Three Ways to Keep Our Kids “Spoiler-Free”
Lifetree
Morning
Verse
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And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. ” Romans 8:28
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Reflection
We're told in our verse for today that "all things work together for our good." All things? What about trials? Disasters? Loss? Can Paul really say this with a straight face?! Well, from the perspective of a believing Christian, the answer is actually "Yes!"
Saint John Chrysostom (circa AD 347-407) explained: "When Paul speaks of all things, he mentions even the things that seem painful. For if tribulation, or poverty, or imprisonment, or famines, or deaths, or anything else should come upon us, God can change them into the opposite… [He] makes painful things appear light to us and turns them into things which can be helpful" to us. Chrysostom added: "Even opposition and disappointment are turned into good, which is exactly what happened to this remarkable man, the apostle Paul."
God is in the business of making the unholy holy. His work is to make the unbelieving believe. And while He never desires our pain, He knows (like the Olympic athlete) that "no pain" equals "no gain!" And so, life necessarily must be filled with challenges and trials—because that is where the growth comes in. But if we "love God," even the most difficult of circumstances can be turned into blessings for us, by Him. So, Love Him, trust Him, and know that He has a plan for your life; and part of that plan is making you into a really remarkable soul! So, get reading for some "soul stretching!"
Evening
Verse
Monday, Sep 23
Today's Theme: Encouragement
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For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. ” Jeremiah 29:11
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Intepretation of the Verse
In the book of Jeremiah, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking to the Israelites at a time of great despair. They were exiled, living in Babylon, far from their homeland. Jeremiah's words were meant to offer hope and assurance during this period of upheaval. His message was not just for their immediate comfort but also to give them a perspective of a hopeful future planned by God.
This passage in Jeremiah speaks directly to the heart of encouragement, especially in the face of uncertainty and difficulty. It's a reminder that even when our current circumstances seem bleak or disheartening, there is a broader plan for good, for hope, and for a future. This can be particularly resonant for us when we face our own periods of doubt or when our path seems unclear. It's a call to trust in a greater plan that we might not fully understand yet.
