July 13 - Consequences Are Coming

JULY 13 - Consequences Are Coming3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 19:28–29; Luke 13________________________________________“A worthless witness mocks at justice, and the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity. Condemnation is ready for scoffers, and beating for the backs of fools.” — Proverbs 19:28–29“Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” — Luke 13:5________________________________________We’ve all heard the phrase, “Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.” It’s a harsh way of saying that our choices have consequences. Whether it's lying to get out of trouble or making fun of people who try to do the right thing, we often act like our actions are no big deal. But Proverbs 19 reminds us that mocking justice and doing wrong will eventually catch up to us. In Luke 13, Jesus says something even more direct: if we don’t repent—meaning turn away from sin—we’ll face serious consequences. Jesus isn’t being mean. He’s giving us a heads-up. He loves us too much to let us walk blindly into danger.________________________________________THINK ABOUT IT1. Truth Has Weight: Have you ever lied or bent the truth and thought, “It’s not a big deal”? God sees lying as serious, especially when it covers up injustice. Our words have power. Are you using them to build truth or tear it down?2. Mocking What’s Right: It’s easy to joke about things we don’t understand or to go along with others who make fun of good choices. But Proverbs says scoffing leads to consequences. Are you standing up for what’s right—or laughing it off?3. A Wake-Up Call: Jesus wasn’t trying to scare people in Luke 13—He was giving a loving warning. Repentance is about changing direction, not just feeling bad. Are there things in your life you need to turn away from before they lead to more pain?________________________________________BOTTOM LINEGod is patient and loving, but He’s also just. He wants us to take our actions seriously—not to scare us, but to save us. Turning away from sin and choosing His way brings life, not regret.________________________________________PRAYERHeavenly Father, thank You for loving me enough to tell me the truth, even when it’s hard to hear. Help me recognize when I’m going the wrong way, and give me the courage to turn back to You. Teach me to value truth and justice and to walk in a way that honors You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.