Direct and Protect
We see them all the time while we are driving—guardrails. They are designed to help us avoid going into an area that is dangerous. None of us make plans for certain areas of our lives to end in disaster, but we need to understand the enemy is out to destroy us. Setting up guardrails in these areas is crucial. Ephesians 5:15-17 tells us, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
Proximity
God advises his people to bond with those who will inspire good behaviors and characteristics as we tend to take on the attributes of the people with whom we bond. “Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?” (Amos 3:3 NKJV) As children we heard, “You are judged by the company you keep.” As Christians we must align ourselves with people who will encourage Godly behaviors. “Make no friendship with an angry man and with a furious man do not go, lest you learn his ways and set a snare for your soul.” (Proverbs 22:24-25 NKJV)
Forever Yours
Paul, in Galatians 6:7 NIV, tells us we reap what we sow. He also tells us in 1 Corinthians 6:18, to “Flee from sexual immorality.” Immorality can lead to broken marriages and a loss of self-worth and respect. It can lead to harm done to someone you love but it can also lead to harm done to yourself. To avoid immorality, establish guardrails. Remove questionable books and DVDs from your home. Choose not to watch certain TV shows and movies. Proverbs 4:23 NIV, tells us “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Would You Please Hold the Rope?
Founded in 1969 by Dr. Vijai Lall, Bethlehem Living Water leads a variety of Christian missions in India including an orphanage, Christian video production, eye hospital, Christian radio broadcasts, vocational training and education, translation of Christian publications and other humanitarian services. Bethlehem Living Water is responsible for the operation of the Bethlehem Bible College, church planting and provision of vocational training/relief work for Christians in India. Jay and Romulah Henry together with their son-in-law and daughter, Ernest and Numreta McFarland, now lead the multiple ministries of Bethlehem Living Water.
Money Matters
Three things often happen when people decide to sell their house. They buy storage tubs, have a yard sale, and haul things to Goodwill. The clutter that surrounds us didn’t magically appear. It’s all stuff we once wanted. We paid for it and now we want to get rid of it. All too often, money spent on things that will soon wind up in a yard sale is money that could have created a margin in our finances. It’s a bad pattern and we need to give some thought to why we go down this path.
The Heart of the Matter
The word “heart” is more than the name of an organ in our body. The word describes something basic, critical to our very existence. Heart is a description of the center of something or of everything╤the heart of the campus, America’s heartland, the heart of the economy or the heart of the matter. And let’s not forget “heart and soul” as a commonly used tag for activities, events, teams and efforts. Anything as important as the heart deserves its own guardrail. “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23)