 Did you know adultery starts in the heart? Before a man or woman is unfaithful to the person they are married to, something starts in the mind and heart, something that makes the person feel satisfied.
Here is a truth to remember: Sow a thought--reap an act. Sow an act--reap a habit. Sow a habit--reap a character. Sow a character--reap a destiny. As young people who love God, we first learn to be faithful to God. We cannot serve both God and ourselves. For we will end up loving one and hating the other. When we learn to be faithful to God, then we can be faithful to the person we marry. Jesus talked about adultery in the Sermon on the Mount. He said, "You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you, everyone who looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. " Think About It Adultery makes us liars. We cannot be honest with God or the person we are married to when we secretly think or do things outside of those relationships. Pray About It Father God, keep us holy unto You. Teach us purity and faithfulness because we want to honor You with our lives. Amen.
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 Sometimes it scares me when drivers show anger or frustration in traffic. Are you afraid when you see people out of control in public? What about at home? It happens everywhere. Have you wondered what Jesus said about anger? His Sermon on the Mount included how to deal with anger.
"You have heard that our ancestors were told, 'You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.' But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell" (Matthew 5:21-22 NLT). Did you connect anger with murder? Yes, uncontrolled anger leads to unforgiveness, bitterness, malice and murder. That's why Jesus' teaching is so strong. Paul said, "In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry" (Ephesians 4:26 NIV). Jesus taught to settle matters with our adversaries quickly. He said, "When you remember that a person has something against you, go and be reconciled. Even if you are at the altar giving your offering, leave your gift and go to the person. Then after you've made peace, come back and give your offering" (Matthew 5:23-24 my paraphrase). Think About It Jesus said something else that helps with anger. "Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you" (Matthew 7:12 NLT). That means if someone makes a mistake and causes us to be upset, we should remember that we also make mistakes, and we should be kind. Jesus also said, "Love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44 NLT). Do you know how hard it is to stay angry at someone you pray for? Pray About It Father God, help us not to sin in our anger but to live according to your will. It is hard and we need your help. Amen.  God gave the Ten Commandments to His people through Moses to teach them how to love Him and each other. When a young lawyer came to Jesus he asked Him, "Teacher, which is the greatest command in the Law?" Matthew 22:36.
Jesus answered, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments" Matthew 22:37-39. Jesus taught His followers in the Sermon on the Mount, "Do you think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished" Matthew 5:17-18. Think About It We cannot possibly keep the law on our own. If we fail in one small point, we fail. Jesus knew we would need a Helper and He promised the Holy Spirit, the Counselor and Comforter, would come to help us. The key to receiving the Holy Spirit is to love God. Jesus said, "If you love me you will obey what I command" John 14:15. Pray About It Holy Father, I love You with all my heart and want to live for You. Thank you for Jesus and for Your Holy Spirit. Teach me to live for you. Amen.  Jesus said, "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men" (Matthew 5:13).
Salt has more than one physical property. It makes food taste better. I crave even more salt when I don't feel well. That's because of helps in healing. Salt also preserves food. It's used in meat, canned or frozen food to make it last longer. We can be salt in our world by encouraging and inspiring others to love God. Jesus also said, "You are the light of the world . . .let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:14, 16). We shine the light of God's good news, the news of His forgiveness and salvation, when we reach out to those in need. Do you know someone who is hungry or thirsty or lonely? Talk to your parents about how you might help someone who is going through a hard time. Think About It We can be salt and light in a dark world by not blending in with our surroundings. Just as seasoning brings out the best flavor in our food, we can affect others in a positive way. Pray About It Father God, show us how to be salt and light in our world. Give us confidence and strength to carry out your will. Amen. |
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