BE GRATEFUL TO GOD

Ten lepers were healed but only one returned to give thanks; don't be like the nine lepers; be like the one who, after being healed, went to Jesus and gave thanks. (Sharing your testim is also a way to thank God)

BY: PROPHET ELIJAH

Good morning to everyone. Grace and Peace be with you.

My apologies for not posting yesterday. It started early, ran fast, and words just did not come to me for a post. It was a good day, in that appointments were accomplished, tasks were taken care of, playtime was accomplished, fellowship was attained, and seeds were planted.

Where there were plenty of positives to tout on, one family is in need of comfort prayers. One of them either decided that life here was not worth fighting for or they got a bad batch of something … at any rate, he has passed on. I am asking for prayers for this family. For peace. For comfort. And if possible, answers.

Father in heaven, I come to you as your humble servant, embracing the power that you have endowed upon me to come to you and request a sit-down. I come to you, Father, as an intercessor, standing on Your promise that when I seek Your face, You will come. That where two or more are gathered, You are there.

Father, I come to You and ask that You make Your presence known to this family. That they can feel, physically feel, the warmth of Your breath and love surrounding them. I pray, Lord, that they will find peace in Your presence as they navigate this difficult time. Lord, I ask that the right people be in place to be the intercessors in the physical as those of us who are abroad are the intercessors in the heavenly realm.

We stand in unity, as Your body, Lord, to bring comfort and healing to this hurting family. Hear our prayers, Lord. We cry out to Your mercies and grace. Hear our prayers, Lord. We give You the glory and the honor as they reap Your blessings. Thank you, Lord. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

**The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. – Psalm 34:17-18

PROVERB OF THE DAY

(Proverbs 25)

1. These also are
proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied:

2. It is the glory of God to conceal a matter,
But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.

3. As the heavens for height and the earth for depth,
So the heart of kings is unsearchable.

4. Take away the dross from silver,
And it will go to the silversmith
for jewelry.

5. Take away the wicked from before the king,
And his throne will be established in righteousness.

6. Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king,
And do not stand in the place of the great;

7. For it is better that he say to you,
“Come up here,”
Than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince,
Whom your eyes have seen.

8. Do not go hastily to court;
For what will you do in the end,
When your neighbor has put you to shame?

9. Debate your case with your neighbor,
And do not disclose the secret to another;

10. Lest he who hears it expose your shame,
And your reputation be ruined.

11. A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold
In settings of silver.

12. Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold
Is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear.

13. Like the cold of snow in time of harvest
Is a faithful messenger to those who send him,
For he refreshes the soul of his masters.

14. Whoever falsely boasts of giving
Is like clouds and wind without rain.

15. By long forbearance a ruler is persuaded,
And a gentle tongue breaks a bone.

16. Have you found honey?
Eat only as much as you need,
Lest you be filled with it and vomit.

17. Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house,
Lest he become weary of you and hate you.

18. A man who bears false witness against his neighbor
Is like a club, a sword, and a sharp arrow.

19. Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble
Is like a bad tooth and a foot out of joint.

20. Like one who takes away a garment in cold weather,
And like vinegar on soda,
Is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

21. If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat;
And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;

22. For so you will heap coals of fire on his head,
And the LORD will reward you.

23. The north wind brings forth rain,
And a backbiting tongue an angry countenance.

24. It is better to dwell in a corner of a housetop,
Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.

25. As cold water to a weary soul,
So is good news from a far country.

26. A righteous man
who falters before the wicked
Is like a murky spring and a polluted well.

27. It is not good to eat much honey;
So to seek one’s own glory is not glory.

28. Whoever has no rule over his own spirit
Is like a city broken down, without walls.

Numbers 6:22-27
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: [23] "Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, 'This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel. Say to them: [24] "The LORD bless you and keep you; [25] The LORD make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; [26] The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace."' [27] "So they shall put My name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them."

The Advent Truth
Isaac Newton did NOT simply predict, “The world will end in 2060.” That headline leaves out the most interesting part of the story.

Newton was a serious student of Daniel and Revelation, and he recognized something many Christians today reject: the 1,260 prophetic days represent 1,260 literal years.

The Bible gives this same prophetic period three different ways:

Daniel 7:25 — “a time and times and the dividing of time”
Revelation 12:6 — 1,260 days
Revelation 13:5 — 42 months

Using the biblical prophetic calendar, 42 months × 30 days = 1,260 days. Three and a half prophetic years × 360 days = 1,260 days. Applying the day-for-a-year principle seen in Numbers 14:34 and Ezekiel 4:6 gives us 1,260 years.

Newton understood the year principle, but he differed on the starting point. He considered A.D. 800 significant because of developments surrounding Charlemagne and papal temporal power. Add 1,260 years and you arrive at 2060. Yet Newton specifically cautioned that he was NOT setting a date for the end of the world.

Historicist Adventists understand the stronger starting point to be A.D. 538. Daniel 7 connects the 1,260 years with the period in which the little-horn power would exercise its persecuting supremacy. Following Justinian's recognition of Roman ecclesiastical supremacy and the breaking of Ostrogothic control at Rome, 538 marks the beginning of that prophetic period.

Now do the math:

538 + 1,260 = 1798.

And right on time, in 1798, French forces under General Berthier entered Rome, abolished papal political government, and took Pope Pius VI prisoner.

Newton had the prophetic principle right. The crucial question was where to start the clock.

Daniel and Revelation give us the 1,260. History gives us 538–1798.

Bible prophecy isn't guesswork. It is history written in advance.

A Nugget of Truth.
There comes a point when we realize that nothing in this world can truly give lasting peace. Money can disappear, circumstances can change overnight, and even the strongest people eventually reach the end of their own strength. The only place where the soul finds real security is in Jesus Christ. His blood was shed so that we could be forgiven, restored, and brought back to God.

When we place our trust in Him, we are not trusting in our own ability to survive life's storms, but in the Savior who has already overcome sin and death. That does not mean life will always be easy, but it means we never have to face it alone. No matter how uncertain the future seems, those who belong to Christ can rest in His promises because He never abandons His own.

As the psalmist wrote, "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty" (Psalm 91:1). The Bible also reminds us, "In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins" (Colossians 1:14). So instead of placing our confidence in temporary things, let us draw near to the Lord each day, knowing that the safest place we can ever be is in the hands of Jesus Christ, who is "the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever" (Hebrews 13:8).

Daily Bible Lesson.
CAN BEAUTY BECOME A LIE?

THE HIDDEN DANGERS OF ARTIFICIAL BEAUTY, AND THE BEAUTY CHRIST WANTS TO CREATE.

“Thou shalt not bear false witness.” — Exodus 20:16

We usually think a lie must be spoken.

But can deception also be displayed?

A complexion made to appear different.
Artificial lashes presented as natural.
Artificial nails.
Artificial hair.
Filters that create another face.
An appearance deliberately designed to make the artificial appear real.

Here is the searching question:

IF GOD REQUIRES TRUTH FROM OUR LIPS—DOES HE ALSO CARE ABOUT THE TRUTH OUR APPEARANCE COMMUNICATES?

God is not against beauty.

HE CREATED BEAUTY.

But Scripture directs us away from making outward appearance our treasure and toward something cosmetics can never manufacture:

THE BEAUTY OF A CHRIST-TRANSFORMED CHARACTER.
---

① WHEN APPEARANCE IS USED TO DECEIVE, TRUTHFULNESS IS AT STAKE

“Putting away lying, speak every man truth.” — Ephesians 4:25

Falsehood is not merely pronouncing an untrue sentence.

We can misrepresent ourselves by intentionally creating a false impression.

So before the mirror, ask:

“AM I SIMPLY BEING CLEAN AND PRESENTABLE—OR AM I TRYING TO MAKE SOMETHING ARTIFICIAL APPEAR NATURALLY MINE?”

Scripture does not specifically say, “makeup and wigs violate the Ninth Commandment.”

The biblical principle is broader and deeper:

WHEN APPEARANCE IS INTENTIONALLY USED TO DECEIVE, THE PRINCIPLE OF TRUTHFULNESS IS AT STAKE.

And context matters. A wig used because of illness, hair loss, protection, or genuine practical need should not automatically be branded dishonest.

God wants truth not merely upon our lips—

“Thou desirest truth in the inward parts.” — Psalm 51:6
---

② MAKEUP CAN COVER A BLEMISH—BUT IT CANNOT CREATE BEAUTY OF CHARACTER

Peter redirects our attention:

“Let it be the hidden man of the heart… even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit.” — 1 Peter 3:4

Paul adds:

“In modest apparel… with good works.” — 1 Timothy 2:9–10

God moves beauty:

FROM DISPLAY → TO CHARACTER.
FROM VANITY → TO MODESTY.
FROM HUMAN APPLAUSE → TO GOD'S APPROVAL.
FROM MAGNIFYING SELF → TO REVEALING CHRIST.

No foundation can produce purity.

No lipstick can create kindness.

No artificial lashes can produce humility.

No wig can manufacture contentment.

No filter can create holiness.

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL FACE CANNOT COMPENSATE FOR AN UNCONVERTED HEART.

“Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.” — Proverbs 31:30
---

③ ARTIFICIAL BEAUTY CAN QUIETLY TEACH THE HEART: “THE REAL YOU IS NOT ENOUGH”

Cover this.

Lengthen that.

Darken this.

Lighten that.

Change the hair.

Reshape the face.

Hide every imperfection.

And tomorrow—

BUY SOMETHING ELSE.

Eventually the danger becomes bigger than cosmetics.

The mirror begins preaching:

“GOD'S WORKMANSHIP IS NOT ENOUGH.”

But Scripture answers:

“I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” — Psalm 139:14

Your deepest question is not:

“Am I attractive enough for people?”

It is:

“AM I BECOMING LIKE JESUS?”
---

④ THERE ARE REAL PHYSICAL RISKS—BEAUTY PRODUCTS ARE NOT AUTOMATICALLY HARMLESS

Science requires honesty.

Not every cosmetic is dangerous, and many properly formulated products are safely used by most people.

But cosmetic does not mean risk-free.

Dermatology recognizes both irritant and allergic contact dermatitis from cosmetic ingredients.

Fragrances, preservatives, hair dyes, resins and adhesives can trigger reactions in susceptible people.

Products used around the eyes may cause irritation or allergy; contaminated eye cosmetics can contribute to infection.

False-eyelash adhesives can also provoke irritation or allergic reactions.

Hair dyes and some products used with artificial hair can likewise expose sensitive skin to allergens.

So the Christian principle of health asks:

“Your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost.” — 1 Corinthians 6:19

WHY ADD AN UNNECESSARY EXPOSURE SIMPLY TO CREATE AN APPEARANCE?

BEAUTY SHOULD NEVER BE PURCHASED AT THE EXPENSE OF HEALTH.

And cosmetics cannot permanently reproduce what sleep, nourishing food, exercise, cleanliness, sunlight, temperance and healthful living help cultivate naturally.

THE HEALTHIEST GLOW CANNOT BE PAINTED ON.
---

⑤ THE MENTAL DANGER MAY BE EVEN MORE SUBTLE

The most dangerous mirror is the one that whispers:

“DON'T LET THEM SEE THE REAL YOU.”

When we feel unable to leave home without enhancement…

when compliments determine our worth…

when comparison controls our happiness…

when we repeatedly inspect perceived flaws…

when appearance consumes excessive money, thought, time and emotional energy—

THE OUTWARD IMAGE HAS BEGUN TO GOVERN THE INWARD PERSON.

Research on appearance-focused media repeatedly links appearance comparison and exposure to idealized or heavily edited images with increased body dissatisfaction and related psychological distress.

The gospel offers another identity:

YOUR VALUE IS NOT MEASURED BY A MIRROR.

It was demonstrated at CALVARY.

“Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things… But with the precious blood of Christ.” — 1 Peter 1:18–19

YOUR FACE DOES NOT DETERMINE YOUR WORTH.
THE PRICE CHRIST PAID REVEALS YOUR WORTH TO HIM.
---

⑥ VANITY CAN BECOME EXPENSIVE IN MORE WAYS THAN MONEY

Ask what artificial beauty may consume:

MONEY that could bless others.

TIME that could be invested in prayer, family and service.

THOUGHT that could dwell upon eternal things.

CONTENTMENT through constant comparison.

SIMPLICITY through dependence upon fashion.

HEALTH when unnecessary products cause reactions.

And potentially—

SPIRITUAL ATTENTION, when the question becomes “How do I look?” more often than “How does Christ look through my life?”

“Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” — Matthew 6:21

That makes this deeply personal:

HOW MUCH OF MY PEACE DEPENDS UPON HOW PEOPLE SEE ME?
---

⑦ WHY CHOOSE NATURAL CHRISTIAN SIMPLICITY?

Not because neglect is holy.

Not because attractiveness is sinful.

Not because everyone who wears makeup is vain.

And certainly not because Christians should police another person's face.

Choose simplicity because it can help cultivate something better:

TRUTH instead of artificial impression.
CONTENTMENT instead of comparison.
HEALTH instead of needless exposure.
MODESTY instead of display.
STEWARDSHIP instead of unnecessary expense.
FREEDOM instead of dependence upon appearance.
CHRIST instead of self at the center.

Ellen White wrote:

“God is the author of all beauty.”

Christian simplicity therefore does not mean:

“MAKE YOURSELF UNATTRACTIVE.”

It means:

STOP LETTING THE WORLD DECIDE WHAT MAKES YOU BEAUTIFUL.

Be clean.
Be neat.
Be healthy.
Be modest.
Be appropriately dressed.
Be beautifully Christlike.

BUT NEVER LET FASHION BECOME YOUR MASTER OR APPEARANCE BECOME YOUR IDENTITY.
---

⑧ THE GREATEST DANGER IS SPIRITUAL

We can spend an hour preparing the person everyone sees—

and minutes preparing the person GOD SEES.

Correct the complexion—
while leaving anger untouched.

Arrange the hair—
while neglecting prayer.

Perfect the outward appearance—
while tolerating pride.

Cover blemishes—
while hiding cherished sin.

Then Jesus takes us past the mirror:

“Cleanse first that which is within.” — Matthew 23:26

CHRIST DID NOT DIE TO GIVE US A BETTER MASK.
HE DIED TO GIVE US A NEW HEART.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God.” — Psalm 51:10

**HEAVEN IS NOT PREPARING FACES FOR DISPLAY.

HEAVEN IS PREPARING CHARACTERS FOR ETERNITY.**
---

⑨ BEFORE THE MIRROR—ASK SEVEN QUESTIONS

Is it truthful?
Is it modest?
Is it necessary?
Is it healthful?
Is it good stewardship?

Am I content with how God made me?

Does it help reveal Christ—or magnify self?

Christianity does not merely ask:

“WHAT CAN I GET AWAY WITH?”

Love asks:

“Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?” — Acts 9:6
---

CHRIST OFFERS WHAT THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY NEVER CAN

Makeup can change a complexion.

Artificial hair can change an appearance.

A filter can change a photograph.

BUT ONLY JESUS CAN CHANGE THE PERSON.

“If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17

He replaces—

vanity with humility,
comparison with contentment,
insecurity with identity in Him,
self-display with modesty,
falsehood with truth.

This is not permission to ridicule women, condemn those dealing with hair loss, or judge another person's heart by appearance.

REFORM WITHOUT CHRIST BECOMES CONDEMNATION.
REFORM THROUGH CHRIST BECOMES TRANSFORMATION.

Bring Him the insecurity.
Bring Him the vanity.
Bring Him the craving for approval.
BRING HIM THE MIRROR.

“Beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, [we] are changed into the same image.” — 2 Corinthians 3:18

DON'T SPEND YOUR LIFE PERFECTING AN IMAGE THAT TIME WILL ERASE—WHILE NEGLECTING THE CHARACTER CHRIST WANTS TO PREPARE FOR ETERNITY.

Every cosmetic eventually washes away.
Every artificial enhancement is eventually laid aside.

Youthful beauty fades.

BUT THE BEAUTY CHRIST WRITES INTO THE CHARACTER CAN ENDURE FOREVER.

LET THE FACE BE SIMPLE.
LET THE LIFE BE BEAUTIFUL.
LET THE HEART BE TRUE.
LET THE CHARACTER REVEAL CHRIST.
AND ABOVE EVERYTHING—LET JESUS BE SEEN.

TUESDAY MORNING FAMILY PRAYER!

“Lord, Cover Our Family, Heal Our Bodies, Save Our Souls, and Supply Our Needs!”

Heavenly Father,
On this Tuesday morning, we come before Your throne with grateful hearts. Before we ask You for anything, we thank You for everything. Thank You for waking us up this morning. Thank You for life, strength, grace, mercy, and another opportunity to call upon Your holy name.
Your Word declares:
“This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24 (KJV)
Father, this morning we place our entire family into Your hands. Every mother, father, husband, wife, son, daughter, grandchild, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, cousin, and extended family member—we cover them in prayer.
Lord, go where we cannot go. Touch those we cannot reach. Speak to hearts when our words are not enough. Protect our families from dangers seen and unseen, and let Your presence rest upon every household represented in our family.
Your Word says:
“The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” — Proverbs 18:10 (KJV)
Father, be our strong tower!
LORD, HEAL OUR FAMILY!
Father, we lift before You every family member who is struggling physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually.
Some are dealing with sickness in their bodies. Some are carrying pain that others cannot see. Some are fighting battles in their minds. Some are exhausted, discouraged, overwhelmed, anxious, or emotionally drained.
But God, You know exactly where they are and exactly what they need!
You declared:
“For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD.” — Jeremiah 30:17 (KJV)
So, Father, we ask You to restore health!
Touch minds that are troubled.
Touch bodies that are hurting.
Touch hearts that are broken.
Strengthen those who are weak.
Comfort those who are grieving.
Encourage those who feel discouraged.
Give rest to those who are weary.
Lord Jesus, heal, deliver, restore, and set free!
Your Word declares:
“He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.” — Psalm 107:20 (KJV)
Father, send Your Word into every situation!
Where there is sickness, send healing.
Where there is bondage, send deliverance.
Where there is confusion, send clarity.
Where there is fear, send peace.
Where there is despair, send hope.
Where there is weakness, send strength.
We stand upon Your Word and believe that nothing is too hard for You!
LORD, SAVE OUR FAMILY!
Father, our prayer is not only for physical healing—we are crying out for souls to be saved!
We lift every family member who does not yet know Jesus Christ personally.
Lord, draw them to You.
Remove spiritual blindness. Break down hardened hearts. Remove every distraction, excuse, false teaching, and influence that keeps them from surrendering completely to Christ.
Jesus said:
“No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him.” — John 6:44 (KJV)
Father, draw our family!
Let somebody become hungry for Your Word.
Let somebody become tired of living without You.
Let somebody realize that possessions, accomplishments, relationships, and money cannot fill the place that belongs to Jesus.
Let the question rise within their hearts:
“What must I do to be saved?”
And just as Paul and Silas answered:
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” — Acts 16:30–31 (KJV)
Father, let salvation come into our households!
Your Word declares:
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” — Romans 10:13 (KJV)
Let our family members call upon Jesus!
Let them repent.
Let them believe.
Let them surrender.
Let them be transformed.
We are praying not merely that they will know about Jesus, but that they will know Jesus and develop a genuine relationship with Him.
Lord, save our sons and daughters. Save our grandchildren. Save our siblings. Save our extended family. Let there be a spiritual awakening throughout our bloodline.
LORD, OPEN DOORS OF EMPLOYMENT AND FINANCIAL PROVISION!
Father, we lift every family member searching for employment.
Some have submitted applications and are waiting.
Some are looking for better opportunities.
Some need promotions.
Some need pay increases.
Some are working but still struggling to make ends meet.
Some are carrying financial burdens that nobody else knows about.
Father, open doors that no man can shut!
Your Word says:
“I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it.” — Revelation 3:8 (KJV)
Lord, send the right opportunities.
Give favor during interviews.
Give wisdom when making career decisions.
Give courage to walk through new doors.
Let résumés reach the right people.
Let applications receive favorable responses.
Let promotions come.
Let increases come.
Let opportunities come that exceed expectations.
And Father, for every family member struggling financially, remind us that You are our Source.
Your Word declares:
“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19 (KJV)
We stand on that promise!
Provide food.
Provide shelter.
Provide transportation.
Provide employment.
Provide resources.
Provide wisdom to manage what You place into our hands.
And Father, teach us not only to pray for provision but to walk in wisdom concerning our finances.
Your Word says:
“The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.” — Proverbs 10:22 (KJV)
We declare that lack will not destroy our faith! We trust You as our Provider.
LORD, BRING LOVE AND UNITY INTO OUR FAMILY!
Father, strengthen our marriages. Strengthen relationships between parents and children. Restore broken relationships between brothers and sisters. Heal old wounds, misunderstandings, disappointments, and offenses.
Where pride has entered, bring humility.
Where anger has entered, bring forgiveness.
Where communication has broken down, bring understanding.
Where distance has developed, bring reconciliation according to Your will.
Your Word declares:
“And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” — Colossians 3:14 (KJV)
Teach us to love one another with the love of Christ.
But Father, above everything else, teach our family to love YOU FIRST!
Jesus said:
“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength.” — Mark 12:30 (KJV)
May our homes be places where You are honored.
May prayer live in our homes.
May Your Word live in our homes.
May forgiveness live in our homes.
May peace live in our homes.
May love live in our homes.
And may Jesus Christ always remain at the center of our families.
Father, as we go throughout this Tuesday, order our steps. Protect us traveling to work, school, appointments, and wherever this day may take us.
Keep Your hand upon our children and grandchildren.
Watch over our elderly family members.
Strengthen our caregivers.
Comfort those who are grieving.
Encourage those who are discouraged.
Restore those who have fallen.
Save those who are lost.
Heal those who are sick.
Provide for those who are struggling.
And unite our families through the love of Jesus Christ.
We declare the words of Psalm 133:1 (KJV):
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”

TUESDAY FAMILY DECLARATION...
Today, we declare that our family belongs to God!
We declare healing over the sick, peace over troubled minds, deliverance over those in bondage, salvation over the lost, employment for those seeking work, increase for those needing provision, and restoration over our relationships.
We declare that Jesus Christ will be lifted up in our homes.
We will love God first and love one another.
We declare that God is our Healer, our Deliverer, our Savior, our Provider, our Protector, and our Keeper!
And we believe that the God who began a good work in our family is faithful to complete it!
In the mighty, matchless, healing, saving, delivering, and providing name of JESUS CHRIST, we pray.
AMEN, AMEN, AND AMEN!

*SEED FOR LIFE*
Avoid shameful and foolish talk and low jesting. They are all alike discreditable and in place of these give thanks.
• Ephesians 5:4

The giddy laugh, the jesting, the joking, sickens the soul that is feeding on Christ... Let no low witticism escape your lips. All frivolous words, all lightness and trifling, are enticements of the enemy to deprive you of spiritual strength... Lightness, jesting, and joking will result in the barrenness of the soul and the loss of the favour of God... Trim your lamps, and keep them burning, that wherever you may go, you may reveal in speech and action precious rays of light.
• Radiant Religion, p.237

*• A Point To Ponder •*
God does not forbid happiness, wholesome laughter, or genuine enjoyment. Rather, Scripture calls us to examine the quality and influence of what we allow into our minds and conversations.
_(FrontierOfHopeMinistry)_

DAY 25 - Morning
Theme: BUILDING A SAFE HOME: Creating a Marriage Where Love, Respect and Peace Can Grow

Reflection
Honour Family Without Losing Your Marriage

Good morning,
Family is a blessing.
Parents matter.
In-laws matter.
Extended family matters.
But marriage also creates a new primary family unit.
Sometimes the challenge is not that in-laws are bad people. The challenge is boundaries.
A mother may mean well but become too involved.
A father may offer advice that creates tension.
A sibling may expect more than the couple can reasonably give.
The answer is not disrespect.
It is healthy boundaries expressed with honour.
Jesus taught us to honour our parents, but marriage also carries the principle of leaving and cleaving.

God's Word
"That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife." — Genesis 2:24

Today's Love Action
Discuss with your spouse one family boundary that would protect your marriage while still showing honour to your families.

Let's Talk
How can couples honour extended family without allowing outside pressure to divide them?

Prayer
Lord, give us wisdom to honour our families while protecting the unity of our marriage. Help us establish boundaries without bitterness or disrespect. Amen.

From My Counselor's Chair
A boundary is not a wall against family. It is a clear line that helps relationships remain healthy.

Marriage Nugget
"Honour your family, but don't sacrifice your marriage on the altar of people-pleasing."

Remember
In marriage, it is not about winning the argument; it is about winning each other's hearts.