themselves. This is not the case with everyone that has great provisions, but it is still a legitimate pattern. Regardless of your financial position, the talents you bring to the table, or how much beauty you have - everyone that has a healthy relationship with God understands their unworthiness and need. They know they are in need of His grace, mercy, forgiveness and provisions. “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3

Prayer

Lord, I know I am nothing without you. I am in need of your leading, correction and provision. Help me to stay humble by choice and not humbled by humiliation. Amen

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Well, Well

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 25

Gold Nugget

Verse 26: A righteous man who falters before the wicked Is like a murky spring and a polluted well. 

Commentary

I remember when I was around 12 years old, my parents took us to some very old relatives in Tennessee. It was out in the country and I'm pretty sure they were still using outhouses. The thing I remember most is everyone being gathered around an old well out back. It wasn't like the ones I had seen in the cartoons with a wooden bucket over a hole several feet wide. It was actually a small hole with a rope coming out of the top. After reeling it up, out came a long stainless cylinder. I remember not being impressed with this effort. Also, I didn't see much value in unfiltered water from the dirty ground. That was until I had my turn to drink. Once the surprisingly cold, most delicious water I had ever drank hit my mouth, I understood the fuss over this effort. From that day forward and even until this moment, the thirstiest instances in my life were always gauged by the drink of water I had when I was 12 years old. After a long day of football practice, I would imagine that well water as I drank the lukewarm water shooting out of the pre-drilled holes of PVC pipe. Or the hot and humid days of southeast Texas during the hottest days of summer while I worked through breaks. All of these thirsty moments would bring me back to the best drink of water I ever had.

I never made it back to that well in Tennessee, but suppose I had and found it to be dirty and warm. It would (to some extent) ruin the precious memory and awesome effect it had on me. Even as I wrote this devotion, I had to take several drinks of my water when thinking of that experience so many years ago. Jesus described Himself as a well that would forever quench thirst. We are the continuation of His work. We all can be this well of life to someone along the way. When this happens, you will be remembered by that person like that cold drink of water from the well. Too often, those that God has used to bring life and quench the thirsty, end up polluting the well that was at one time pure and clean. Once God begins to use you, you must find it important to maintain holiness. Through Him, this can be done. 

Prayer

Lord, I needed to be reminded that at some time or another, you have used me to be a well of living water to someone. Help me to ensure that they would return to the same. Amen

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Bite Your Tongue

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 15

Gold Nugget

Verse 1: A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.

Commentary

Sometimes we want absolutes even when they aren't possible. When I say absolutes, I am referring to a practice that will always have the same outcome every time. That's not always a realistic expectation. Even in today's gold nugget, we find a principle that should always be practiced regardless of the outcome. As Solomon wrote, "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." It is true that a soft answer turns away wrath, but the writer does not say, "a soft answer ALWAYS turns away wrath.

It's interesting, even though a soft answer doesn't always turn away wrath, the second half of that verse, " a harsh word stirs up anger", is almost always true. You can almost bet the farm that our harsh words will stir people's stew. Imagine if someone comes at you with harsh words. If you respond with harsh words, it's only going to spark harsher words from them than when they first came at you with. If they were being ugly to begin with, they are not going to improve their temperament with your harsh response. Again, we will not always turn away anger with a gentle response, but MOST people will change their temperament when they see you respond in gentleness. Its hard to be the only one yelling in a conversation.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for the opportunity to see the areas of my life that need attention. Give me the strength to use these truths when I communicate with others. I want to be a better example of your love when dealing with conflict. Help me to know that my tongue can bring death or life. I want to be a life giver. One who uses words to help and encourage.

Amen

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The Empty Cradle

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 14

Gold Nugget

Verse 4: Where no oxen are, the trough is clean; But much increase comes by the strength of an ox. 

Commentary

I'm reminded of an old song by Harry Chapin called "Cat's in the Cradle". The song tells the story of young boy longing for the attention of his father to no avail. In turn, years later the father is trying to get the attention of his then grown son to no avail. I think of people that long for their kids to be grown so that their life can begin. Focusing on the wrong thing can cause you to miss out on the right things. In today's gold nugget, we see that a barn that doesn't have an ox is a barn that doesn't need to be cleaned of oxen mess. Sounds good. On the other hand, a barn that doesn't house an ox makes for less planting and a smaller harvest - if any. It is just as true to say that not having a car saves space in the driveway, but makes for a long walk to work. Many of our setbacks, hurdles, responsibilities and such are actually the means to our purpose. 

Our responsibility to meet the needs emotionally, physically and spiritually of our children is also the reward of a fulfilled life. What many view as an inconvenience, others see as a blessing. A man that has an ox to clean up after, is a blessed man. We should embrace our difficulties when they actually produce what's good. Don't miss the moment because you are too focused on the down side. Yes, children that are grown and out of the house means less to clean up after, but it also means that the children are grown and out of the house. :(

Prayer

Lord, help me to enjoy the responsibility that I have and see how they are linked to my blessings. If I see the benefit of what I am working for, I will embrace the work ahead of me. Let me enjoy today and face the morrow tomorrow. Amen

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The Honest Truth

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 11

Gold Nugget

Verse 1-2: 1 Dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord, But a just weight is His delight. 2 When pride comes, then comes shame;

Commentary

Although I chose verse 1 for today's gold nugget, I would have liked to use all of them. I believe the scriptures are clear concerning being dishonest. My focus today is not honesty between you and your spouse, a friend, etc. Some folks have been known to say, "I might take a tool home from work, but I won't steal from anyone." Also you may have heard, I may not report all of my income on my taxes and so on. These scriptures in Proverbs are often related to immoral business practices or other forms of dishonesty that is for financial gain. What it really boils down to is whether or not we will admit that being dishonest in any arena is going to effect us spiritually. 

When we read about the Armor of God in Ephesians 6:10-18 it tells us to "put on the WHOLE armor of God, so that we will be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Leaving out even one part of the armor can leave us vulnerable to the enemy's attacks. One of the pieces of the Armor of God mentioned in this passage in Ephesians is the "Belt of Truth" (verse 14). Taking short cuts or telling out right lies for personal gain will be voluntarily opening a hole in your armor. Hear the words and do what you want with them. If you willfully cheat or lie in any area of your life, you are abandoning God's expectations and commands and will be exposed to the enemies attacks. If God is dealing with you about anything that could be applied in this message, don't learn this lesson the hard way. Be obedient to God now, today and trust Him to meet your needs through honest God honoring behavior.

Prayer

Lord, I have seen opportunity to find financial gain without any fear of being caught. Although it is dishonest, nobody would be hurt from it and I would be able to use it for my family. These excuses will always be available to me, but I would rather maintain your supernatural provisions through my obedience to your commands than to gain all the money the world has to offer. I am determined to live an honest and moral life and allow you to be my provider. Amen

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The Relay

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 10

Gold Nugget

Verse 7:  "The memory of the righteous is blessed, But the name of the wicked will rot." 

Commentary

It's not often that I concern myself with the legacy that I leave behind. Right or wrong, once I'm gone - I'm gone. There will be a few people that will likely morn me for a time, but even the closest of friends and family will once again focus on the life and responsibilities that they have before them. The impact that I wish to have on people while I am here is to somehow convince them of the impact they need to have on others while they are still here. In a relay race, it isn't important how fast runner 3 ran, but what the team accomplished as a whole. The fastest runner of a team that lost still doesn't stand in the winner's circle. It is a blessing to remember those that have run before us, but I don't imagine them up in heaven glowing in the glory of our praise. The blessing is ours that remain. As the next runner in the relay, we benefit (are blessed) by the pace and distance that our previous runner accomplished. We are the blessed ones. We are reaping the benefits of our predecessor. As sure as the memory of the previous runner can be a blessing to us, the poor performance of a previous runner can be as rottenness. Not being given a good start for our leg of the race can cause resentment, pain and suffering. How blessed would the next person in the relay be if we made up for the time that was lost before us and gave our next runner a head start? It's not so much of what we want to leave behind to be remembered by, but to have given our connection to the future a good start and make an honorable effort towards the cause of the race. We have been handed the Gospel of Jesus Christ as something to carry in this race we run. We need to run the race with perseverance and discipline without concern for self glory, but for the love of our fellow man and the cause of Christ. Will you pick up the Gospel and run with passion, today?

Prayer

Father, I don't want to be slack while carrying your Gospel. I want my children and those that I may impact to pick up this Gospel and carry it with conviction. Help me to remember the cause of Christ and run the race with passion. Amen

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Speak to Me

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 8

Gold Nugget
Verse 6: “Listen, for I will speak of excellent things, and from the opening of my lips will come right things;”

Commentary

Years ago I took my daughter’s car to the shop to get worked on. I always enter with caution when dealing with mechanic shops. I feel like I am going to get ripped off. Although there are honest Christian mechanics out there, I have been ripped off before and some of them have had a “fish” logo on their business card. When someone has you over a barrel and you are not an expert on the subject, you have to listen and take their word for it. This can be very scary, but unavoidable at times. Whether it is a mechanic, a doctor, a lawyer or anyone else that you have to take their word for something on, you have to just listen and hope for the best. There are a lot of uncertainties in this life, but it sure is a comfort to the believer to know that we have an “Agent” that knows every field and is looking out for our best interest. He is an expert at everything and cannot be fooled. All He requires of us is to “Listen, for I will speak of excellent things, and from the opening of my lips will come right things;”

This “gold nugget” ensures that we will not have to worry about all the rest, if we just listen to the one voice that supersedes all voices. “Listening” can be more than we think. When the scriptures instruct us to listen, we are actually being instructed to listen to His Word (The Bible). It doesn’t mean for us to go to church and “listen” to the preacher. We should do that, but the listening He wants from us is to listen to what HE has to say. We can listen in our own quiet time with just ourselves and the Word of God. That is where He wants to speak to you. Some folks aren’t willing to sit still and listen. Some folks aren’t willing to devote to His Word. The truth is, some folks are bound to fall from listening to what they shouldn’t. Listen to God’s Word today, you may just hear what you needed to. 

Prayer
Lord, there is no better experience than reading your Word and having you speak it to me. I pray that others that may not have experienced this will reach out to you and find you in your Word today. Amen

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Wake Up!

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 6

Gold Nugget

Verse 9-11:  How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep? 10 A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to sleep-- 11 So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, And your need like an armed man.

Commentary

It would be complete denial if we didn't acknowledge a significant decline in work ethic in America. More and more kids are raised in the air condition, overfed, and engage in excessive consumption of television, smart phones, and video games. Young adults are postponing moving out, are staying home longer and resist going to work. More and more people are not ashamed to sleep in until the afternoon and hang out with friends or play video games all night. I know people that have started families of their own that still can't get themselves out of bed and be the mom and dad that God expects of them. Eventually, this lifestyle will cost them everything. Today's "gold nugget" proclaims, "They will come to poverty."

Two perspectives are appropriate for today's gold nugget. First, from the perspective of a parent. We must accept the responsibility we have to train up our children in a way that would be pleasing to God. We must not enable our children to adopt this lazy, self-centered way of life. We have the responsibility to God to teach them good work ethics and how to put others before themselves. Second, we must look at things from the perspective of the lazy person that wants to sleep all day and avoids work. Repent... there is no other way to address this issue. The scriptures are clear that this is an ungodly lifestyle and destructive to our other relationships. We see it in the scriptures and that should be enough for us to change.

Prayer

Lord, from the perspective of a parent, help me to teach my children to be responsible contributing, hard working adults. Give us the conviction to challenge and expect this level of maturity from our kids. Also Lord, from a self perspective, I want to be diligent in my work for my family and my work in your kingdom. Help me to rise in the morning with a commitment to you, your Word and my responsibilities as a Father. Amen

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