Original Sin

You will always be attracted and tempted, consciously or not, to things outside God’s authority.  Jesus was tempted too. He showed that with great focus and prayer you can choose God’s way. The snake is always lurking, trying to make his way more attractive than God’s. 

Genesis 3:1-6 (TLB)  1 The serpent was the craftiest of all the creatures the Lord God had made. So the serpent came to the woman. “Really?” he asked. “None of the fruit in the garden? God says you mustn’t eat any of it?” 2-3 “Of course we may eat it,” the woman told him. “It’s only the fruit from the tree at the center of the garden that we are not to eat. God says we mustn’t eat it or even touch it, or we will die.” 4 “That’s a lie!” the serpent hissed. “You’ll not die! 5 God knows very well that the instant you eat it you will become like him, for your eyes will be opened—you will be able to distinguish good from evil!” 6 The woman was convinced. How lovely and fresh looking it was! And it would make her so wise! So she ate some of the fruit and gave some to her husband, and he ate it too. 

10/27/2019

A Cranky Quarrelsome Woman

A wife who rides her husband, nags or is constantly cranky is detrimental to him and the relationship. Men are more affected by habitual derision than they may show. Before speaking, ask if you are trying to build him up or if your intent is to tear him down.

Proverbs 12:4 (TLB) 4 A worthy wife is her husband’s joy and crown; the other kind corrodes his strength and tears down everything he does. 

Proverbs 25:24 (TLB) 24 It is better to live in a corner of an attic than in a beautiful home with a cranky, quarrelsome woman.

10/20/2019

Following Christ

Following Christ should bring noticeable changes in you. This passage says you become more helpful and positive to others and more refined in your speech.   Dishonesty, habitual anger and harsh words yield to kindness as you learn how to be tenderhearted and forgiving of others.

Ephesians 4:28-32 (TLB) 28 If anyone is stealing he must stop it and begin using those hands of his for honest work so he can give to others in need. 29 Don’t use bad language. Say only what is good and helpful to those you are talking to, and what will give them a blessing. 30  Don’t cause the Holy Spirit sorrow by the way you live. Remember, he is the one who marks you to be present on that day when salvation from sin will be complete. 31 Stop being mean, bad-tempered, and angry. Quarreling, harsh words, and dislike of others should have no place in your lives. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, 

10/16/2019

The People Wanted a King

The people of Israel wanted a king. Samuel told them they had God, but that wasn’t good enough - they wanted to be like other countries and have a human king lead them. God will let you place other humans or “kings” before him but eventually you won’t like it at all. 

1 Samuel 8:9 (NIV)9 Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will claim as his rights.”

10/13/2019

Slow to Speak and Slow to Anger

It is common to think of what you want to say while the other person is speaking, especially if there is contention or misunderstanding. Everyone wants to be heard and understood. To be your best, James 1:19-20 says to listen more than you speak and keep your anger in check.

James 1:19-20 (NIV) 19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

10/9/2019

Lying about Another

There are few things as wounding as someone speaking lies about you. The power of deceit is the same as aiming a weapon and using it. You can be blameless and experience this evil but you aren’t blameless if you do it. 

Proverbs 25:18 (TLB) 18 Telling lies about someone is as harmful as hitting him with an axe, or wounding him with a sword, or shooting him with a sharp arrow. 

10/6/2019