“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).

God’s Spirit doesn’t inspire fear, but instead empowers us with love, strength, and good judgment. We can overcome anxieties and fears, God’s grace and strength is available to you. Fear often stems from a lack of trusting in God. Repent to God for not trusting in God realign your thoughts with those of God.

Astrology’s Incompatibility with Christian Faith

Astrology doesn’t fit with Christianity. It gives power to stars, not God. The Bible says God is in charge of everything and knows the future.

Believing in astrology means our lives are ruled by stars, not a loving God. This belief weakens the idea of free will and the need to seek God’s will through prayer and His Word.

• Astrology suggests our lives are set by the stars, not by God’s plan.
• It tells us to look to the stars instead of God and His truth in the Bible.
• Astrology can lead to superstition and a dependence on horoscopes, trapping us spiritually.

God has a plan for each of us, and He guides us if we seek Him. Astrology takes our focus off God and His will, leading us into spiritual confusion and deception.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

As Christians, we should trust only in God. He is the source of wisdom, guidance, and truth. Astrology is a dangerous practice that can lead us away from righteousness and harm our relationship with God.

Key Scriptures Against Astrology

The Bible warns against astrology and other forms of divination. These scriptures show that astrology goes against God’s will for us.

1. Deuteronomy 18:10-14: God forbids His people from practices like divination and sorcery. Astrology is seen as a form of divination, seeking guidance from outside God.
2. Isaiah 47:13-14: God mocks Babylon’s astrologers, saying they can’t save themselves from judgment. This shows astrology is not a reliable source for guidance or protection.
3. Daniel 2:27-28: Daniel says no astrologer can interpret King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. He points out God as the only one who can reveal secrets and give true wisdom.
4. Leviticus 19:26, 31: These verses tell God’s people not to practice divination or seek guidance from mediums or spiritists. Astrology is part of divination, which is forbidden.

I Am a Family Member

Scripture Reading — Matthew 12:46-50 

“Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” 
Matthew 12:50 

Maybe you have had the opportunity to attend a family reunion or an extended family gathering recently. Family members can connect with cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and others that they may not have seen in a while. Gatherings like these can be meaningful, uniting everyone under a common heritage, a family tree.

As a believer in Christ, I am a child of God—and so is every other believer. This means all of us are spiritual brothers and sisters—no matter where we are throughout the world! And although we may be different from one another in some ways, we have a common heritage—we are rooted together in Christ. We have the same heavenly Father and the same ultimate goal: to do the Father’s will. As part of God’s forever family, we share in the same eternal inheritance that Jesus has secured for us through his death and resurrection.

Sometimes people say that biological family bonds are stronger than other relationships. But in today’s passage Jesus declares that all who follow the Lord are part of his family, and this relationship lasts forever.

In a world of many divisions, it’s good to be reminded of our family connection in Jesus. It’s also good to learn that we are called to serve God together, for we will be living in eternity with these family members from all nations and places!

Father, give us the eyes to see all who follow you as precious family members, for Jesus’ sake. Amen. 

Written by: Dan Jongsma