Category Archives: Temptation & Sin

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August 4, 2013

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Obedience, Temptation & Sin

Freedom Brings Responsibility

For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. [Galatians 5:13 (NLT)]

Because we have been blessed with a free will, we have the freedom to choose between good or bad, right or wrong, obedience or rebellion. It’s wise to remember, however, that exercising free will is exactly what got Adam and Eve into trouble. Just because we are able to do something doesn’t mean we necessarily should do it! Lord, guide us in the decisions we make today.

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July 24, 2013

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Attitudes & Behavior, Temptation & Sin

MOTIVES

People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart. [Proverbs 21:2 (NLT)]

Which is worse in God’s eyes? Doing the right thing, but for the wrong reason, or mistakenly doing the wrong thing, but for the right reason? Lord, help us remember that why we do things is just as important as what we actually do.

We justify our actions by appearances; God examines our motives. [Proverbs 21:2 (MSG)]

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July 13, 2013

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Attitudes & Behavior, Temptation & Sin

WHAT HAVE WE LEFT UNDONE?

Remember, it is a sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it. [James 4:17 (NLT)]

Forgive us, Lord, when we turn a deaf ear and a blind eye to the needs of others. Keep us mindful that we sin not only by taking action but also by failing to take it; not only by speaking but also by failing to speak up. Don’t allow us to ignore what should be noticed. Keep nudging us, Lord, when we fail to do what is right.

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June 24, 2013

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Attitudes & Behavior, Temptation & Sin

WHAT’S INSIDE OF US?

You don’t get wormy apples off a healthy tree, nor good apples off a diseased tree. The health of the apple tells the health of the tree. You must begin with your own life-giving lives. It’s who you are, not what you say and do, that counts. Your true being brims over in true words and deeds. [Luke 6:43-45 (MSG)] 

People see our actions, but God knows our motives. People hear our words, but God knows our hearts.

 

 

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June 22, 2013

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Forgiveness, Temptation & Sin

LET’S NOT DECEIVE OURSELVES

Examine me and test me, Lord; judge my desires and thoughts. Your constant love is my guide; your faithfulness always leads me. [Psalm 26:2-3 (GNT)]

It’s amazing how easy it is for us to rationalize our failings and deceive ourselves when we sin. We justify our bad behavior by telling ourselves things like the following: That wasn’t really gossip, I didn’t have time, they really didn’t need my help, no one cares about a little thing like that, I was too tired, I was only following orders, it was the other person’s fault, no one will ever know, everyone else did, he made me, or it was just too difficult. We can fool others and delude ourselves but there is one being we can’t deceive: God! He knows everything about us and, like any good parent, He can recognize an excuse for what it is: a way to avoid accountability for our poor behavior.

Lord, please forgive me when I sin and don’t let me lie to myself or you about it.

Hold yourself responsible for a higher standard than anybody expects of you. Never excuse yourself. [Henry Ward Beecher]

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June 21, 2013

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Temptation & Sin, Wisdom & Guidance

TWO VOICES CAN BE HEARD; ONLY ONE SHOULD BE HEEDED

What your corrupt nature wants is contrary to what your spiritual nature wants, and what your spiritual nature wants is contrary to what your corrupt nature wants. They are opposed to each other. As a result, you don’t always do what you intend to do. [Galatians 5:17 (GW)]

Lord, remind me to listen for your guidance before making a decision. Is my inner voice telling me what to do because it’s right or just because it’s easy? Is it urging me to do what should be done or merely what I would prefer to do? Is it guiding me to do what is good or simply what will feel good to me? Please, don’t let the wrong voice lead me in the improper direction.

There are two voices in your mind – one is always wrong! [From “Change Your Mind and Your Life Will Follow” by Karen Casey]