Troublemakers

Here is a description of worthless and wicked people:They are constant liars,signaling their true intentions to their friendsby making signs with their eyes and feet and fingers.Their perverted hearts plot evil.They stir up trouble constantly.But they will be destroyed suddenly,broken beyond all hope of healing.

Proverbs 6:12-15

A naughty person. Most of us remember some boy in elementary school who was always messing around—causing trouble and getting others in trouble. Well, some little boys and some little girls never grow up and out of that behavior.

What’s the value of talking about them? Moms, talk to your children. Teach them not to make trouble or to look at bad behavior as cool or fun. “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character’” (1 Corinthians 15:33, NIV). But don’t —please don’t—hate those kids, either. Sometimes they are just acting out. Maybe they’re craving attention. Maybe they have no one at home to reel them in. Did you ever think about who is assigned to pray for those children? Sit down and write down the names of those kids who are troublemakers and pray for them by name.

And while you are at it, do you have any troublemakers at work or among your relatives or in your church? Maybe they are acting out, craving attention, too. Don’t hate them, either. Did you ever think about who is assigned to pray for them by name? Maybe, just maybe, you are!

Make It Personal . . . Live It Out!

I have a friend who has a jail ministry. She has truly found her niche. Every day when she goes in, she knows she will talk to someone who is considered a “lost cause.” But she has also seen that for some, jail is a wake-up call. She is a light to show them the way out of the darkness. You don’t have to go into the jail to find someone who needs that. Will you ask God to assign you just one person who needs a ray of hope? And then, will you shine it?

One Year Bible Reading

Exodus 12:14–13:16; Matthew 20:29–21:22; Psalm 25:16-22; Proverbs 6:12-15