Proverbs 7:6-9, For at the window of my house I have looked out through my lattice, and I have seen among the simple, I have perceived among the youths, a young man lacking sense, passing along the street near her corner, taking the road to her house in the twilight, in the evening, at the time of night and darkness.

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To stay safe, Christians need to be careful about the situations they put themselves. They must think about what might happen if the wrong choices are made. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time can expose someone to bad influences or temptations that can lead down a dangerous path. Whether it’s spending a lot of time with negative people, doing risky things, or being in places that encourage bad decisions, surroundings have a big impact on the choices people make.

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Another important thing to know is how temptations work. Our temptations are often disguised to get us to do things we shouldn’t. They might flatter us, promise us instant happiness, or play on our weaknesses. The allure of temptation can be strong, but it’s important to be aware of these tactics and stay true to our faith and commitment to Christ. If we know what temptations look like, we can recognize when we’re being manipulated and resist the urge to give in.

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In the end, the best way to live a spiritually healthy and holy life is to avoid temptation altogether and seek wisdom from His Word. the Bible is like a compass that that points in a Godly direction and helps us to make good choices and stay on the right path and avoid destruction. It calls us to carefully study the Word and apply those truths to our lives and learn from the mistakes we have made or will make in the future. By being wise, we can navigate life with purpose and avoid the traps that lead to destruction.

We live in a world that wants to beat men up… We want to build men up to bless women and children.

1 Corinthians 16:13-14, Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.

RULE TO LIVE BY: Remember that before she was your wife, fiancée’, and/or girlfriend, she was and is His daughter—joint heir in the Kingdom of God.

Proverbs 6:16-19, There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.

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Hatred is an emotion many of us are taught at a young age to avoid. We were taught not to express hatred for anyone. As Christians, we are taught not only not to express such hatred but also not to even harbor hatred in our hearts.

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So how conflicting it is to read a Scripture that reveals that there are things that our Heavenly Father hates. Of course, a closer inspection divulges that his contempt is aimed squarely at abhorrent sinful behavior. In fact, the things He “hates” not only damage the relationship a person has with Him but there is a level of collateral damage to others affected by those sins.

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As believers called to reflect Godly character, it presents a clear picture of how we are to view such behavior and how we should act accordingly in the way we live.

We live in a world that wants to beat men up… We want to build men up to bless women and children.

1 Corinthians 16:13-14, Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.

RULE TO LIVE BY: Remember that before she was your wife, fiancée’, and/or girlfriend, she was and is His daughter—joint heir in the Kingdom of God.

Proverbs 5:21-23, For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the LORD, and He ponders all his paths. The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him, and he is held fast in the cords of his sin. He dies for lack of discipline, and because of his great folly he is led astray.

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The teachings in Proverbs 5 highlight the sanctity of marriage, emphasizing that it should be held in honor and that faithfulness is essential. The writer warns against sexual immorality, stressing that God judges such actions, while encouraging the pursuit of wisdom to maintain discretion in relationships. The core message is that God observes our lives not to restrict us but to guide us toward the best outcomes for our well-being and happiness.

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Practical advice for nurturing a strong marriage includes focusing solely on your spouse, finding joy in them, and consistently expressing love and appreciation. It’s important to prioritize open communication, avoid negative comparisons, and practice forgiveness.

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Additionally, caring for each other's physical and emotional health, being vigilant against outside influences, and maintaining a spirit of sacrifice and service will strengthen the marital bond. Ultimately, these principles serve as a reminder that, with commitment and effort, it’s never too late to cultivate a fulfilling and lasting relationship

We live in a world that wants to beat men up… We want to build men up to bless women and children.

1 Corinthians 16:13-14, Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.

RULE TO LIVE BY: Remember that before she was your wife, fiancée’, and/or girlfriend, she was and is His daughter—joint heir in the Kingdom of God.

Proverbs 4:23, Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.

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The notion that a battle rages over our hearts suggests that we are constantly faced with influences—both positive and negative—that seek to shape our inner life. These influences could come from external sources, like societal pressures or negative relationships, or internal struggles, such as fears and insecurities. To navigate this battlefield effectively, it is essential to be proactive in spiritually protecting our hearts.

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This Sunday’s message underscores the importance of such spiritual vigilance. By guarding our own hearts—through practices like prayer, meditation, study and reflection—we can cultivate a healthy spiritual walk. This not only benefits us personally but also enables us to be a source of strength and support for others—we become more equipped to help those around us as they face the challenge of guarding their hearts as well.

We live in a world that wants to beat men up… We want to build men up to bless women and children.

1 Corinthians 16:13-14, Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.

RULE TO LIVE BY: Remember that before she was your wife, fiancée’, and/or girlfriend, she was and is His daughter—joint heir in the Kingdom of God.

Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

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There’s all kind of stories in Bible that show what happens when people don’t do things God’s way. Cain probably knew what kind of sacrifice God desired, but he did it his way and offered God his own kind of sacrifice – and God rejected both Cain and his offering. After the flood God told the people multiply and FILL the earth. Instead they did it their way settled in one spot and built the tower of Babel. God came down and scattered the people and confused their languages. Abraham was promised that he and Sarah would have a child, but Sarah was getting old and impatient. So Abraham listened to her and did things her way and he had a child by her servant Hagar. They ended up with serious family troubles.

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Scripture repeatedly warns us, it doesn’t work to try and do it MY WAY… that’s not a good idea! It’s not God’s plan or will for you life. “There is a way that seems right to a man, (he does it HIS WAY), but its end is the way to death.”

We live in a world that wants to beat men up…

We want to build men up to bless women and children.

1st Corinthians 16:13-14, Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.

RULE TO LIVE BY: Remember that before she was your wife, fiancée’, and/or girlfriend, she was and is His daughter—joint heir in the Kingdom of God.