sinfulness – Be Still…

Galatians 5:16-26 – Who’s In Charge?

Do these verses give you a clearer picture of the phenomenon of having a conscience? It’s a lot more personal than that when you imagine the Holy Spirit guiding your direction. In fact, as you get to know the Holy Spirit, you’ll begin to recognize the help you’re receiving. I’ve been known to say something like, “The spirit inside me is suggesting another way for me.”

I can almost picture the little devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other. When situations warrant, these two fight it out. Just like verse 17b says, “These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.” As believers, we want the angel to win and protect us from making bad choices. We want to be listening to the Holy Spirit and letting him control. We’re much more likely to succeed and avoid temptation. Continue reading “Galatians 5:16-26 – Who’s In Charge?”

1 John 1:8-9 – Confess It!

“If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” (1 John 1:8-9)

I was baptized and confirmed Lutheran, so this memory verse is very familiar. Growing up, the pastor would say these words every week during the Confession/Forgiveness part of our liturgy or order of worship. My mind was blown when years later I realized the pastor was quoting scripture.

Context: 1 John 1 is not a very long chapter, but John includes a lot of wisdom here. He shares more about Jesus’ teachings about sin not already contained in his gospel. It speaks of living in the light and how we mustn’t hide our sin but rather confess it. It is then that we are forgiven. Continue reading “1 John 1:8-9 – Confess It!”

Ezekiel 33:21-33 – Remaining Faithful

Read Ezekiel 33:21-33

It’s an interesting experience reading through Ezekiel realizing that his time stamped prophecies are not in chronological order. If your brain works craves “order” like mine, I’ve put a post over in the “Devotions on the Go!” Facebook group that sets out the order one should read these dated texts.

The good news is that we’re now in the final section of Ezekiel’s writings which are more filled with hope. As Israel’s watchman, Ezekiel will now focus more on the restoration of God’s people. Will they at last respond favorably to God? Continue reading “Ezekiel 33:21-33 – Remaining Faithful”

Ezekiel 32:17-32 – The Pit of Hell

Read Ezekiel 32:17-32

In case you weren’t counting, this is the seventh prophecy set aside for Egypt. It’s that important to God to get this message out. In this final reading, we’re taken into the depths. “For I will send them down to the world below in company with those who descend to the pit.” We get a glimpse at the pit of hell.

How did it make you feel to read about the place of the dead you never want to see in person? Did it surprise you to see a reference like this in the Bible? What are some of the themes revealed? Do you think this is where Jesus went between his crucifixion and resurrection? Continue reading “Ezekiel 32:17-32 – The Pit of Hell”

Ezekiel 23:36-49 – Shameless

Read Ezekiel 23:36-49

This reading concludes the section speaking of the sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, and their detestable sins. The LORD wants Ezekiel to call them out and not be afraid to speak against Samaria and Jerusalem. Their judgment is set. The LORD decreed, “Bring an army against them and hand them over to be terrorized and plundered.”

When personification is used like this, it’s easier to assign human emotion or responses to these lewd acts. It was a nation, not an individual, who engaged in the shameful behaviors. From all the accounts we’ve read, these nations didn’t seem to care. These people were clearly more focused on their own agenda without regard for the consequences. Continue reading “Ezekiel 23:36-49 – Shameless”