Chapter 17: Let No Sin…
Sin can appear so beautiful and right and acceptable to our human eyes. It can seem so natural that we end up questioning, as the serpent in the Garden once questioned, “Did God really say….” (Genesis 3:1)
Sin can appear so beautiful and right and acceptable to our human eyes. It can seem so natural that we end up questioning, as the serpent in the Garden once questioned, “Did God really say….” (Genesis 3:1)
The goodness of God is always present—even in difficult circumstances, even when we can’t see it. He does not give up on us when we rail against Him in fear and anger. He is I AM. Always present. Always there. And though I believe it hurts His heart to see us in pain, there is goodness even in the pain.
Maybe you aren’t prone to outright lying, but when it comes to living the Christian life it is so easy to fall into the trap of “going along to get along,” or “faking it till you make it.” We sing hallelujahs on Sunday morning, but our hearts are full of bitterness, judgement, fear, and pride. This is what Scripture calls a “double-minded” person.
Nun “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws. I have suffered much; preserve my life, O Lord, according to your word. Accept, O Lord, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me…
Exercise is good for me, this I know. The super-toned, peppy lady on the video told me so. Some days, though, my head knowledge does not always translate to a physical “want-to.” Can you relate? Slogging through a cardio-pilates video, I listened to the perky coach talk about motivation. Usually these pep-talks are comprised of,…
Dear Friends 2019 has dawned, and just like that, we close the books on another year. 2018 rushed past us like a leaf on the whitewater current of time. It’s true what they say: the older you get, the faster time goes. Yet, here we are with a new year, like a fresh piece of…
Mem “Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me. I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts. I…
Lamedh “Your word, O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures.
Kaph “My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word. My eyes fail, looking for your promise; I say, “When will you comfort me?”
Yodh “Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands.
Teth “Do good to your servant according to your word, O Lord. Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I believe in your commands. Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word. You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees.
Love, Obedience and Trials “You are my portion, O Lord; I have promised to obey your words. I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise. I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes. I will hasten and not delay to obey…
The Glad Game or…An Exercise in Perspective
“May your unfailing love come to me, O Lord, your salvation according to your promise; then I will answer the one who taunts me, for I trust in your word. Do not snatch the word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws. I will always obey your law,…
“Teach me, O Lord, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish…