But God

Good morning, Five Minute Families. It is getting warm outside and we have to begin to manage daily life a bit differently - bug repellents, sun protection, and pollen are but three of those springtime changes. In addition, motorcyclists are out. Keep an eye out for our motorcyclist friends and their safety! Now, on to our topic for today. “But God” Most believers have heard sermons or been touched by Scripture that holds those two tiny but powerful words. “But God” We received an email update from some missionary friends of ours who have three children. Their children have been bickering and fussing more and more lately. A random Christian celebrity video popped up the other day about a spirit of irritability and confusion that has been in her family in the past few days. Annnd, here in our home, our boys have been incredibly unkind and disrespectful to one another and to others, which is not only embarrassing but incredibly saddening. It has been eye-opening to think about all the attempts that we make to establish contented, kind homes, and yet our flesh and our spiritual enemies do not want harmony or joy to abound. BUT GOD gives us a spirit of peace, love, and sound minds. (2 Timothy 1:7) Hearing that biblical phrase in church today reminds me that we do not have to focus on the negatives; but God has an abundant life for us. As we have quoted Steve Austin before, “Everything is always all about God.” That’s why we parents must remember Deuteronomy 6 verses 4 through 9. “Listen, Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol on your forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your city gates.” So, today, we are bringing our focus resounding