Category: What do you think?

The Promise of the Shepherd’s Care

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AMY TURNER

Psalm 23 ends with a promise that God’s goodness and mercy will remain with His people throughout their lives, and that they will dwell in His house forever. For many, life is about gathering joy before time runs out, but for those who belong to God, the journey looks different. Life on earth is not the final destination; it is the path toward an eternal home where no harm can touch us.

God’s people are moving toward a place of lasting joy, where they will live with the Shepherd who became the Lamb and gave His life for them. While that future hope may seem far away, the care of God is already near. Each day, His mercy and kindness stay with us as a taste of what is yet to come.

In My Father’s house are many rooms; if that were not so, I would have told you, because I am going there to prepare a place for you.

John 14:2

Protecting the Home from False Teaching

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JEFF TURNER

In 2 John 10, believers are told not to welcome into their homes anyone who does not bring the true teaching about Christ. In the first century, travelling teachers relied on the hospitality of others while spreading their message. This was common, and Jesus Himself sent out His disciples in a similar way, instructing them to stay with those who welcomed their message.

However, the Apostle John warns that if a teacher arrives with a distorted view of Christ, believers should not provide them with lodging or support. This does not mean Christians should avoid sharing the gospel with people from other religions or groups. Rather, it means they should not give these individuals a base from which to promote false ideas. Offering hospitality in such a situation could indirectly help spread teachings that oppose the truth about Jesus.

Psalm 1 warns against joining in with those who mock God, and this principle also applies here. Protecting the home from false influence is a safeguard for the faith community.

But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!

Galatians 1:8

Making God the Centre of Your Life

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FLOYD ROGERS

Have you ever made a clear choice to seek God above everything else? This means more than just believing in Him. I’m asking about coming to Him in every kind of moment, whether things are good or difficult. It’s about asking Him to lead you, to bring calm in times of stress, and to help you understand what He wants for your life.

Seeking God also means being open to what He might show you, even if it reveals something in your life that needs to change. It’s a deep desire to grow closer to Him, to want more than just a basic connection. Believers who follow the Spirit long to know God in a more personal way, not just as Saviour and Lord, but as someone active in the details of their everyday lives.

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you.

Matthew 6:33

When Obedience Leads to True Awareness

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AMY TURNER

Peter’s encounter with Jesus at the lake teaches a clear lesson about faith and humility. After a long night of failed fishing, Peter had nothing to show for his effort. When Jesus asked him to put the nets out again, Peter hesitated, believing it would be pointless. He may have questioned why a carpenter was giving advice to an experienced fisherman. Still, he chose to follow the command.

The result was astonishing. The nets filled to the point of breaking. Faced with this sign of God’s involvement, Peter dropped to his knees and confessed that he was a sinful man. He realized just how weak he was on his own, and felt ashamed of his doubt when he was told to put his net in the water.

Awareness of our weakness should bring us closer to God. He calls us even in our failures.

Everything that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I certainly will not cast out.

John 6:37

Standing Firm for the Truth of Scripture

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JEFF TURNER

In the book of Jude, verse 3 explains why the letter was written. The writer urges believers to stand strong and contend for the faith that was once for all time handed down. This is not about personal belief or feelings. It refers to the truth revealed by God.

The word “contend” in this verse means to struggle or fight. It describes a serious effort, like being in a battle. Today, Christians may not realize how intense the conflict is between what is true and what is false. This fight is not physical, but spiritual. It is a struggle to protect and hold onto God’s truth.

Christians are called to both follow and defend God’s Word. This means we must know what the Bible teaches, live by it, and be ready to stand up for it when it’s challenged. All Scripture comes from God and is useful for teaching, correcting, and training in righteousness. This is the truth we are called to defend with care and courage.

All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16–17