Rick Warren's Blog, page 544

When Temptation Calls, Just Hang Up

It���s common sense that if you don���t want to get stung, stay away from the bees! If you don���t want to get burned, don���t get close to the fire! If you don���t want to fall off the cliff, don���t hang off the ledge!

Choose Holiness over Happiness

Today we live in an age of irresponsibility, where no one wants to admit that their problems are their own fault. We���ve all become victims. No problem we have is ever considered our fault anymore; it���s always somebody else���s problem. We blame others. We blame the government, the media, our parents, the schools, our DNA, and the environment ��� everything but ourselves.

If You Sow Generosity, You Will Reap Generosity

The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, ���Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver��� (NIV).

Hold Your Blessings with an Open Hand

God is more interested in your character than your comfort. He���s not going to give you things if you haven���t learned the principle of contentment first.

Contentment is not a lack of ambition. It���s not a lack of goals. Contentment means your happiness doesn���t depend on your circumstances.

Hope in God, Not Your Bank Account

The only thing in all of creation that worries is a human being. Plants don���t worry. Animals don���t worry. Only human beings act as if we don���t have a heavenly Father. When you worry about your finances, you���re basically saying, ���I think God is a liar. I don���t really think he will meet my needs.��� But God will, if you meet the conditions.

Better to Be Poor and Honest

God does not bless dishonesty. Proverbs 16:11a says, ���The Lord demands fairness in every business deal��� (TLB). That includes wages, salaries, and taxes. If you want God���s blessing on your finances, you must be honest about them. The Bible also says, ���It is better to be poor and honest than to be foolish and tell lies��� (Proverbs 19:1 NCV).

Pray for It Before You Pay for It

Are you in financial need and waiting for God to help?

God has promised to meet your financial needs. He���s just waiting for you to ask for his help! The Lord never shuts his storehouse until you shut your mouth.

Your Kids Need You to Be Their Cheerleader

The world is so negative that the last thing kids need when they come home is more negativity. Colossians 3:21 says, ���Do not nag your children. If you are too hard to please, they may want to stop trying��� (NCV).

Trust Your Kids with Responsibility

Kids need experiences that stretch them, reveal their talents, and develop their shape for ministry. They need challenges where they develop responsibility. One of the most important life skills all of us have to learn is responsibility.

Celebrate with Your Kids!

Kids need celebration!

That���s just a fancy word for fun. Families ought to have fun! The home should be a place to play. This is a major fault in many, many homes where the parents are basically good parents and are watching out for their kids, but they don���t have enough fun. They���re too busy. They come home with a ���to do��� list after work is over. All that stuff has to be done, and they just don���t have time for fun.