How long will we wander, before returning to Him?

Posts tagged ‘pride’

119) Saul and Our own Egos

Day 119 reading: 1 Chronicles, chapters 7-10sword

When I have studied this series of chapters before, my eyes have glazed over and not quite come out of their fog enough to recognize the critical importance of this final chapter of today’s reading. Chapters 7-9 are more of the all-important, but still no more interesting to read, genealogy. But chapter 10! Chapter 10, with headings in my Bible like: “Saul killed on mount Gilboa,” “Defeat and Death of Saul and His Sons,” or the most poignant, “Saul Takes His Own Life.” It’s very easy to not quite wake up from the genealogy fog to recognize the significance of such a short chapter, but it meant a TON to the people of Israel.

I feel quite sure–even without double-checking this statement–that biblical theologians have been able to pick this small chapter apart and unveil every aspect of what Saul’s death meant to the Israelites. However, me being a simple Bible reader and student, I know that I can’t grasp all that it really meant to the people then or for the futures of these people, but I can look at Saul in his humanness and grab hold of some critical pieces of the story and how those pieces relate to each of us today.

After all of the battles, the Lord’s anointed King Saul is being overtaken. In his admittance of defeat, he takes his own life. I can only imagine the despair that overtook him in those moments of clarity, when he realized how grave his sins had been and how he had misused his God-breathed power.

“Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord; he did not keep the word of the Lord and even consulted a medium for guidance, and did not inquire of the Lord. So the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.” (10:13-14, NIV)

Saul died because of his pride, because he never died to his pride when he was anointed by God to lead the Israelites.

Saul died because he did not follow the word of God.

Saul died because he not only did not consult God, but he did consult those against or in opposition to God.

Saul died because he was unfaithful.

Life is such a struggle. It doesn’t have to be, but we make it one. In all of our humanness, we allow our own pride and ego to get in the way of consulting God. I believe I have shared before my favorite way to remember just how deep ego drives us when I remember that EGO stands for: Edging God Out. This is the simplest way to describe Saul’s life as anointed king, for he truly edged God out of his life and forgot that he was a masterpiece of God.

Let’s you and I not forget that we are also blessed by God to do great things. We are built to serve Him and serve others. Let’s not forget to consult Him daily, hourly even, as we go along this journey. On your way to work, praying for protection and guidance for yourself and the other commuters on the road. As you sit at your desk or perform your job, praying for careful attention to detail so each job and each work of your hands is blessed. Eating our meals and snacks throughout the day, praying that the foods we choose bring nourishment to our bodies so we are better able to go and do and be all He wants us to be. Prayers as we fall asleep at night, praying that our thoughts and dreams are peaceful and of Him, that our sleep in restful and full, so that we may wake refreshed, again, tomorrow to face whatever we see with love.

God loves you, now go act like you know it!

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Day 120 reading: Psalms, chapters 102-104

Category:

1 Chronicles, Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Faith, Perseverance, Prayer, Quiet time, Rules worth LIVING by, Seeing God, Service

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104) Our Own Holy Path

Day 104 reading: 1 Samuel, chapters 21-24

“The men’s things are holy even on missions that are not holy.” (21:5, NIV)

Wouldn’t it be awesome to know that what you are doing is holy even in the midst of the unholy. The footnote on my bible says that another word for things is bodies. Don’t you love that?

“The men’s bodies are holy even on missions that are not holy.”

David and his men were on a holy path and the Lord had them protected. We are protected, as well, my friends. David acted wisely in all his ways and succeeded, and the Lord was with him. (18:14, Amplified) He is with us, as well. The Living Presence of the Lord is with you and I every step of our journey and we are so blessed to have such a Protector who loves and cherishes us more than we can even begin to fathom.

Then Saul, who was placed in his kingship by the Lord our God (per the people’s request), has prophesied and seen great works of the Lord with his own eyes, acts against the Lord in a passage that absolutely put a knot in my stomach.

Then the king ordered the guards at his side: “Turn and kill the priests of the Lord, because they too have sided with David. They knew he was fleeing, yet they did not tell me.”

But the king’s officials were not willing to raise a hand to strike the priests of the Lord.

The king then ordered Doeg, “You turn and strike down the priests.” So Doeg the Edomite turned and struck them down. That day he killed eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod. (22:17-18, NIV)

How heartbreaking it is when sinful pride gets in the way of what could be a great and wonderful journey with the Lord. Saul consulted only his own human desires for direction, but David consulted the Lord.

When David was told, Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and are looting the threshing floors,” he inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I go and attack these Philistines?”

The Lord answered him, “Go, attack the Philistines and save Keilah.” (23:1-2, NIV)

Day after day Saul searched for him, but God did not give David into his hands. (23:14, NIV)

The last passage of today’s scripture reading is so powerful that I am going to close this post with it, as well. May we all have the God-given self-control to stand upright even in the midst of evil.

The men said, “This is the day the Lord spoke of when he said to you, ‘I will give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish.’” Then David crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul’s robe.

Afterward, David was conscience-stricken for having cut off a corner of his robe. He said to his men. “The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, or lift my hand against him; for he is the anointed of the Lord.” With these words David rebuked his men and did not allow them to attack Saul. And Saul left the cave and went his way.

Then David went out of the cave and called out to Saul, “My lord the king!” When Saul looked behind him, David bowed down and prostrated himself with his face to the ground. He said to Saul, “Why do you listen when men say, ‘David is bent on harming you’? This day you have seen with your own eyes how the Lord delivered you into my hands in the cave. Some urged me to kill you, but I spared you; I said, ‘I will not lift my hand against my master, because he is the Lord’s anointed.’ See, my father, look at this piece of your robe in my hand! I cut off the corner of your robe but did not kill you. Now understand and recognize that I am not guilty of wrongdoing or rebellion. I have not wronged you, but you are hunting me down to take my life. May the Lord judge between you and me. And may the Lord avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you. As the old saying goes, ‘From evildoers come evil deeds,’ so my hand will not touch you.

“Against whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom are you pursuing? A dead dog? A flea? May the Lord be our judge and decide between us. May he consider my cause and uphold it; may he vindicate me by delivering me from your hand.”

God is the ultimate artist; His work is showcased every day in the big and small things.

God is the ultimate artist; His work is showcased every day in the big and small things.

When David finished saying this, Saul asked, “Is that your voice, David my son?” And he wept aloud. “You are more righteous than I,” he said. “You have treated me well, but I have treated you badly. You have just now told me of the good you did to me; the Lord delivered me into your hands, but you did not kill me. When a man finds his enemy, does he let him get away unharmed? May the Lord reward you well for the way you treated me today. I know that you will surely be king and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands. Now swear to me by the Lord that you will not cut off my descendants or wipe out my name form my father’s family.”

So David gave his oath to Saul. Then Saul returned home, but David and his men went up to the strongholds. (24:4-22, NIV)

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Day 105 reading: Psalms 7, 27, 31, 34, & 52

Category:

1 Samuel, Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Perseverance, Prayer, Rules worth LIVING by, Trust

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24) Prides comes before the fall

As I began today’s reading, I had just finished my Bible study lesson on the pride of King Uzziah, and how pride can be our ultimate downfall when we allow it to take hold. Pride says that we are in charge, which puts us in the place of God. It’s a slippery slope.

Bible study toolsFor instance, this chronological study has gained some attention, and some readers have even chosen to subscribe to this blog because of what you’ve read here. That excites me to no end but not because that makes me anything special, it means that there are people out there who are also interested in strengthening their foundation through the Word and that this blog was at the right place at the right time. I’m not pretending here that my words are Spirit led or inspired but I promise you, friends, that I pray constantly that the words I write herein and the understanding I gain from each days scripture reading bring glory to God. Subscribing means you’re along for the ride and that is very exciting!

So, all that to say that I’ve got pride on the brain and it still seems fitting with our 24th day of reading, too.

Day 24 reading: Genesis, chapters 35-37

Right off the bat let me reference the verse that points to foreign gods still being a part of Jacob’s family’s life. With all that God, the Lord of all, has done and spoken to Jacob I am absolutely blown away by this.

So Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, “Get rid of the foreign gods you have with you, and purify yourselves and change your clothes. Then come, let us go up to Bethel, where I will build an altar to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and who has been with me wherever I have gone.” (35:2-3, NIV)

I guess that answers the question of what happened to Laban’s gods that Rachel hidden in chapter 31 (day 22), but how tragic that even after all of God’s provisions for Jacob and his family, that they were still holding on to those no-good, crummy gods.

Don’t we do that, too? I know that I have a tendency to take hold of Him and His Word but still want to cling to some (or even most) of my old ways. Is there more comfort in the old ways that have landed us where we are today, or more comfort in the God that is with us always, knowing all and being all? My heart says the latter but my human nature still clings to the things of this world. How to overcome? I would love to know anyone’s thoughts on this that feel compelled to share.

The second portion of today’s reading is the story of Joseph and his coat of many colors; a story we have heard since we were young ones in Sunday School and VBS, then as we age and were introduced to the musical rendition. We’ve heard this story from every angle, and today I am looking at it with pride in mind.

Joseph’s brothers were so proud and so jealous of him that they sold him into slavery. I do think it is a sad telling of the nature of man that even with all that Jacob went through to overcome his own parents favoritism, Jacob played favorites with his own.

Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons. (37:3, NIV)

Maybe it is natural for parents to favor some children over others. In a house like ours, the immediate needs are the ones that consume our time, as parents, so sometimes my husband and I find that we need to reset. We realize that the better behaved children have not gotten the attention they deserve because we have been so busy dealing with the issues. Jacob played favorites with Joseph and made a clear difference between he and his other sons. And in their anger and pride, the lesser sons took Josephs life in their own hands.

Pride makes us to terrible things, think terrible thoughts, and take the focus off of God, our Creator, our Source, and our Provider of all. Pride makes me talk when I really should listen. It makes me act when I know I should be still. It makes me think thoughts that are unhealthy and knock me off of His path.

In this journey through the Bible chronologically, I know we will study example after example of one’s pride coming before their fall. I hope having a stronger foundation in the Word will help each of us battle pride with scripture and win our sin natures for our Lord.

Make it a great day,
Marilyn

Day 25 reading: Genesis, chapters 38-40

Category:

Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Children, Genesis

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14) Word of God, speak!

Our last two days in Job are the most exciting to me. Today and tomorrow are like a Part 1 & Part 2, as the Lord speaks to Job and his friends. I almost hate to even break the last portion of the book of Job up into two parts at all, and am tempted to knock two days off together in this one day’s study, but I am going to stay true to the chronological reading, and am sticking to the plan set forth. Today, the beginning of the Lord speaking to Job, then, tomorrow, Job’s feeble response and more lessons from God.

Today’s scripture reading: Job, chapters 38-39

It all begins: Then the Lord answered Job out of the storm. (38:1, NIV)…and that’s where Job gets interesting!

Today, I am so excited that God is answering all of the accusations and excuses that we have been reading for days. We have today and tomorrow still in the book of Job, and they are filled with direct words from the Lord.

“Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? 
Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me.” (38:2-3, NIV)

How would you have expected God to answer after all of the ranting and raving that we’ve been reading? With all the Lord has heard said about Him by now, it’s amazing to me that He didn’t just wipe everyone out with a lightning bolt and make that the end of the lesson! But it makes me so thankful that He loves us all so much that we can mess up, speak against Him, act in ways so far from righteousness, and yet He loves us so much that He wants us to learn from the lessons rather than doing what would be easy, which would be to just wipe the slate clean (…again).

“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand.
Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it?
On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone–
while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?” (38:4-7, NIV)

He knew us before Creation; we were a thought or a spark in His eye, but we were no more than that. We weren’t there. We cannot take credit or power from Him for really much of anything. All that we have, He has given us. All that we know, He has instilled in us. Free will? Yes, He gave us free will, but who do you think puts all of the knowledge in our heads in the first place?

“Who endowed the heart with wisdom or gave understanding to the mind?” (38:36, NIV)

I get teased for saying things like, “That’s why God invented plastic” or “That’s why God invented computers,” but it’s the truth! Man does not invent things on his own! God creates all! PERIOD! This brings to my mind the quote from a source unknown to me that says, “Just because you don’t believe in God doesn’t mean He doesn’t exist.” He creates things, He is evolutionary and revolutionary, and He is behind every great invention and life-changing experiment. Without the knowledge and understanding (there are those words that we’ve been discussing for a couple of days, now) that He gives us, we wouldn’t have a single idea or thought. It’s humbling and empowering at the same time.

“Have you ever given orders to the morning, or shown the dawn its place, 
that it might take the earth by the edges and shake the wicked out of it?” (38:12-13, NIV)

No, but wouldn’t you love to shake the wicked right out of this world? Wait! Would that include me??? I think on impulse how I would love to see all wickedness and evil and cruelty be shaken right out of our world, and then I realize that I have lived a less-than-pristine life, myself, and I want every opportunity I am given to prove to God that I can try harder this time, do better, make more of my gifts, think nicer things about people, say kinder words, and do kinder actions. We want the wicked to be eliminated until we realize that would include us, too.

“Have you seen the gates of the shadow of death?
Have you comprehended the vast expanses of the earth? Tell me, if you know all this.
What is the way to the abode of light? And where does darkness reside?
Can you take them to their places? Do you know the paths to their dwellings?
Surely you know, for you were already born! You have lived so many years!” (38:17-21, NIV)

I love this tongue-in-cheek way that God is dealing His one-two punch to Job, his friends, and to us, the readers of His Word. As a parent, for those of you who are parents, isn’t that just the only way to get through to the kids sometime? Stating all of the obvious? Sometimes yelling and spankings and anger and fire and brimstone just don’t cut it. Sometimes, it’s the eerie calm and “just the facts, ma’am” attitude that makes the greatest impact…with children and with us.

“Do you know the laws of the heavens? Can you set up God’s dominion over the earth?” (38:33, NIV)

Yikes! Wouldn’t you hate to have God say these words directly to you? I know I would. I would be shaking in my sneakers!!! But, the fact is, my friends, God does speak these words to us, still. We know what we are supposed to do, we know how we are supposed to act, we know the steps we could be taking to a deeper relationship with God, but sometimes, don’t we let our human nature and what we perceive as our own knowledge get in the way? Don’t we all tend to think ourselves ruler every now and then (some more often than others)?

He knows the number of stars in the sky, while we can only guesstimate.

He counts the grains of sand that cover the earth with just a moment’s thought, and we couldn’t even begin to know.

He knows the number of hairs on our heads, even as they change, fall out, grow back, and thin out every hour of every day.

He knows the number of breaths and heart beats and seconds of your lifetime.

He cares about every detail and has dominion over all simultaneously. Just when I thought I was a multi-tasker, I go and think of all that God juggles effortlessly.

Friends, I am tickled that you have come along with me on this journey, and further thrilled that you are still hanging in there. Daily steps like this one bring each of us closer to a relationship with our Lord and Creator. And, as is our goal in this undertaking, we are building the stable, unshakable foundation that will be there for the rest of our natural lives, as we continue to build up our temples to Him. We are temples of His power, grace, and love; we are living proof that He loves us and forgives us for all of our human sinfulness. This is the end of two weeks together. We have 50 more weeks to go, but this is not a daunting task, it’s an uplifting journey. Two weeks down, one more and psychologists will consider what we are doing a “habit.” And, friends, unlike so many habits that break down our physical bodies and will power, this habit is uplifting, bringing us ever closer to the knowledge and understanding He has in store for each of us. Praise God and keep reading!!!

Tomorrow’s reading (Part 2 of our one-two punch!): Job, the final chapters, 40-42

Make it a great day,
Marilyn

Category:

Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Creation, Eternity, Job

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8) Believing what we think we know

We are waist deep in Job, now, and as I study today’s scripture passage and prepare to write, I am struck by how glad I am to be studying just this thing today. Right now, I am facing some challenges that are rocking me a bit. Nothing earth-shattering. Nothing compared to Job and the devastation that faced him. And, nothing compared to what so many of you reading with me are likely going through. But for me, today is a challenge. It’s wonderful at times like this to have scripture to go to for direction and assurance, though, isn’t it? Just as Job said, “My eyes have grown dim with grief; my whole frame is but a shadow” (17:7),when we go through particularly difficult times, we tend to see only the worst in the world around us. But there is hope for the hopeless: our God!

Today’s scripture reading: Job, chapters 17-20

As I read today’s passage, I actually began to see the point of view from Job’s friend’s side. What it boils down to, is that they knew only one way: bad people are punished, and good people are rewarded. Instead of seeing roadblocks or hiccups in their plans as challenges, they saw them as slaps on the wrist. They spoke what they knew.

I can certainly relate to that. We all do that. Even when we are dead wrong, if we don’t know we are wrong and only know the wrong information, we are still going to argue vehemently…but still be dead wrong. Job’s friends are convinced that Job must have really been a horrible, sinful man under the facade, which has finally caught up with him. Zophar spoke of this directly, but they all have in their own lengthy lectures:

“Surely you know how it has been from old, ever since man was placed on the earth, that the mirth of the wicked is brief, the joy of the godless lasts but a moment. Though his pride reaches to the heavens and his head touches the clouds, he will perish forever, like his own dung; those who have seen him will say, ‘Where is he?’ Like a dream he flies away, no more to be found, banished like a vision of he night.” (20:4-8)

As much as reading all of the lessons they gave Job in his grief, and being angered and effected by their words much like Job was, it is only today that I am finally seeing their point. They only spoke what they know.

This is one of my concerns with this collection of chronological Bible study posts, as well. I am reading my prescribed passages every day and writing about them, journalling about them, really. I am not researching every passage or reading complimentary study guides to further enhance my reading and understanding. That would be nice, but even this project takes a couple of precious hours a day, and this is exactly as I meant it to be. Me, my Bible, my thoughts, and a computer in my lap. I want my own understanding–at least this time around–to be as unfiltered as possible. Sometimes, my ramblings may be just that as I type my steady stream of conscious thought on the given subject. Some days (hopefully), my thoughts on the day’s scripture reading will be cohesive and flow. But all days, I will just be writing from my own knowledge base and my own thoughts. I am no Biblical scholar. I attended a wonderful Christian university, Abilene Christian University, long enough to go through two years of biblical studies (these are considered fundamental classes there), so I actually have studied the entire Bible at least once (in theory)…or at least I’ve been tested on it. But, then I read a passage that I could swear I’ve never even seen before. I never slept through class, but I was probably doodling a lot. (Let me just say that if I had those few years to do over again, I would. I took that time and that incredible university for granted so badly…but that’s a whole other soap box) I have taught Sunday School and mentored and even did a summer stint as a Director of Children’s Ministries at my church, but I’ll be the first to admit that I feel that my Biblical foundation is still pretty sandy. And that is why I am here today. Reading. Studying. Soaking it all it, one inspired Word at a time. Writing. This time around, I am wasting nothing of His precious teaching.

Tomorrow’s reading: Job, chapters 21-23

Make it a great day, Marilyn

Category:

Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Gifts & Talents, Job, Seeing God

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2) Seven

God said to Cain in warning, “Sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.” (Gen 4:7b) That partial verse jumped out of the pages at me this morning and I haven’t been able to shake it all day. Sin desires to have you, me, our families, our friends; Sin is crouching at our doors just waiting for the tiniest shred of hope of welcome. 

Today’s reading: Genesis, chapters 4-7

Rather than focusing today’s discussion on Noah, the one who did everything just as God commanded him (6:22), I want to focus on today. The Lord saw how great man’s wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. (6:5) We can look around today and know deep down that our thoughts, words and actions often cause our Creator to grieve just as He did in Noah’s day.

I’m not one for fire and brimstone, though, so don’t panic! Instead of going down that gloomy road, let’s instead look for scriptures throughout the Word that speak to the “Seven Deadly Sins,” so that we will each be better equipped when sin is knocking at our doors. Let’s pull the welcome mat right out from under him!

Anger

From our reading today, when Cain’s offering to the Lord was not of the firstfruits and, therefore, not of the caliber of Abel’s offering, God spoke to Cain and said, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted?“ (4:6-7a)

The next scripture I felt was worth sharing, would be a tricky memory verse because it is so lengthy, but I find that is true with practically any scripture in the Amplified version, as it is so expressive and explanatory. However, for this particular verse, the more involved version leaves no questions on the table about what God is speaking to us, so I love it and thought it well worth the “wordiness.”  ”But I say to you that everyone who continues to be angry with his brother or harbors malice (enmity of heart) against him shall be liable to and unable to escape the punishment imposed by the court; and whoever speaks contemptuously and insultingly to his brother shall be liable to and unable to escape the punishment imposed by the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, ‘You cursed fool! [You empty-headed idiot!]‘ shall be liable to and unable to escape the hell (Gehenna) of fire.” (Matthew 5:22)

My heart swells as I read these words from David: Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret–it leads only to evil. For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land. (Psalm 37:7-9)

Serve the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful singing. (Psalm 100:2)

Greed

Studying the gospels in parallel is so interesting to me personally that I wanted to share these two versions of the same teaching from Jesus in relation to greed: 1) “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside they are full of robbery and self-indulgence.” (Matthew 23:25)  2) “Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness.” (Luke 11:39)

Jesus then warned, “beware and be on your guard against every form of greed: for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.” (Luke 12:15)

Sloth

When we neglect to recognize God’s Spirit in our own lives and are apathetic and lazy in pursuing after Him, we greatly sin against our Creator. And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. (Hebrews 6:11-12)

Not foresaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:25)

And, the ultimate example of apathy toward this abundant life we are striving after: The sluggard buries his hand in the dish, but will not even bring it back to his mouth. (Proverbs 19:24)

Pride

When we allow pride to be our guide, it will, instead become our eternal ruin. Who is it you have insulted and blasphemed?  Against who have you raised your voice and lifted your eyes in pride? Against the Holy One of Israel! (2 Kings 19:22)

In his pride the wicked does not seek Him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God. (Psalm 10:4)   (10-4, indeed!)

When pride comes, then comes dishonor, but with the humble is wisdom. (Proverbs 11:2)

The Lord is good to those who depend on Him, to those who search for Him. (Lamentations 3:25)

Lust

Woe to the city of blood, full of lies, full of plunder, never without victims! The crack of whips, the clatter of wheels, galloping horses and jolting chariots! Charging cavalry  flashing swords and glittering spears! Many casualties, piles of dead, bodies without number, people stumbling over the corpses–all because of the wanton lust of a harlot, alluring, the mistress of sorceries, who enslaved nations by her prostitution and peoples by her witchcraft. (Nahum 3:1-4)

This one covers a lot of bases, but the wording is so strong, that it feels to me like it leans toward not only lust of the flesh, but the lustfulness of greed, envy, pride, etc. But among you there must not even be a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. (Ephesians 5:3)

Wow! This scripture grips me right at my past! I wonder if I had read or heard this scripture back when I was living such a depraved life, so far from God, if it would have gotten my attention. I wonder if I would have truly heard it. I wonder who else needs to hear it today! Why would we continue to walk on the path of our own sinfulness, when there is such fullness and grace in walking with Him, seeking Him, and putting all of that other junk well behind us. For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do–living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. (1 Peter 4:3)

Envy

When we stop envying the people and possessions the world has to offer, we succeed by heavenly standards!  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2)

Life is not a competition, it’s a journey and we’re all on this journey together. We may each be journeying through our own seasons, highs and lows, but that’s not for any of us to judge or follow after.  Let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall. (Romans 14:13)

Gluttony/Over-Indulgence

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)

You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. (James 5:5)

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Marilyn Horton

Marilyn Horton

I welcome you to add your own scriptures relating to any of these “Seven Deadly Sins” in the comments section below. Or, if you would like to expand on something based on one of the scriptures or personal thoughts already listed above, please do so. Iron sharpens iron, and we are all on this road together, just working daily to follow after Him.

Tomorrow’s reading: Genesis 8-11

Until then

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Category:

1 Peter, 2 Kings, Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Ephesians, Genesis, Hebrews, James, Lamentations, Luke, Matthew, Micah, Nahum, Proverbs, Psalms, Romans

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