Welcome!
Passage: 1 Sam 2 (NIV 84)
Today: When the days are evil!
15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. 19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Eph 5, NIV 84)-emphasis added
The days are evil! That is a fact, whether we agree or not. That is why it is very important to take precautions. When we go to a certain place that not very safe, we take precautions. But when the time itself is evil, we can’t simply run away from time; but we can always be wise, careful and prayerful!
Paul says, speak to one another; there must be a culture of “deep love” in us Unfortunately, in many cases, church has become a bunch of selfish people (?), who never admit that they lack love. The first step to creating an atmosphere of love in a church or family is to admit that there is not enough love there
Disagreements will happen; but where we take it to next, is what matters
The other day, I read about a shocking incident in S. India, where a lady ended up her life with her two little kids, who were about to go to school. As in most cases of suicide, this was too much for that kind of dispute. She wanted to send kids to a certain school which was costly, while the husband was not in favor of that
She might have had many reasons to insist on that, while the man was probably concerned about the money part. That is the usual thing. Men care about money!
Neither of them could be blamed for having that difference of opinion; but then, people need to be taught, how to resolve such issues, before it goes too far!
24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.
25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her (Eph 5, NIV 84)
It is possible that both may not be in the same mood always; but there is a certain risk and responsibility in marriage, which is a responsible, rich relationship; 1 Corinthians 7 (CEV)
If relationship is our priority, we will do anything to keep it up; but, when other things take priority, we may sacrifice key relationships, which will cost us much
By prayer, faith and love, much can be done. Thank God for His rich word!
In Ephesians 4-6, we read about practical life; Peter also emphasize on marriage and family, in his letter (1 Peter 3)
It is time to understand, appreciate and acknowledge each other; listening to wrong advice from friends (usually, at work) puts many families in a big trouble. We better listen to God and His word and need to have good fellowship with spiritual families where we talk about positive spiritual values
Church has a lot of work to do, about family!
Have a blessed day, as you decide to look into your own family life!
BG
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for your love! now that we received your love, we have no excuse for not loving like that. I admit that we were going in the wrong direction, and I submit myself for a change . So help me God; Amen
21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ (Eph 5, NIV 84)