Sin

September 10th – Philippians 2:5

Philippians 2:5

“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus”

In a world ruled by Satan, everyday we are inundated with temptations and sin. That’s why the apostle Paul encourages us to maintain a mindset that aligns with Jesus. The One who humbly served others and remained obedient to God’s will. Keeping our mind on God is crucial. Because it serves as a spiritual anchor in the midst of life’s turbulence. And it provides us with guidance, purpose, and a source of unwavering hope and peace. A mind set on God reinforces our moral compass, encourages positive behavior, and keeps us moving in the right direction on our spiritual journey. It reminds us to continually seek God’s guidance in our thoughts and actions. And to put His will before our own desires. By centering our lives on God and emulating the humility of Christ, we can navigate the challenges of this world. And do so  with grace, compassion, and a deep sense of purpose. Which not only is a powerful testimony to the world, but also ultimately strengthens our relationship with the Lord and others.

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September 8th – Romans 12:2

Romans 12:2

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is; His good, pleasing and perfect will.”

We are at war with a powerful Enemy. And even the mightiest Christian can fall prey to his lies and sin against God. So we need to use every weapon in our arsenal to stop him at every turn. That’s why the apostle Paul councils us to fight against the pull of sin by transforming our minds and renewing our thought patterns. Because Paul knew the power of a Christlike mind and heart. We live in a world that both glorifies and encourages sinful desires and behaviors. Yet as followers of Jesus, we are called to resist conformity to these worldly standards. Instead, we are urged to seek a deeper understanding of God’s will and purpose. And we do this through His Word and prayer. By immersing ourselves in God’s truth and aligning our thoughts with His, we gain the strength to discern right from wrong. And the ability to make choices that honor Him. This transformation enables us to resist the pull of sin and to live in a way that reflects the righteousness and holiness of God.

September 8th – Romans 12:2 Read More »

August 31st – Colossians 3:5

Colossians 3:5

“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”

Many Christians mistakenly believe that living under grace gives them carte blanche to live a life of sin. But as believers, we are called to a higher standard. One that reflects the power of Christ’s presence in us. Indulging in impurity, evil desires, and other sinful behaviors, contradicts the very essence of our faith. As recipients of His unmerited favor, we are called to honor the gift of grace by forsaking sinful behaviors that once defined us. Our newfound identity in Christ prompts us to let go of the old self and its passions. Embracing a life of sin contradicts the transformation that grace brings and diminishes the significance of Christ’s sacrifice. Instead, we are encouraged to walk in the light of His love. Allowing grace to be the catalyst for a life marked by purity, gratitude, and a desire to please God. Grace empowers us to overcome sin, not indulge in it, as we seek to live out the abundant and purposeful life that Christ offers us.

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July 14th – Proverbs 29:1

Proverbs 29:1

“He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing.”

We serve a God of second, third, and fourth chances. But although His patience, is immense, it’s not infinite. While God’s mercy and grace abound, there comes a point where persistent disobedience and unrepentant hearts can exhaust His patience. Eventually He’ll wash His hands and give us over to our sin. (Rom. 1:26-28) That’s why it’s so important to understand that God desires our genuine repentance, obedience, and a humble willingness to live lives according to His will. Procrastinating in our spiritual growth, ignoring His instructions, or taking His grace for granted can lead to severe consequences. A stiff-necked attitude towards God rejects the opportunity for growth and humility. It hinders our ability to learn from our mistakes, seek forgiveness, and make necessary changes in our lives. And most sad of all, unrepentant sin distances us from the One we should be closest to. The only true source of wisdom and grace, our Heavenly Father.

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June 24th – Isaiah 53:5

Isaiah 53:5

“But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.”

One of the greatest ways God heals us is with His forgiveness. God’s forgiveness is a balm for the wounded soul. And a source of healing and restoration that surpasses all human understanding. When we come before Him with a repentant heart, confessing our sins and seeking His mercy, God extends His loving forgiveness to us. In His boundless grace, He wipes away the stains of our past, erasing the guilt and shame that weigh us down. The chains of sin are broken, and we experience a fresh start and a new identity in Christ. God’s forgiveness brings healing to our brokenness, filling the void within us with His unconditional love. And as we experience the depth of God’s forgiveness, our souls find solace and peace. Empowering us to extend that same forgiveness to others. Most wonderfully of all, through God’s forgiveness, we discover the transformative power that brings wholeness, and restores our soul to its intended purpose. A purpose rooted in God’s divine love and grace.

June 24th – Isaiah 53:5 Read More »

June 20th – Daniel 9:9

Daniel 9:9

“To the Lord our God belong compassion and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against Him”

Everyday even the mightiest Christian rebels against God. Yet everyday, when we confess and repent of our wickedness, the Lord offers His forgiveness. And I’m so thankful He does. But why does God do it? First and foremost, because it’s a testament to His unwavering desire for a deep and intimate relationship with us. God understands that we are fallen beings who make mistakes and have sinful tendencies. But He longs to restore that relationship and reconcile with us. And by extending His unending grace, God shows us that He is willing to forgive even the gravest of offenses if we genuinely seek His forgiveness. Moreover, God’s forgiveness provides us with the opportunity to learn from our mistakes, develop humility, and have a greater sense of empathy and compassion for others. By experiencing the profound impact of God’s forgiveness, we are inspired to extend that same forgiveness to those who have wronged us.

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June 3rd – Isaiah 43:25

Isaiah 43:25

When someone wrongs us and then genuinely apologizes, the Bible tells us to forgive them immediately. Hard enough. But then God goes one step further and calls us to not only forgive, but to forget. Offering the same complete forgiveness to others that He offers us each day. Because few things are more powerful and transformative than forgiveness. Especially God’s. When we genuinely repent and seek His forgiveness, the Lord offers it freely, and treats us as if our sins never happened. He doesn’t hold our past sins against us or use them as a basis for punishment. And He doesn’t want us to do that to others. God’s forgiveness is an act of divine love and grace, and it brings about reconciliation between us and Him. How thankful are we that out of His unending mercy, God chooses not to bring them up again to condemn us. Instead He grants us a fresh start and invites us into a restored relationship with Him.

June 3rd – Isaiah 43:25 Read More »

June 2nd – Psalm 36:6

Psalm 36:6

“Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, Your justice like the great deep. You, LORD, preserve both people and animals.”

Each morning brings with it a fresh, clean slate in the eyes of God. Yet chances are at some point in the day we’ll sin, breaking His Law. But thankfully when we stand before the Lord in true sorrow and repentance, we can trust in His perfect justice. Unlike worldly judges who let their opinions and decisions be swayed, nothing can change the unwavering righteousness and forgiveness of the Lord. When others are unjust or unfair, we can trust that God never is. Just as the mountains stand firm and the deep sea is vast, His forgiveness knows no bounds. And He offers redemption and restoration to all who humbly seek His grace. In His unfathomable love, God saved us from the chains of sin, offering His own Son to pay the debt we owed. All to offer us eternal life and a renewed hope. So with thankful hearts may we always turn to the Lord knowing that in His forgiveness, are found healing, freedom, and the assurance of a life reconciled with Him.

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June 1st – Psalm 100:5

Psalm 100:5

“For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.”

I don’t know about you, but I struggle with repentance. Oh I can apologize easy enough. And I do feel sorry for having sinned against others and God. But sadly, I’m a repeat offender. Because for me it’s easier to sin and ask for forgiveness, than to stop the sin in its tracks before happening. And that’s why I’m so thankful for God’s goodness. Because part of that goodness involves His forgiveness. A forgiveness I need second by second, minute by minute, hour by hour, and day by day. And it’s through His forgiveness, which God demonstrates His abundant mercy, compassion, and grace. I have a long way to go, and am definitely a work in progress. But God knows that. And despite how I fail Him, He is always faithful. Faithful in His love, patience, and forgiveness. Are you struggling with shame and guilt? Go to God. Lay all your sins at His feet. Receive His forgiveness and restoration. And know that even though sin may have a temporary hold on us, Jesus has a greater hold. A hold no sin could ever break.

 

June 1st – Psalm 100:5 Read More »

April 21st – Revelation 16:9

Revelation 16:9

Throughout the book of revelation you see a people with a hardened heart against God. And for the life me, I couldn’t understand why they would choose suffering over joy, death over eternal life, and judgement over blessing. But the more I reflected the more I realized that I have had an unrepentant heart wanting its own will done instead of God’s. I too have turned my back on Him, choosing instead to continue to walk in sin. And I have cried out against the Lord when I haven’t gotten my own way. So I can honestly tell you the path of rebellion which takes you away from God leads to nothing but despair, loneliness, sorrow, and regret. Yet when you choose to walk in faith and obedience to His will, God will bless you beyond imagining, take you places your heart couldn’t dare hope for, and protect you from the wrath to come.

April 21st – Revelation 16:9 Read More »