When I read the Bible as a college student I gravitated toward the epistles—the letters to other believers. Others my age had different favorites. One young lady I knew loved the Old Testament for its amazing histories. Some loved Proverbs because you can always find one or two nuggets to think about the rest of the day. And there are those who read the Gospels on repeat. Some read only the red letters—the words of Jesus—over and over.
But the epistles—the letters—are so deep and so practical. Paul wrote most of them, but James, Peter, John, and Jude also authored letters. Each contains some deep content, often New Testament doctrine unknown until the resurrection, but each also contains practical tips on living. Tips covering every aspect of church life, family life, education, work habits, behavior, language, eating and drinking, and more. Anytime you are looking for something to read or something to use in a Bible study, I would encourage you to read some of the epistles. You will ALWAYS find some great meat.
Consider these tips that apply to our whole family:
“OLDER MEN are to be level-headed, worthy of respect, sensible, and sound in faith, love, and endurance. In the same way, OLDER WOMEN are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not addicted to much wine. They are to teach what is good, so they may encourage the YOUNG WOMEN to love their husbands and to love their children, to be self-controlled, pure, homemakers, kind, and submissive to their husbands, so that God’s message will not be slandered. In the same way, encourage the YOUNG MEN to be self-controlled in everything. Make yourself an example of good works with integrity and dignity in your teaching. Your message is to be sound beyond reproach…” Titus 2:2-8
Dear God, teach us to live lives that honor You, to make good choices day-in and day-out, even—and ESPECIALLY—when no one is watching. May we live lives of the highest integrity and honor You in all things. May we read Your word effectively.
ΑΩ
Household Words: 