Category Archives: Temptation & Sin

Standard

Posted by

Posted on

June 22, 2013

Posted under

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]

Standard

Posted by

Posted on

June 21, 2013

Posted under

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]

Standard

Posted by

Posted on

April 7, 2013

Posted under

Attitudes & Behavior, Obedience, Temptation & Sin

WE ARE GOD’S SERVANTS

Live as free people, but don’t hide behind your freedom when you do evil. Instead, use your freedom to serve God. [1 Peter 2:16 (GW)]

Thank you, Lord, for reminding me that you are not there to serve me; rather, I am here to serve you! I may be free, but I’ m not the one in charge. Accept me as your enthusiastic servant so that I can serve you willingly and joyfully now and forever.

Standard

Posted by

Posted on

April 6, 2013

Posted under

Church & Worship, Family, Friends & Fellowship, Forgiveness, Temptation & Sin

SOMETHING WE ALL HAVE IN COMMON

Healthy people don’t need a doctor – sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners [Mark 2:17 (NLT)]

Thank you, Jesus, for providing us with a church family. We can gather together, hear your word, offer prayers and praise, and even come together at your table. We are such a diverse group: young and old, wealthy and poor, coming from all walks of life. Some people are secure in their faith while others are filled with doubt. Yet we all share one thing in common: we all are sinners! Thank you for welcoming sinners into your family, and thank you for your healing hand of forgiveness so that we can begin each day anew.