BeSharpened

The disciples followed Jesus into a boat and found themselves in the middle of a storm they couldn't control.

Perhaps you're facing a storm today. It could be financial pressure, uncertainty, sickness, disappointment, or family challenges.

I want to encourage you that Jesus has not abandoned you. He is with you, just as He was with His disciples in the boat, and He is still able to speak peace into your situation, as He did then.

Read this week's devotional: Jesus Presence Provides Comfort in Life's Storms ( https://besharpened.com/mark-435-41-how-jesus-presence-provides-comfort-in-lifes-storms-weekly-devotion/ ).

📖 MARITAL CRISIS: 5 ESSENTIAL MISTAKES TO AVOID

A private disagreement between King Ahasuerus and Queen Vashti became a public crisis with life-changing consequences.

So what went wrong?

Instead of seeking understanding, the king sought advice from others. Instead of pursuing reconciliation, he made irreversible decisions, driven by pride, pressure, and poor counsel.

Many marriages today face similar challenges.

In this week's post, we explore five critical mistakes couples must avoid during a marital crisis:

✓ Seeking counsel from the wrong people
✓ Making decisions without seeking God
✓ Allowing pride to take control
✓ Ignoring your spouse's perspective
✓ Making permanent decisions during temporary emotions

A marital crisis does not have to become a marital catastrophe.

Read the full post and discover biblical wisdom from Esther 1 that can help protect your marriage, family, and future.

🔗 https://besharpened.com/esther-113-22-marital-crisis-5-essential-mistakes-to-avoid-weekly-devotional/

Which of these five mistakes do you think is most common in marriages today?

The Lord used men with experience in His Ministry on earth.

His very first disciples were fishermen; men with the discipline, skill, and work ethic to be responsible in their line of work.

Later, he called a tax collector, a man who was experienced in records, systems, and finance.

Such men were trained and developed by God to serve Him in His kingdom because they were capable of doing the work of the kingdom.

When we are skilled, God can call us and send us into the world to minister to others.

I encourage you to read my post on this and be uplifted.

https://besharpened.com/matthew-418-22-gods-calling-discover-who-he-sends-and-why-weekly-devotion/

The source of encouragement for this week will be how God transforms ordinary working professionals into builders of the kingdom through Jesus Christ, His Son.

SOMETIMES COURAGE LOOKS LIKE SAYING NO.

In the Book of Esther 1, Queen Vashti refused to participate in something that compromised her dignity, and her decision still speaks powerfully today.

In this week’s message, I explore:
1. healthy boundaries
2. honor in marriages/relationships
3. dignity and self-worth
4. the difference between control and love

Because strong marriages/relationships are not built on fear or performance…, they are built on honor.

👉 Read it here: https://besharpened.com/esther-110-12-the-power-of-a-woman-who-knows-her-worth-weekly-devotion/

💬 What stood out to you most from Vashti’s story?

THE DANGER OF BEING LED ASTRAY BY FALSE PROPHETS IS REAL!

This is why our Lord warned us about false prophets and false teachers so we could avoid falling prey to them. One way to identify false prophets is by their fruit.

I have published a post on how to identify false prophets using the book of Matthew (Matthew 7:15-20) and Jeremiah (Jeremiah 28-29), as well as some general principles from the Bible. You will learn 2 specific ways to identify false prophets so that you can protect your faith, your family, and your purpose here: https://besharpened.com/matthew-715-16-unmask-false-prophets-2-essential-tips-weekly-devotion/ .

Forgiveness is a form of strength and a way of finding freedom.

Joseph could have easily held a grudge for all he went through, but instead, he chose to forgive those who betrayed him when he was sold into slavery and later imprisoned because of them.

"You might have thought I had been wronged by you, but in actuality, God allowed you to do something evil to me so that I would fulfil His purpose." – Genesis 50:20

Additionally, the benefits of Forgiveness are as follows:
-Break the bo***ge of bitterness
-Restore peace within you
-Reveal God's purpose for your life
-Heal damaged relationships

You forgive not because your tormentors are worthy of your forgiveness, but because you deserve peace from this situation.

Read more about this here: https://besharpened.com/genesis-5020-21-forgiveness-release-the-weight-move-forward-weekly-devotional/

Husbands & fathers, your first leadership is in your home!

When Solomon took over as king, he requested wisdom from God to lead His people.

Paul also taught that a man must be able to manage his own home perfectly before he can lead anyone else.

This devotional looks at:
(1) Managing your marriage in wisdom
(2) Managing your parenting with wisdom
(3) Managing your finances with wisdom
(4) Managing your spiritual leadership in wisdom

Leadership starts at your home!

Read here: https://besharpened.com/1-kings-37-9-leading-with-wisdom.../