Adding Sin to Sin

- Isaiah 30:1

INTRODUCTION

Many people take a lax attitude toward sin. They choose to continue in sin thinking that the consequences are not mounting up. The scriptures indicate something quite different. At one point, the people of God came to the prophet Samuel in great fear because they had “added unto all [their] sins this evil, to ask . . . a king” (1 Samuel 12:19
). At another time, the heads of the children of Ephraim stood up and said, “whereas we have offended against the LORD already, ye intend to add more to our sins and to our trespass” (2 Chronicles 28:13
). It is imperative that men be sober minded concerning sin. Even if a man is saved, he should not continue in sin that grace may abound (Romans 6:1-2 ).

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): John the Baptist had reproved king Herod for many evils, including the taking of his brother's wife. Herod added to his sins by putting John into prison and having him beheaded (Luke 3:18-20 ; Matthew 14:10
  ).
• (For everyone): Are you daily adding sin to sin? Are you unwilling to consider God’s disgust for your sin? Are you unaware that men will give account for the things done in their bodies (2 Corinthians 5:10
  )?
• How does it show a lack of wisdom when an individual decides that it is a light matter to continue to add new sins to those already present in the heart?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask the Lord to give you a distaste for sin.
• Ask God to show you the nature of your own heart.

Bearing the Sins of Many

- Hebrews 9:28

INTRODUCTION

The Bible repeatedly says that the soul that sins shall bear his iniquity (Leviticus 5:1
, 17). How does a man bear his iniquity? The answer is quite simple: by suffering the consequences of those sins. Thus, the scripture says, “The soul that sinneth, it shall die” (Ezekiel 18:20
). The apostle Paul confirmed the point by stating, “For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23
). A lost man who sins has the unfortunate burden of continually bearing his own sins. Why? Because he has not trusted in Christ’s payment for sins. “Christ was . . . offered to bear the sins of many” (Hebrews 9:28
). It is Christ “who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree” (1 Peter 2:24
). Thus, man’s choice is whether to continue to bear his own sin or allow Christ to bear it for him through His death on the cross.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Through Adam’s disobedience, sin entered into the world (Romans 5:12
  ) and every man has to bear his own sin (Numbers 15:31
  ). However, the Lord Jesus Christ came to bear your sin (Isaiah 53:4-6 , 12; Romans 5:19
  ; 1 Corinthians 15:3
  ; 2 Corinthians 5:21
  ; Galatians 1:4
  ). Will you accept Him today (Romans 10:13
  )?
• (For everyone): Are you going to bear your own sins, or did Christ bear them for you on the cross? Why is this so important? What happens to those who seek to bear their own iniquities?
• In what ways did Christ bear our sins in His body while on the cross? What is the significance of the phrase “that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness” (1 Peter 2:24
  )?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Thank the Lord for bearing your sins.
• Ask God to teach you more about what He did for you.

The Greater Sin

- John 19:11

INTRODUCTION

In many ways, sin is simply sin. However, the Bible seems to indicate that sins carry varying weights or repercussions. The Bible points to the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah as “very grievous” (Genesis 18:20
). Joseph indicated that taking the wife of his master would have been a “great wickedness” (Genesis 39:9
). Moses declared that Israel’s idolatry in the wilderness was a “great sin” (Exodus 32:31
). The sins of Eli’s sons were said to be “very great” before the LORD (1 Samuel 2:17
). David confessed that he had “sinned greatly” (1 Chronicles 21:8
). And, according to the Saviour, there was one that had the “greater sin” than that of Pilate (John 19:10-11 ). Although sin is sin, it seems scriptural that some sins are greater than others.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Through visions, God showed Ezekiel the sins that were being committed in the temple (2 Chronicles 36:14
  ). In each vision, the sin became greater than the one Ezekiel saw before (Ezekiel 8:6
  , 13, 15). God was just in allowing His people to go into captivity.
• (For everyone): What are descriptive words associated with sin (i.e., abomination)? Is it possible that some of these terms actually indicate varying weights of sin?
• If all sins are a violation of God’s law, why would some sins be greater than others? Do some sins bring more reproach to the Lord? Do some sins bring more harm to others?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to guard you from the greater sins.
• Ask the Lord to help you understand the complexities of sin.

Make It Right

- Leviticus 6:1-5

INTRODUCTION

When a man gets right with the Lord, he should likewise look for opportunities to make things right with his fellow man. If he stole, he should look for an opportunity to restore that which he stole. If he lied, he should go back and tell the truth. If he hurt someone, he should apologize for any harm he caused. This should be the natural overflow of a man’s heart when he realizes he has done wrong. Perhaps the greatest example of this truth occurred in the life of Zacchaeus. When he met the Lord, he declared, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold” (Luke 19:8
).

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Samuel challenged the people to examine his life and if he had done anything wrong to them, he offered to make things right (1 Samuel 12:2-5 ). We should be like Samuel. Consider these other examples (2 Samuel 12:1-6 ; Nehemiah 5:7-12 ; Proverbs 6:30-31 ).
• (For everyone): Have you stolen? Have you lied? Have you hurt someone wrongfully? What should you do in an effort to make things right? Are you willing to do what needs to be done?
• Failure to make things right could hinder your walk and effectiveness for Christ. Are you willing to let your pride keep you from doing what is right?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to show you opportunities to make things right.
• Ask the Lord to keep your pride from hindering you.

Some Things Cannot Be Undone

- Numbers 14:39-45

INTRODUCTION

Sin brings consequences. Although the blood of Christ cleanseth from all sin (1 John 1:7
), some things cannot merely be undone. The children of Israel were supposed to go into the land of promise, but they chose to believe the report of the ten faithless men, rejecting the faithful report of Joshua and Caleb (Numbers 13:26-33 ; Numbers 14:1-10 ). It was not until the people heard the looming judgment from God that they changed their minds and determined that they would go into the land of promise. They thought they could merely change their minds and remove all the consequences of sin but soon found out that that was not their prerogative. With or without forgiveness, sin has certain consequences.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Esau despised his birthright and could not get it back (Genesis 25:29-34 ; Hebrews 12:16-17 ). Disrespectful children could not take their words back (2 Kings 2:23-24 ). Saul was disobedient and lost his throne and then his life (1 Chronicles 10:13-14 ).
• (For everyone): What are some sins in the Bible that were forgiven but still brought lasting consequences (i.e., David and Bathsheba, Moses smiting the rock)? What can you learn from these examples?
• What are some sins in the Bible that were forgiven but still brought lasting consequences (i.e., David and Bathsheba, Moses smiting the rock)? What can you learn from these examples?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to give you wisdom concerning the danger of sin.
• Ask the Lord to help you as you deal with the sins of your past.

The Sin Which Doth So Easily Beset Us

- Hebrews 12:1

INTRODUCTION

Sin affects people in various ways. According to Hebrews 12:1
, sin hinders the efforts to run the race God has set before each person. The passage specifically suggests that sin besets men. What exactly does that mean? The scripture uses the word beset six times. It is used with the words “round about” (Judges 19:22
; Judges 20:5
), “round” (Psalm 22:12
), and “about” (Hosea 7:2
). Each usage gives the impression of being surrounded or imprisoned for the purpose of doing harm to another. This rightly portrays the impact of sin upon the individual. Sin surrounds men and attacks them in every facet of life, leaving them no place to run or to hide. It hinders their walk with God and hurts their ability to reach others for the cause of Christ.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Paul knew all too well how sin surrounds us (Romans 7:18-23 ). He said it is present with us (Romans 7:21
  ). Yet, with God's help, we can overcome any sin (Romans 7:24-25 ; 1 Corinthians 9:27
  ; 2 Corinthians 9:8
  ; Galatians 2:20
  ; Galatians 5:24
  ).
• (For everyone): Is there a particular “sin which doth so easily beset” you? Does it stop you in your tracks and keep you from being able to effectively run your race for the Lord?
• How does sin box you in or surround you so that you cannot effectively serve the Lord? Would you rather enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season or abundantly please the Lord?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to show you if you are not effectively running the Christian race.
• Ask the Lord to show you the dangers of besetting sins.

Fools Make a Mock at Sin

- Proverbs 14:9

INTRODUCTION

The Bible says that fools make a mock at sin. To understand the import of this passage, one must biblically grasp more fully the meaning of the word mock. According to the scripture, to mock is to deceive (Judges 16:10
, 13, 15; Proverbs 20:1
), deride (Matthew 27:29-31 ), laugh at (2 Chronicles 30:10
; Job 12:4
; Proverbs 1:26
), or make light of (Job 39:22
). Additionally interesting, the word mock came into English from a word that meant to blow the nose. Men who make light of a statement or event often demonstrate their mockery by this type of nose-blowing gesture. However, sin is not to be considered a light matter and this type of attitude should never be demonstrated toward sin. God is not to be mocked (Galatians 6:7
) and sin is not to be mocked.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Jeroboam caused Israel to sin (1 Kings 12:20
  , 26-30). Ahab took Jeroboam’s sins lightly and did worse acts than he did (1 Kings 16:30-33 ; Proverbs 10:23
  a). God was not mocked (2 Kings 17:22-23 ). Judah mocked God's messengers and did not get away with it (2 Chronicles 36:14-20 ; Jeremiah 25:11
  ).
• (For everyone): Do you make a mock at sin? Do you mock when the preacher preaches against sin? Do you mock when you read of God’s warnings concerning sin? If so, what kind of person does the Bible suggest that you are?
• According to Jude 1:18
  , mockers walk after their own ungodly lusts. Think of some people in scripture who fit that description.

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to give you a healthy fear of Him and a fear of sin.
• Ask the Lord to show you the present condition of your heart.

THE JOY OF THANKS-LIVING

"In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18
 

We are heading into the best time of the year – the Thanksgiving/Christmas season.  I just love being with family and friends … enjoying great food, great fellowship, and great football (Go Longhorns!).

As we enter Thanksgiving, we tend to focus on our blessings and giving thanks for God’s goodness.  While that is certainly a good thing, it is not the best thing.  The best thing is to turn Thanksgiving into Thanks-living.  Regardless of the day or the situation, God wants us to be thankful.  Why is that?

1.  Thanks-living lets God know you have confidence in Him, no matter how deep the problems or how dire the circumstances.  Thanks is faith turned inside out.            

2.  Thanks-living changes your countenance and disposition.  Instead of being down and discouraged, spreading gloom and despair everywhere you go, you begin to radiate the joy of the Lord.  The best witnesses for Christ are those who are facing life’s trials with a song of thanksgiving on their lips.

3.  Thanks-living opens the door for God to work.  God hates it when we grumble and gripe ... but He loves it when we praise and give thanks.  As we begin to live a life of thankfulness to God, He begins to work, even through the toughest trials and tests of faith.  Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into prison … and they sang a hymn of praise to the Lord.  And when they finished singing, the Lord sent a jailhouse rock, and the prison doors were opened.  You mark it down: God does miracles on our behalf when we choose to thank Him and praise Him, even in the deepest, darkest pit.

Let me challenge you as I challenge myself.  Discipline yourself to give thanks in everything.  Thank Him for the mountains … and thank Him for the valleys.  He is worthy of all your thanks and praise.
  A Prayer You May Need to Pray

Dear God, I hate to say it, but I have been guilty of grumbling and griping about all my problems and trials.  I have failed to be thankful and to remember that You are at work in my life, even through all the troubles.  Please forgive me, God.  I want to be a person who keeps my eyes on You and praises You, no matter what may come my way.  So, thank you God for these blessings (name them) and these challenges (name them).  I know You are in control of all things.  I know You love me and work all things together for my good.  I choose to trust You, Lord.  Teach me to be a “praiser” who always finds the good ... and not a complainer who always finds the bad.   In Jesus' name, amen.

Love,

Jeff Schreve www.fromhisheart.org

Reset Your Gratitude Meter

1 Thessalonians 5:18

KJV 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

 

What are you thankful for? We gather, every year at this time, to reflect on the blessings of God over the past year. But in most families, Thanksgiving is less about real gratitude and more about stuffing your face, watching football, and hanging with the family. Some actually dread Thanksgiving, because they're forced to sit in a room with people they really don't enjoy. 

Now I'm all in favor of the food and the football. But this year, let's make Thanksgiving about giving and about thanks. This year, more than any, might force us to dig deeper. For many, it will mark a year since they've had employment .For others, Thanksgiving will bring another reminder that they haven't found that significant other. And there are those couples who have to face the family questions of why they still can't have children. 

For many, this was a year marked by pain. So how do we summon the gratitude? Well, if you're a Christian, you're basis is not your circumstances, but something greater. Paul tells the people of Thessalonica that they could "give thanks in everything." Why? Because this was the "will of God in Christ." 

In other words, followers of Christ believe that every piece of hardship is a grace gift from the Lord, sent for their growth, sanctification, and further intimacy with the Almighty. We don't believe we're here on this earth all alone. We believe God is firmly in charge. 

Though life may get hard--and it does--it all falls under God's sovereign will. And so we give thanks. 

As Americans, we really have cause for gratitude. I have to periodically remind myself of this and remind my family. We so easily get caught up in the easy lust for more stuff. Bigger house, nicer car, better clothes, newest gadgets. But then I remember my travels to third world countries, where I've seen real poverty--and real gratitude on the part of the Christians there. 

Tonight, my kids will go to bed with full stomachs. They'll have a roof over their heads. They will have two parents in the next room. They will ride in a nice car. They will have a future that includes a good education. All of those are things most kids in the world don't have. And so, they should be grateful. 

Let's not sit around the table carping about the election, complaining about our job status, whining about injustices from friends. Let's instead reset our gratitude meters and offer genuine, heartfelt thanks to God. For salvation in Christ. For His daily care. And for friends and family He graciously provides. Oh, and for wives that allow us to stuff our faces and watch football.

Daniel Darling is an author, pastor, and public speaker. His latest book is Crash Course, Forming a Faith Foundation for Life. Visit him on Facebook by clicking here, follow on him on Twitter at twitter.com/dandarling, or check out his website: danieldarling.com.

The Kind of Prayer God Answers

By Rick Warren

“According to your faith let it be done to you” (Matthew 9:29b NIV).

There’s only one kind of prayer that God answers: the prayer of faith. Matthew 9:29b says, “According to your faith let it be done to you” (NIV). We see so little in our lives because we expect so little in our lives.

What is faith? You may say, “I believe God can do it!” But that’s not faith; that’s just a fact. God can do it whether you believe it or not. “I believe God might do it” is not faith either. That’s hope. “I believe God will do it” -- that’s faith.

Some people are praying about their spiritual, financial, and health goals, and they think because they’re asking for good things that they want, God will answer their prayer. But desire is not faith. It can lead to faith, but it’s not faith.

If I take a seed and plant it in the ground and in a few months, it sprouts and I get a tomato plant from it, is that a miracle? No. I simply cooperated with the laws of God’s universe, and it happened. When I pray, believing and following the conditions laid out in Scripture, and God answers, is that a miracle? No. It is simply in line with the universal laws of life that God has ordained.

The Bible says, “according to your faith,” not according to your ability, your education, or how good a person you are. If you have met the conditions of Scripture -- you have an honest relationship with God, you have forgiven others, you're willing to share the results with other people, and you're asking God in faith -- you have every right to expect God to answer your prayers.

Talk It Over

What would you say to God in a prayer of faith?

How can desire lead to faith?

Why does God want you to pray in faith?

When God Looks on Us with Favor

Isaiah 66:1-2

Believers are always under the canopy of God’s grace and love. Nothing we do can change that. At the same time, our behavior and heart condition do determine whether we receive the fullness of His blessings. Today’s passage teaches us how to experience the Father’s favor.

First, He desires that we have a contrite heart and a humble spirit (Ps. 51:17). For that to be the case, all aspects of our lives must be surrendered to Jesus. Yet some dreams, desires, and people are difficult to release into His hands.

Anything we do not give over to His authority is evidence of pride, the exact opposite of what our Father wants in His children. Remember that “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). Lack of submission proves that we think our way is better than His plan.

Second, God tells us to tremble at His Word (Isa. 66:2). Scripture--the unfolding revelation of Jesus Himself--is living and powerful to teach and transform us. Consider how we treat this treasure. Do we devote time each day to know what the Bible says and how to apply its principles? Do we hunger for more of the Word in our lives so we can know its Author better? One measure of our reverence is obedience: to honor the Lord, we must obey Him.

We all desire God’s favor. Are you living in a manner that positions you to receive His full blessings? Prayerfully consider whether you have submitted all areas of your life--from finances and health to relationships and work habits--to Jesus Christ. Recognize His authority in all things, and revere His Word.

from Dr. Charles Stanley

Salutations in the Lord

- 1 Corinthians 16:19

INTRODUCTION

Everything about the Christian life is wrapped up and founded in the person of Jesus Christ. For instance, the Bible says that the saints witness to the lost “in Christ’s stead” (2 Corinthians 5:20
). The saints find their approval “in Christ” (Romans 16:10
). Their love for each other is “in Christ Jesus” (1 Corinthians 16:24
). It should, therefore, be of no surprise that the saints’ salutations are also given “in the Lord” (Romans 16:22
; 1 Corinthians 16:19
). This means that the salutations of the saints are to be given through prayer along with the word of God and will of God in mind. The saints of God should salute one another as led by the Lord to do so. Those salutations are offered as ambassadors of Christ.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Read Colossians 3:17
  a. This includes salutations. Our greetings should bring glory to God (1 Corinthians 10:31
  ). Our greetings should build people up in the Lord (1 Corinthians 14:26
  b; 2 Corinthians 12:19
  b; Ephesians 4:29
  ).
• (For everyone): Read some of Paul’s salutations. What words or phrases did he use to signify that his salutations were given with the will of God and the ministry in mind?
• Do you greet your brothers and sisters in Christ only with carnal talk and carnal subjects? How can this be a sinful practice and a failure on your part to minister for the Lord?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask the Lord to help you take your salutations seriously.
• Ask God to help you realize that you are always His ambassador.

What Is Sin?

- 1 John 3:4

INTRODUCTION

The scripture provides several examples of sin. According to Proverbs 21:4
, “An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.” Proverbs 24:9
adds, “The thought of foolishness is sin.” Romans 14:23
says, “whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” James 4:17
declares, “to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” 1 John 5:17
broadens the scope by stating that “All unrighteousness is sin.” Although all of these thoughts serve to help man’s understanding of sin, none seem to completely identify exactly what constitutes sin. However, First John clearly and definitively defines sin: “sin is the transgression of the law” (1 John 3:4
).

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): We sin when we disobey God's commandments (Exodus 20:3-17 ). Read what David said when he broke the sixth and seventh commandments (2 Samuel 12:9
  , 13a); Achan when he broke the eighth and tenth commandments (Joshua 7:20-21 ); and Saul when he broke the first commandment (1 Samuel 15:24
  ). Have you ever broken the fifth commandment? Then that is sin.
• (For everyone): What is the relationship of sin and the law of God? Why does law have to exist before there can be sin? What kind of laws did God have in place before the law of Moses?
• What are some things you would consider to be sin? Which laws of God are violated by these actions?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to give you a greater understanding of sin.
• Ask the Lord to give you His hatred for sin.

My Sins Are Not Hid

- Psalm 69:50

INTRODUCTION

The Bible says that “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good” (Proverbs 15:3
). His eyes are upon all men’s ways: they are not hid from God’s face, neither is their iniquity hid from His eyes (Jeremiah 16:17
). “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do” (Hebrews 4:13
). Regardless of all of man’s efforts, he is completely incapable of hiding his wickedness from a God that fills heaven and earth (Jeremiah 23:24
). The Lord knows man’s foolishness (Psalm 69:5
); He can search it out although it is hidden in the very depths of man’s heart (Psalm 44:20-21 ).

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): 1 John 3:20
  says, "God . . . knoweth all things." Consider these other verses that support this truth: Job 10:14
  ; Job 14:16
  ; Job 31:4
  ; Job 34:21
  ; Proverbs 5:21
  ; Jeremiah 32:19
  ; Ezekiel 11:5
  . Why is it important to know that God knows all things?
• (For everyone): Are you hoping that God cannot see what you are doing? Are you prayerful that God does not know the thoughts of your heart? You are going to be disappointed!
• How does God feel about sin? What does it mean for men that God can plainly see all their sins? Why is it vain for man to seek ways to hide his sins from God?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask the Lord to remind you every day that He can see all.
• Ask God to give you a heart for those who are deceived by sin.