#Proverbs 28:25

[bloom-with-grace-and-faith]

This really spoke to me because lately I’ve been dealing with temptation, so hopefully it helps you guys out as well.



Like a city that is broken down and without walls [leaving it unprotected] Is a man who has no self-control over his spirit [and sets himself up for trouble.] Proverbs 25:28

[greater-than-the-sword]

Proverbs and the Internet

Here is my hand-picked selection of proverbs that I felt had special applicability to life on the internet, and their application. Under the cut.

Proverbs 12:16

New International Version

16 Fools show their annoyance at once,

    but the prudent overlook an insult.

Proverbs 15:18

English Standard Version

Proverbs 16:32

18 A hot-tempered man stirs up strife,

    but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.

English Standard Version

Application: A lot of times if you simply don’t react, or don’t give people the dramatic reaction they are looking for, you can prevent a fight. Don’t be too easily goaded. You can end a lot of things by not being too easily goaded.

32 Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty,

    and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.

___

Proverbs 3:30

New International Version

Proverbs 16:28 ESV

30 Do not accuse anyone for no reason—

    when they have done you no harm.

A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.

Proverbs 20:19 ESV

Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.

Proverbs 14:25

English Standard Version

Application: Is your circle of the internet one where people go around starting “drama” by telling lies about others? Do you know someone who does this? Get away from them. Have you done this? Think before you accuse someone of something.

25 A truthful witness saves lives,

    but one who breathes out lies is deceitful.

___

Proverbs 15:1

English Standard Version

Application: By being calm you can prevent people from lashing back at you and escalating. You can even de-escalate if you keep calm.

15 A soft answer turns away wrath,

    but a harsh word stirs up anger.

___

Proverbs 18:12

English Standard Version

Proverbs 15:33

12 Before destruction a man's heart is haughty,

    but humility comes before honor.

English Standard Version

Application: “Humility comes before honor”- you don’t have to be right or appear to be right. That won’t help you before God. It’s pride if you have to win every argument, if you have to be right every time.

33 The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom,

    and humility comes before honor.

___

Proverbs 13:20

English Standard Version

Proverbs 14:7

20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,

    but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

English Standard Version

Application: Just leave that toxic message board. Are you on a sector of the internet where they encourage you to hate other people in your life, and are dragging you into foolish mindsets, encouraging people to more and more extreme ideology, stirring up anxiety, etc? Get out of there.

7 Leave the presence of a fool,

    for there you do not meet words of knowledge.

___

Proverbs 14:15

English Standard Version

Application: It’s important to find sources and to check if things are true before you spread them! Don’t believe that something is true just because you read it on the internet.

15 The simple believes everything,

    but the prudent gives thought to his steps.

___

Proverbs 10:23

English Standard Version

Proverbs 15:21

23 Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool,

    but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding.

English Standard Version

Proverbs 26:18-19

21 Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense,

    but a man of understanding walks straight ahead.

English Standard Version

Application: It is neither safe nor wise to hang out with the type of people on the internet who think that trolling, provoking other people, and stirring up trouble is fun. Whether it’s going to a different website to provoke and cause chaos to the people there, or posting flame bait, or leading people on with various forms of deception for entertainment, God hates this kind of behavior.

18 Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death

19 is the man who deceives his neighbor

    and says, “I am only joking!”

___

Proverbs 29:9

English Standard Version

Application: DON’T FEED THE TROLLS

9 If a wise man has an argument with a fool,

    the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet.

___

Proverbs 9:7-9

New International Version

Proverbs 23:9

7 Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults;

    whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse.

8 Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you;

    rebuke the wise and they will love you.

9 Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still;

    teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.

English Standard Version

Application: Call the papers, somebody on the internet is wrong!

9 Do not speak in the hearing of a fool,

    for he will despise the good sense of your words.

Seriously, don’t feed the trolls.  You don’t need to write an essay to explain to every wrong person why they are wrong. Unless they are sincerely interested in listening to you, it will fall on deaf ears. Ask yourself if this person seems like they would actually benefit from being corrected.

___

Proverbs 12:15

New International Version

Proverbs 13:10

15 The way of fools seems right to them,

    but the wise listen to advice.

New International Version

Proverbs 15:32

10 Where there is strife, there is pride,

    but wisdom is found in those who take advice.

English Standard Version

Application: Are you listening when other people tell you that you are out of line?

32 Whoever ignores instruction despises himself,

    but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence.

___

Proverbs 15:28

English Standard Version

Application: Notice how the righteous “ponders”, but the wicked simply “pours out”. Think before you type something!

28 The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer,

    but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.

___

Proverbs 10:19

English Standard Version

Proverbs 17:27-28

19 When words are many, transgression is not lacking,

    but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.

English Standard Version

Application: Don’t post too much, don’t be easily angered. The more you type the more likely you are to say something wrong. Don’t be easily provoked. Even if you don’t have anything intelligent to say, if you withhold comment, you can even have a reputation for being smart.

27 Whoever restrains his words has knowledge,

    and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.

28 Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise;

    when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.

___

Proverbs 11:12

New International Version

Application: Don’t name-call people on the internet.

12 Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense,

    but the one who has understanding holds their tongue.

___

Proverbs 21:24

English Standard Version

Proverbs 22:10

24 “Scoffer” is the name of the arrogant, haughty man

    who acts with arrogant pride.

English Standard Version

Proverbs 26:20-21

10 Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out,

    and quarreling and abuse will cease.

English Standard Version

20 For lack of wood the fire goes out,

    and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.

21 As charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire,

    so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.

___

Application:

Just ban that guy from the server.

Is there one person who seems to be constantly causing issues? Is it because they’re too full of themselves and can’t stop making trouble? Just kick him out, seriously.

Proverbs 21:11

English Standard Version

Application: So you had to ban that guy from the server. If his misdeed was public, it can benefit others to explain why he got blocked and what happened so that other people don’t do the same thing. When troublemakers don’t just get away with things, other people can benefit from the negative example.

11 When a scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise;

    when a wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge.

___

Proverbs 16:21

English Standard Version

Application: Or: “You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar”.

21 The wise of heart is called discerning,

    and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.

___

Proverbs 18:2

English Standard Version

Application: I feel like this one doesn’t even need any comment.

2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding,

    but only in expressing his opinion.

___

Proverbs 18:13

English Standard Version

Application: Read! Don’t just tl;dr something and then react. Don’t just react to what you thought someone said.

13 If one gives an answer before he hears,

    it is his folly and shame.

___

Proverbs 18:17

English Standard Version

Application: Don’t just believe some one-sided callout post on face value. You should always listen to the other side of the story before you decide who is right and who is wrong.

17 The one who states his case first seems right,

    until the other comes and examines him.

___

Proverbs 29:11

English Standard Version

Application: Don’t overshare on the internet. Some things you need to keep to yourself. Don't just say every thought that runs through your head.

11 A fool gives full vent to his spirit,

    but a wise man quietly holds it back.

___

Proverbs 20:3

English Standard Version

Proverbs 26:17

3 It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife,

    but every fool will be quarreling.

English Standard Version

Application: Fools be quarreling. When you happen to see two people fighting, don’t get involved! It’s like jumping into a dogfight. Why would you do that? You literally have no dog in this fight.

17 Whoever meddles in a quarrel not his own

    is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears.

___

Proverbs 25:11-12

English Standard Version

Application: None of this is to say you should never say anything on the internet. There are many times it is quite wise and beneficial to say something or even correct people.

11 A word fitly spoken

    is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.

12 Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold

    is a wise reprover to a listening ear.

___

Proverbs 26:4-5

English Standard Version

Application: These two proverbs contrast each other to make a point. Sometimes someone is being so stupid that to answer them is to stoop to their level. You simply shouldn’t even dignify that kind of garbage with a response.

4 Answer not a fool according to his folly,

    lest you be like him yourself.

5 Answer a fool according to his folly,

    lest he be wise in his own eyes.

On the other hand, sometimes someone is being so foolish that you just have to reply to them, otherwise they will get away with it.

You should always be asking yourself “is it worth it to actually engage with this? Is it degrading to me? Will anyone benefit if I do?”

[thespiritualencourager]

Your heart is deceitful above all things (Jer 17:9). It lies to you more than anyone else, but you believe your heart. It is desperately wicked, so its lies are always toward folly and sin. Because your heart is so deceitful and wicked, you cannot fully grasp its danger to you, apart from Scripture’s warnings. The verse concludes, “Who can understand it?”

Safety is only by mistrusting your heart; obeying your teachers, parents, and counselors; bringing every thought into captive obedience to Scripture; and keeping your heart there with all diligence (Pr 4:23; II Cor 10:4-6). Do not ever let your mind think outside the word of God (Ps 119:128). Which means you must learn it, and learn it well (Ps 119:11). Do not ever allow the profane thought you can get away with disobeying (Deut 29:18-20).

Other proverbs also teach this warning. “There is a way that seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Pr 16:25). “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkens unto counsel is wise” (Pr 12:15). “He that trusts in his own heart is a fool: but one who walks wisely, he shall be delivered” (Pr 28:26).

"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?"

— Jeremiah 17: 9 (ESV)

[thatgentlewife]

🌿 The Truth About Housewives & Stay-at-Home Moms (SAHMs)

A gentle reflection from a Christian perspective, with real data and biblical encouragement.

There are many ideas floating around today about homemakers and SAHM, some thoughtful, others rooted in fear or misinformation. I want to lovingly speak into these from a place of peace, not debate. If you’re a woman who has felt called to care for your home and family, or you’re just curious, I hope this encourages you. 💗

Myth #1: Housewives are at greater risk of abuse.

Fact: Abuse is never okay, and no woman deserves it. But statistically, women who are divorced or separated face the highest rates of intimate partner violence (CDC, 2010). Abuse is tied more to a man’s character, not a woman’s employment.

→ A Christlike man loves sacrificially (Ephesians 5:25), whether his wife works or stays home.

Myth #2: Financial independence protects women from abusive relationships.

Fact: Studies show that even financially independent women often stay in abusive situations, not because of money, but due to fear, trauma bonds, or low self-worth.

→ True freedom comes from healing, support, and identity in Christ — not just a paycheck.

Myth #3: Stay-at-home moms get left with nothing if the marriage ends.

Fact: While no one enters marriage expecting divorce, courts often recognize a homemaker’s contribution. Many SAHMs receive alimony, child support, and a share of assets, depending on the case.

→ God sees the value of unseen work — and often, so does the law (Proverbs 31:27-31).

Myth #4: Men with money are more dangerous to be married to.

Fact: Studies show that lower income, unemployment, and alcohol use are stronger predictors of abuse than wealth.

→ It’s not about money — it’s about who the man is when no one is watching.

Myth #5: Being a homemaker is outdated, lazy, or a waste of a woman’s potential.

Fact: Managing a home, raising children, and building family culture is a full-time ministry. It requires wisdom, energy, selflessness, and strength.

→ God honored the Proverbs 31 woman not because of a title, but because she served her household well and feared the Lord.

Myth #6: SAHMs are dependent and disempowered.

Fact: Many SAHMs are thriving, joyful, and secure in their role. They are anything but powerless — they’re often the emotional and spiritual backbone of their families.

→ There is great dignity in choosing to serve — especially when it’s done from love and calling.

🌸 Final Thoughts:

Whether you work outside the home or within it, the real question isn’t “What do you do?” — it’s “Who are you becoming?” Are you becoming more like Christ? Are you living in obedience to the call God has placed on your life?

There is no “one-size-fits-all” path for women, but there is beauty in honoring the call to home, and it is not something to be ashamed of.

“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her…” — Proverbs 31:28 💕

<3 thatgentlewife

[isibelburkhart]

Gluttony didn’t show up in my life through food. It came through escape—through anything I could grab hold of to quiet the ache in my chest. For years, that meant drugs and alcohol. I wasn’t chasing a high just to have fun—I was chasing relief. I was chasing numbness. I was trying to drown out the pain I didn’t know how to process.

I used to tell myself I could stop anytime. That I had control. But the truth is, I had no control. My life revolved around avoiding emotions I didn’t want to feel. I was gluttonous with substances, yes—but also with chaos, with people, with anything that gave me even a second of peace, even if it destroyed me in the process.

Eventually, I got tired. Tired of feeling sick. Tired of feeling empty. Tired of waking up in the same pain I went to sleep trying to escape. And by the grace of God, I got clean. I chose recovery. I started facing the things I used to run from—and that was where the real fight began.

Because sobriety isn’t just not using. It’s learning how to live without numbing. It’s sitting in silence and letting the feelings come. It’s learning how to be still when everything inside you wants to run. That was the hardest part for me—being fully present in the pain I used to avoid.

And even after getting clean, I still struggled with gluttony in other ways. I still reached for comfort in people. I still tried to find worth through attention or relationships. I still had moments where I poured out everything I had, hoping something would finally make me feel full.

During my recovery, I ended up in a relationship that I thought would be different. I truly believed I was ready for something healthy. But later, I found out he was battling his own hidden addiction—one that slowly started affecting both of us. His struggle with pornography broke something in our relationship that I couldn’t fix, no matter how hard I tried. It triggered pain I thought I had healed from. Made me question my worth. Made me feel like I was failing all over again.

But even in that heartbreak, God met me. He reminded me that healing doesn’t come from being loved by someone else—it comes from being loved by Him. I had to stop looking for peace in broken places. I had to stop letting someone else’s struggle define my value.

Galatians 5:22–23 says that self-control is a fruit of the Spirit.

And I’ve learned that it's not just about resisting temptation—it’s about trusting God in the waiting. In the hurting. In the spaces where I used to grab for quick fixes. Self-control is surrender. It’s letting God be the one who fills what I can’t fill on my own.

Proverbs 25:28 says, “Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.”

That verse hits deep. Because that used to be me—wide open, no protection, letting pain and people come and go through me like I had no say. But now, I’m building something different. With God. With truth. With grace.

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.” (Psalm 34:8)

I’m still learning. I still have moments where the cravings come—not for drugs, but for escape. For control. For something to make it all easier. But I don’t live there anymore. I know now that none of those things ever made me whole. Only Jesus did. Only He could.

I used to be full of everything except what I needed most. Now I’m learning to be emptied of all that broke me—so I can finally be filled with what heals me.

God.

And I’ve never been more thankful.

[yieldfruit]

What does the Bible mean when it tells us to fear not?

The Bible’s commands to “fear not” are plentiful and occur in a variety of contexts. As God’s people, we are not to be fearful. We have no reason to live in fear.

The Bible often says things like, “Do not fear,” “Do not be afraid,” and “Fear not.” Of course, these commands do not contradict the command to “fear God” (1 Peter 2:17). The fear of God keeps us from sin; the fear of man leads to sin, and that is what we are to avoid: “The fear of man brings a snare” (Proverbs 29:25, NKJV). Also, the biblical command do not fear does not negate the need for prudence and caution in this world. We are not to be cavalier but prayerful in the face of danger.

The fear that the Bible tells us to avoid is concern mixed with anxiety or dread; it is the feeling of alarm we have when we expect trouble or danger. Followers of Christ are not to live in a state of anxiety. We have higher expectations than simply anticipating trouble. In fact, we have the means to rise above fear: “God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7, ESV).

God’s command to “fear not” is applied in several ways in the Bible. For example, the fear of what other people think should never prevent us from obeying the Lord (see 1 Samuel 15:24; John 9:22). We should not fear lacking provision in this world (Luke 12:6–7). We are not to fear the plans of the wicked, even when they rise to power (Psalm 37:1–2, 9–17, 35–38).

When the Bible tells us, “Do not fear,” it means we are not to allow anxiety or fretfulness to rule our lives or take root in our hearts. We are not to be people of panic. We are to be people of faith.

Having been justified by God, we need not fear divine condemnation (Romans 8:1). Having been chosen by God, we need not fear His rejection (Ephesians 1:4–6; Luke 12:32; Jude 1:24). With Christ as our Shepherd, we need not fear the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23:4). With the Maker of heaven and earth watching over us, we need not fear anything (Psalm 121).

Psalm 91 speaks of the one who “dwells in the shelter of the Most High” and who says of God, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust” (verses 1–2). Those who trust in God can live fearlessly: “You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you” (verses 5–7). There is a direct correlation between faith and the confidence to face the dangers of life: “If you say, ‘The Lord is my refuge,’ and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent” (verses 9–10). We rest in God’s promise: “‘Because he loves me,’ says the Lord, ‘I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble’” (verses 14–15).

Matthew’s account of the resurrection of Christ presents two very different results of that miracle. When the angel descended to the tomb and rolled the stone away, “the guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint” (Matthew 28:4, NLT). The angel let them lie there. But later, the angel spoke to the women who visited the tomb: “Don’t be afraid! . . . I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead” (verses 5–6, NLT). With one group, God takes away their fear; with the other group, He allows fear to overwhelm them. The difference was one of belief versus unbelief.

[bloggin-by-zama]

Practical steps to help you grow in your faith. (via. ChatGPT)

1. Cultivate a Personal Relationship with Jesus

• Daily Prayer: Make time to pray each day. Share your thoughts, fears, and gratitude with Jesus as you would with a trusted friend. Remember to listen as well, seeking His guidance.

• Scripture Reading: Dive into God’s Word regularly. Start with the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) to understand Jesus’ life, teachings, and heart for humanity. Reflect on how His words apply to your life.

• Be Honest with Him: Jesus already knows your heart (as seen in John 2:24-25). Don’t hesitate to bring your doubts, struggles, or joys to Him.

2. Strengthen Your Foundation in Faith

• Study the Bible Deeply: Go beyond surface-level reading by studying the context, background, and meaning of passages. Use study guides or commentaries to gain deeper insight.

• Memorize Scripture: Commit key verses to memory. This will help you rely on God’s truth in challenging times. For example:

• Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart…”

• Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything…”

• Understand Theology: Explore the core beliefs of Christianity to deepen your understanding of God’s character and His plan for humanity.

3. Build a Life of Worship

• Worship Regularly: Worship isn’t just singing—it’s a lifestyle of honoring God in everything you do. Make time to express your love and gratitude to Him through worship, both privately and in a church community.

• Live for His Glory: Seek to glorify God in your daily actions—whether at work, in relationships, or in how you treat others.

4. Be Part of a Community of Faith

• Join a Church: Being part of a local church allows you to grow alongside others, receive support, and learn from experienced believers.

• Participate in Bible Studies or Small Groups: These provide opportunities to discuss scripture, share experiences, and gain accountability.

• Serve Others: Jesus modeled servanthood. Look for ways to serve in your church, community, or even your own home. Acts of service help us reflect God’s love to others.

5. Trust God in Difficult Seasons

• Life isn’t always easy, but faith grows strongest in trials. Surrender your struggles to Jesus, trusting that He will guide you and work all things for your good (Romans 8:28).

• Develop a habit of thanksgiving, even in tough times. Gratitude shifts your perspective and reminds you of God’s faithfulness.

6. Share Your Faith

• Tell others about Jesus—not just through words but also by living a life that reflects His love and grace. Let your actions speak of your relationship with Him.

• Pray for opportunities to share your testimony. Your story can inspire and draw others to Christ.

7. Pursue Continuous Growth

• Read Christian Books: Authors like C.S. Lewis (Mere Christianity) or A.W. Tozer (The Pursuit of God) provide deep insights into faith and spiritual growth.

• Attend Workshops or Seminars: Look for events or conferences in your area focused on deepening your spiritual life.

• Embrace Discipline: Set spiritual goals, like fasting, journaling prayers, or taking quiet retreats to focus on your relationship with God.

8. Rely on the Holy Spirit

• The Holy Spirit helps us grow in faith and gives us the strength to live as followers of Christ. Pray for the Spirit’s guidance and empowerment in your daily life.

• Galatians 5:22-23 reminds us of the fruit the Spirit cultivates in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Reflective Questions to Deepen Your Faith:

1. Do I truly believe Jesus knows my heart and loves me unconditionally?

2. How can I make more room in my daily life for prayer and scripture reading?

3. Am I trusting God fully, or am I holding back in certain areas of my life?

4. How can I serve and encourage others in their faith journey?

Closing Encouragement:

Remember, growing in faith is a lifelong process. Don’t rush it or feel pressured to be “perfect.” God is patient and delights in every step you take toward Him. Trust in His love, seek Him wholeheartedly, and allow Him to transform you from the inside out.

[theprayerfulword]

March 03

Psalm 37:3 Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Isaiah 55:6-7 Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.

Joshua 1:9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

James 1:25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

Proverbs 28:10 Those who lead good people along an evil path will fall into their own trap, but the honest will inherit good things.

May you be willing to dedicate to the Lord those “fields” of your life from which crops spring and are harvested, the works of your hands and fruit of your tongue, so that rather than enriching your reputation and standing, they may bring forth good works towards men and praise unto God. Leviticus 27

May you be devoted to God, set aside for His purpose, sanctified for His use, knowing that all rights to your personal preferences and opinions are given up and His is not only your Master, but your Lord, and your God; His will is for you to be holy, even as He is holy, which is why you must decrease by denying yourself so He can increase as you walk after the Spirit and not after the flesh, choosing the death of the carnal nature and the destruction of the fleshly desires which war against the spirit. Leviticus 27

May you take stock of where you are, considering from whence you came, enumerating God's blessings upon your soul and rehearsing His victories in your life that His praise may be in your mouth and your faith may increase for today's battles. Numbers 1

May you testify to His glory by the increase of He has made in your heart and His provision each day in your life. Numbers 1

May you trust the Lord and obey the leading of the Spirit, believing that He has made the provision you need, so that when anyone confronts you, He will give you the words that are needed. Mark 11

May you rejoice over the quiet entrance of the Servant-King into your life, and proclaim your allegiance and loyalty to Him by following the example He has set. Mark 11

May you rejoice in the truth of God's word and the certainty of His promises, asking Him for understanding that you may recognize His work as it happens, for His reality will differ from the traditions of men. Mark 11

Trust Me, little one, knowing that you are safe, and pour out your heart to Me. You will not anger Me nor cause Me concern with questions I have not considered or problems for which I have no answer. I am your refuge, your shelter, your place of comfort in distress. You are always on My mind and constantly in My thoughts, which are toward you, to give you hope and a future, to prosper you with riches that cannot be stolen and will never lose their value, but will go with you into eternity and reflect the love that I have for you, complementing the beauty I see in you. Though you feel that you are lying in the dust, now, and have been left at the trash heap, I am with you and My Spirit is within you even as My blood flows through you. I, too, was taken out of the city, treated as the lowliest and most worthless, and I have the comfort and the acceptance that the Father gave to Me that I now give to you. You will rise up, for I will lift you and none will hold you back. You will be given a seat of honor as I call you by name and seat you among the nobles and none will prevent you by word or deed. Trust Me, My honored one, with all your heart, acknowledge Me even now, for I am setting your paths straight, instructing you and teaching you in the way for you to go, speaking a word in your ear and surrounding you with My loving kindness. Walk with Me in the path I know so well.

May you stand steadfast in the Lord when He begins to cleanse the temple of your heart, overthrowing what you are accustomed to and driving out what you have made room for, so that His house may be a house of prayer for all nations. Mark 11

May you have faith in God, for if anyone prays and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Mark 11

May you believe that whatever you ask for in prayer, you have received, for then it shall be yours, for when you stand praying, if you show mercy for others' trespasses against you, then your Father in heaven will show mercy to you and restore you to right standing in His Beloved Son. Mark 11

May you not fear, though the earth give way and mountains fall into the heart of the sea, for God is your refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46

May your fortress be the God of Jacob, the Lord Almighty, for He is with you. Psalm 46

May you be still and know that the Lord is God for He will be exalted among the nations and throughout all the earth. Psalm 46

May you delight in wisdom as a man of understanding does, rather than finding pleasure in evil conduct as a fool does. Proverbs 10:23

[spideez]

When you’re Cheated on in a relationship

The one who is cheated on has two options: stay AND forgive or leave AND forgive. forgiveness is mandatory. “Forgive as God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32)

But don’t worry, Justice WILL come for all parties (the husband, the wife, the side dude/chick. (Proverbs 6:26-35, 7:5. Read proverbs 5-7. Focuses solely on cheating and marriage. Good stuff, really.)

also, watch “amazing Love.” The acting’s okay, but the lesson is that we are just like Hosea’s unfaithful wife. We’re the unfaithful wife to God. But God will ALWAYS take us back, regardless of the r@pe, murder, cheating, lies, denies of Him, etc. if we repent.

Also, I have to inform you that you CANT divorce UNLESS you get cheated on, and you CANT get remarried after divorcing someone unless your divorced spouse dies. So make it count the first time. (Matt 5:28-32, Rom 7:1-3)

freeze all your credit cards and money. Make sure all assets that he or she has access to are revoked.

then, (I don’t mean to force anything on anyone) but ask God to bestow His grace on you to forgive him or her, then ask God to bestow His grace on her to forgive him or herself.

Grieve. Take time to know that you may never get back together again. Distract yourself. Get to know the single you again. Find your strengths, weaknesses, and turn them into strengths. Pray to God to help you heal.

I’m gonna tell you what I tell the others. Hear me out.

ultimately, (I don’t mean to force anything on you,) but ask God to send the right friends in your life and to remove the wrong ones for you. Same goes for your future wife or husband. Just pray, and wait. keep God first, as Billy Graham said.

Look around you. People did things their way and now people commend cheating (emotionally and physically), open relationships, and open marriages.

Unfortunately these people (both non-Christians AND SOME Christians) encourage cheating (both emotional and physical) and open relationships and open marriages (more emotional cheating) are crossing the lines of {Lev 18-20, Ex 20:26, Num 5:18-31, Prov 5–7, Mal 2:13-15, Matt 5:28-32, Matt 7:12-23, Matt 25:11-12, Lk 13:27, Heb 13:4}

The real one that God has for you won’t cheat on you emotionally or physically and won’t want open relationships and open marriages. It’ll be magical—-your wife/husband will only want you and no one else. He/she will only want to be with you and know you while serving God with you. How cool is that?

After all, “The Blessing of the Lord brings wealth. He adds no painful toil to it.” -Prov 10:22

And “He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.” - prov 18:22

And “Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.” -Prov 19:14

(I don’t mean to force anything on you,) but ask God to send the right friends in your life and to remove the wrong ones for you. 

Same goes for your future wife or husband. Just pray, and wait. keep God first, as Billy Graham said.

these men and women are your brothers and sisters.

“That man sitting next to you, that’s your brother. That woman over there, lthat’s your sister.” -Stan Lee

Treat them as such. Besides, some of these people are taken. How would you like it if someone gave your girlfriend/wife or husband/boyfriend a certain look?

My friend, don’t do this. These men and women are just trying to get by. They don’t need anyone looking at them in a certain way. They just want to be loved, Not lusted after. Not looked at and used like a s3x toy and put away when not needed. They might be low on money, they could have been traumatized, they could be su!cidal, they could be selling their bodies unwillingly so they can get cash. Please. You don’t know what theyre going through. 

Cool story—many of these women are being tr@fficked and r@ped in YOU KNOW WHAT. these pictures aren’t consensual. Imagine if this happened to your wife, girlfriend, sister, mother, cousin, friend, grandmother, aunt, etc. them begging for their life while doing terrible nasty things.

Ayo, i don’t mean to force anything on anyone, but we have various types of evidence for biblical events, if anyone is interested. I also found ways to combat lust, if anyone is interested. (I’m talking archaeological evidence, miracles caught live, arguments against evolution, divine revelation, science, cosmology, fulfilled prophecy, evidence for the Bible outside of the Bible, God’s work in people’s lives, etc.)

[girlbloggercher]

how to read the Bible

this is in order!

1. John

2. Mark

3. Matthew

4. Luke

5. Genesis

6. Exodus

7. Leviticus

8. Numbers

9. Dueteronomy

10. Romans

11. Galatians

12. Colossians

13. Proverbs

14. Ecclesiastes

15. Job

16. 1 Peter

17. 1 Corinthians

18. 2 Corinthians

19. Ephesians

20. Philippians

21. 1 Thessalonians

22. 2 Thessalonians

23. 1 Timothy

24. 2 Timothy

25. James

26. 2 Peter

27. 1 John

28. 2 John

29. 3 John

30. Jude

31. Psalms

32. Joshua

33. Judges

34. 1 Samuel

35. 2 Samuel

36. 1 Kings

37. 2 Kings

38. 1 Chronicles

39. 2 Chronicles

40. Ezra

41. Nehemiah

42. Jeremiah

43. Lamentations

44. Ezekiel

45. Joel

46. Amos

47. Obadiah

48. Nahum

49. Habakkuk

50. Zephaniah

51. Haggai

52. Zechariah

53. Malachi

54. Micah

55. Hosea

56. Luke

57. Esther

58. Jonah

59. Song of Solomon

60. Acts

61. Titus

62. Philemon

63. Hebrew

64. Isaiah

65. Daniel

66. Revelation

[blushcoloreddreams]

Verse recs for combating lust?

1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

1 Corinthians 6:18 in the Bible says, "Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body

1 John 2:16 "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world."

Romans 13:14 "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof."

James 1:14-15 "But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death."

Galatians 5:16 "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh."

Romans 8:6 "For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace

Matthew 5:28 "But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart

1 Peter 5:7-8 "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour"

Hebrews 13:4 “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral

Proverbs 6: 25-26 “Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes. For by means of a harlot a man is reduced to a piece of bread, and the adulteress will prey upon his precious life”

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Balaam, the Donkey, and the Angel

21 So in the morning Balaam got up, saddled his donkey, and went with the princes of Moab.

22 Then God’s anger was kindled because Balaam was going along, and the angelb of the LORD stood in the road to oppose him. Balaam was riding his donkey, and his two servants were with him.

23 When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road with a drawn sword in his hand, she turned off the path and went into a field. So Balaam beat her to return her to the path.

24 Then the angel of the LORD stood in a narrow passage between two vineyards, with walls on either side. 25 And the donkey saw the angel of the LORD and pressed herself against the wall, crushing Balaam’s foot against it. So he beat her once again.

26 And the angel of the LORD moved on ahead and stood in a narrow place where there was no room to turn to the right or left. 27 When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she lay down under Balaam, and he became furious and beat her with his staff.

28 Then the LORD opened the donkey’s mouth, and she said to Balaam, “What have I done to you that you have beaten me these three times?”

29 Balaam answered the donkey, “You have made a fool of me! If I had a sword in my hand, I would kill you right now!”

30 But the donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not the donkey you have ridden all your life until today? Have I ever treated you this way before?”

“No,” he replied.

31 Then the LORD opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road with a drawn sword in his hand. And Balaam bowed low and fell facedown.

32 The angel of the LORD asked him, “Why have you beaten your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out to oppose you, because your way is perversec before me. 33 The donkey saw me and turned away from me these three times. If she had not turned away, then by now I would surely have killed you and let her live.”

34 “I have sinned,” Balaam said to the angel of the LORD, “for I did not realize that you were standing in the road to confront me. And now, if this is displeasing in your sight, I will go back home.”

35 But the angel of the LORD said to Balaam, “Go with the men, but you are to speak only what I tell you.” So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.

36 When Balak heard that Balaam was coming, he went out to meet him at the Moabite city on the Arnon border, at the edge of his territory. 37 And he said to Balaam, “Did I not send you an urgent summons? Why did you not come to me? Am I really not able to richly reward you?”

38 “See, I have come to you,” Balaam replied, “but can I say just anything? I must speak only the word that God puts in my mouth.”

39 So Balaam accompanied Balak, and they came to Kiriath-huzoth. — Numbers 22:21-39 | Majority Standard Bible (MSB) The Holy Bible, Majority Standard Bible is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God’s Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Cross References: Genesis 21:19; Exodus 4:24; Exodus 23:20; Numbers 14:40; Numbers 21:13; Numbers 22:40; Joshua 5:13; 1 Samuel 15:24; 2 Chronicles 18:13; Proverbs 12:10; Isaiah 16:12; Matthew 15:19; James 1:19; 2 Peter 2:15-16

Read full chapter

Story of Balaam - Prophet and Talking Donkey in the Bible?

[godhasatenderheart]

how do you know for sure you won't end up in hell?

Hello! I saw your other message assuring me not to worry about responding because of the grieving process. Thank you for your kindness and thoughtfulness—it truly means a lot. May God bless your sweet soul. 🩷

It’s comforting to know that, because of God’s promises in the Bible, there’s assurance that we won’t end up in Hell. Many verses speak of salvation and bring peace. Sometimes, due to severe trauma, trusting in that love and safety can be difficult, but it’s a journey to trust in what God has promised.

When doubt about salvation or God’s promises arises, the best remedy is prayer and spending time in the Word. Trusting God fully and consistently is one of the hardest parts of the Christian walk, and it’s a lifelong journey. If doubt about salvation occurs, please know that it’s a normal part of the walk and can be overcome.

This world is filled with evil, and Satan continuously works to shake that faith. We face attacks, criticism, and feelings of shame and unworthiness. Yet, the Bible reveals God’s character, and when we trust in what He has said, there is assurance of salvation.

I’ll share some Scripture that speaks to our salvation under the cut, so as not to flood anyone’s timeline. I hope this can be helpful, beloved!

Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

—Acts 16:30-31 (ESV)

More Scripture of salvation assurance below:

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.

—1 John 5:13 (ESV)

because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

—Romans 10:9-10 (ESV)

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

—Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

—John 3:16 (ESV)

For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. My heart faints within me!

—Job 19:25-27 (ESV)

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

—1 John 1:9 (ESV)

Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.

—Proverbs 28:13 (ESV)

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)

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.

—John 10:27-28 (ESV)

Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.

—Romans 5:9-10 (ESV)

The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

—Romans 8:16-17 (ESV)

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

—Romans 8:28-30 (ESV)

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

—2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV)

In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

—Ephesians 1:13-14 (ESV)

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

—Philippians 1:6 (ESV)

which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.

—2 Timothy 1:12 (ESV)

But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

—Titus 3:4-7 (ESV)

Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

—Hebrews 7:25 (ESV)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

—1 Peter 1:3-5 (ESV)

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.

—1 John 3:1-3 (ESV)

[stvrlightvngel]

What The Bible Says About Mothers ~ 📖

🕊 Honor

She is to be honored. Exodus 20:12 Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.

🤍 Remembered

She is not forgotten. Isaiah 49:15 Can a woman forget her nursing child, and not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, yet I will not forget you.

🕊 Comfort

The Lord comforts a mother as she comforts her childred. Isaiah 66:13 As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.

🤍 Legacy

Her faith leaves a legacy. 2 Timothy 1:5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

🕊 Teacher

She teaches her children diligently. Deuteronomy 6:6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.

🤍 Blessed

Her children will rise up and call her blessed. Proverbs 31:28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.

🕊 Housekeeper

She looks well to the house. Proverbs 31:27 She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

🤍 Strong

She is strong and diligent. Proverbs 31:25 She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.

[gabebrodudeman]

"we worship God from a place, not for a place" this quote (I heard in a devotional this morning) goes hard because I don't worship God in the hopes I can earn a place in heaven, I worship him because he promised me a seat in heaven.

Romans 3:20 NLT

[20] For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are.

Romans 3:23-25 NLT

[23] For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. [24] Yet God, in his grace, freely (Isaiah 55:1)makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. [25] For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past,

Over and over God tells us the same thing:

"do not be afraid," and "have faith."

Too often in this beautiful weird little app I see too many people getting caught up in the wrong and irrelevant details (Luke 10:38-42, Matthew 11:15).

Luke 10:25-37 NLT

[25] One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: “Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?” [26] Jesus replied, “What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?” [27] The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself(Proverbs 19:8).’” [28] “Right!” Jesus told him. “Do this and you will live!” [29] The man wanted to justify his actions (Genesis 4:9), so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” [30] Jesus replied with a story: “A Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road. [31] “By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. [32] A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side. [33] “Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. [34] Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. [35] The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’ [36] “Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked. [37] The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.” Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.”

This. This right here is why Jesus hated the Pharisees so much. Because they couldn't understand this, this important but basic commandment. Compassion (Luke 11:46).

Let me put it this way, a person shouldn't be telling you what you should be doing, but instead Jesus should be speaking to you through that person (Matthew 12:33), this is why Proverbs encourages advice and council but in the same breathe God warns you to be careful of who you take that advice from because people are human and only those who have Christ in them are to be trusted.