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All blended families exist because of some kind of loss. On this Building Relationships with Dr. Gary Chapman, Deana Thayer wants to provide help and hope for your step-family struggles. Deana and her husband help prepare couples through premarital coaching, mentoring and in small groups.  If you’re in a blended family, don’t miss the encouragement on Building Relationships with Gary Chapman.

Featured resource: Building Love Together in Blended Families

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Editor’s note: This story’s subject matter may not be suitable for young children.

Read: Ephesians 6:1-3

It’s not fair, Ruth typed into her phone. Mom lets Jubilee go out with her friends after school all the time.

Three little dots floated in a pale blue bubble as Ben typed back. She just doesn’t want to admit you’re old enough to start making your own decisions.

Ruth stared at Ben’s profile picture. His big blue eyes smiled back at her. They hadn’t met in real life yet, but it seemed like he understood her better than anyone in the world. So what if he was as old as her big sister? He was nice and funny. And he liked her. He’d told her so more than once.

So, have you decided? Ruth’s heart skipped a beat at Ben’s next message. It’s just the park. You’ll be home before your mom even misses you.

He’s right, Ruth thought. Mom’s treating me like a baby. She started typing OK when a verse she’d memorized barged its way into her brain: Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.

Ruth stopped. It was like someone spoke the words out loud. Just last week her youth group leader had reminded her that her mom was a blessing from God. He’d put her in Ruth’s life because He loved her. God was helping Ruth grow in her faith in Jesus and become more like Him. That’s why He wanted her to obey Mom’s rules—not to spoil her fun. But was meeting a friend so bad?

Another thought came to mind. Her friends didn’t know Ben either. He’d sent her a friend request one day, and she’d let him into her life without question. She’d been talking to a stranger for two months and lying to everyone about it because he’d asked her to keep their friendship a secret. At first it was exciting. Now she was scared.

Ruth’s hands shook as she typed: I can’t.

Ben said, I thought we were friends.

Ruth’s heart sank. She answered, Friends don’t ask friends to lie to their parents.

Ben’s next words weren’t very friendly at all. Ruth made her choice. It didn’t matter if she got in trouble or not, it was time to talk to her mom.

“Mom?” Ruth took a deep breath and started down the hall. “I need to tell you something.”

–Jennifer Lindsay

How about you? Have you ever been tempted to break the rules because they seemed unfair? Sometimes it may feel like your parents are trying to make your life hard or stop you from having fun, but God placed them in your life because He loves you. Trust that He’s protecting you and making you more like Jesus as He teaches you to obey your parents. When you obey them, you obey Him.

If someone is trying to talk to you and have you keep it a secret, tell a trusted adult right away.

Today's Key Verse: Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Ephesians 6:1 (NKJV)

Today's Key Thought: Obey your parents

Continue to depend on the Lord, no matter your position.

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In January 1967, the town of Winneconne discovered it had been mistakenly omitted from the official Wisconsin state road map, costing the town vital tourist revenue. So the town decided to secede from Wisconsin and become its own sovereign state on July 21 of that year. Some say the secession was a move to embarrass the state government while others claim it was a tongue-in-cheek act of humor. In any case, months of negotiations resulted in state and town coming together, and Winneconne rejoined Wisconsin at 12:01 a.m. on July 22, 1967.

Most division isn’t as good-natured or as easily resolved. Division is such a threat that the book of Proverbs lists the “the person who stirs up conflict” (6:19) as one of “six things the Lord hates” (6:16). 

But it’s not important simply because of the problems division causes. Disunity misrepresents Jesus and His Father. The night before the cross, Christ prayed that His followers would be one in Him, “that the world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17:21).

Jesus made it clear that our unity as brothers and sisters in Christ (or lack of it) impacts the world’s belief in Jesus! Perhaps that’s why Paul told the Ephesians, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). May we allow the Spirit of Christ to make us one—that the world may be drawn to Him.

Children certainly are a precious gift from God, a reward and heritage to be cherished and valued. Along with that joy comes responsibility. On the next Faith & Finance Live, Rob West talks about a financial checklist for parents with a new baby. Then, he addresses your questions on various financial topics. That’s Faith & Finance Live —where biblical wisdom meets today’s finances, weekdays at 4pm Eastern/3pm Central on Moody Radio.

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It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers.

Segment 1

• Does scripture give us any specific details about the timeline of Christ’s return? – Dylan

• We rightly hear a lot about the demonic influence upon the world – but what about the angelic influence upon the world? – Kyle

Segment 2

• Fasting is a topic that isn’t taught on very frequently in many churches. What decides the duration of one’s fasting? -Steven

• Is it sinful if we are sad if we lose a lot of money? Why should we be sad if we know that God is in control of all things, even things like losing one’s 401(k)? -Vinnie

Segment 3

• I struggle with overthinking. How should I go about overcoming this? – Anonymous

• If a couple divorces due to adultery, is the offending spouse able to remarry according to Scripture? – Anonymous

• A friend of mine has become attached to deliverance ministries, which are oriented towards “delivering” Christians from demonic possession/influence. I don’t think Christians can be possessed by demonic spirits. How can I help her see through this? – Anonymous

Segment 4

• Does the Bible predict current events? Can you give me an example? – Douglas

• I run a small ministry that clothes homeless individuals. Are ministries that help homeless people in this manner simply enabling them, or are they answering Christ’s call to feed and clothe the needy? – Devon

___

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Listen to today's Laugh Again with Phil Callaway, "The Fruit of the Spirit Is Not Lemons." Enjoy!

After two weeks of relentless storm, exhausted sailors staring down death, and a ship breaking apart on a reef — God saves every last one of them. In this message, Dr. John walks through the gripping conclusion of Paul's shipwreck, drawing out the profound truth of God's common grace and the picture of a man so anchored in his calling that even a sinking ship could not shake him.

Jesus Goes Global: A Prisoner of Christ: When we read the book of Acts, we tend to give primary attention to the formation and growth of the Church in the early chapters. We then highlight the three mission trips of Paul. But some of the most profound lessons lie in the final chapters of Acts 25-28. Dr. John will show God extending His Kingdom through the personal struggle and imprisonment of Paul. The world’s worst cannot impede God’s best.