“See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, ad by it many be defiled.” Hebrews 12:15 Sin always has a consequence. The more public it is, the greater the consequence. Miriam let her jealousy get out of hand. When this happened, it sprung up, and many were defiled because of her jealousy. Bitterness sets in when we allow jealousy into our lives. Miriam criticized her brother and brought her other brother into this. As a leader, she used her giftedness and position to lead the others into doubt, criticism, and to question Moses. She was not…
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Eve
For the creation was subjected to futility—not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it—in the hope that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage of corruption into the glorious freedom of God’s children. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together with labor pains until now. Romans 8:20-22 The first woman created- Eve. She will forever be the woman first to sin, who ate the forbidden fruit. Eve was the final part of creation. Then God rested. Eve was made for Adam to be a companion. A helpmate. They were meant to complement one another where the other was weak. Their strengths…
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Advent: Day Thirteen
For unto us, a child is born, to us, a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 Immanuel: God with us. Have you ever gone through a time of excitement? Have you ever had to go through a crisis? Have you ever heard God speak to you during either one of these moments? God is a great God. He is a gentle, kind, loving God. When He speaks to us, He also walks with us. He doesn’t leave us to walk through hard things. He doesn’t leave us to walk through…
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He Thanked Jesus
Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Luke 17:15-16 Have you thanked God for your salvation, love, grace, and all of his spiritual benefits? We must never forget to thank him. What God has done for us should make us want to thank God continually. We should want to approach Him with a grateful heart. They sang, praising and giving thanks to the LORD, saying, “For He is good, for His lovingkindness is upon Israel forever.” And all the people shouted with a great shout…
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Spending Time With God
No temptation has overtaken you, except what is common to humankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 Have you realized that having a personal bible study time with God helps cultivate time alone with God? Who is the person you spend most of your time with? What do you love about this person? What is something surprising you have learned about this person from when you have spent time with them? When you are married, you get to know…
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Bread
Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never go thirsty. John 6:35 Read Genesis 3:8-24. Take notice and look closely at the word bread (some translation may use the word food). Did you notice how the word bread/food was a part of sin’s consequence? When Adam and Eve were in the garden of Eden, they gathered their food from the trees. When they sinned, the ground was cursed. Now Adam and Eve had to work at growing their food. This was not easy work, but very hard work. Awe! Bread!! IT is good. Bread…
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Into The Gray
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice – the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:1-2 Do you struggle with the gray areas of life? What are some gray areas that come to your mind? Read…
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Freedom
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God‘s love. Neither death nor life, nor angels nor demons, Neither our fears for today or our worries about tomorrow- not even the powers of hell can separate us from God‘s love. Romans 8:38 How many of you celebrate our countries freedom? Americans celebrate by camping, bbq, community activities, water event, and fireworks. We end the day with a huge firework display. We celebrate the birthday of our freedom. We celebrate our countries freedom because we have freedom to worship, work, and live. Read Romans 6:1-23. Let’s do a little review of what we read. You have died…
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Hope In The Second Adam
But God demonstrates his love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 Do you ever blame Adam because we have to work hard because of the curse? Whenever I do something that reminds me of why we have to do what we do, I blame both Adam and Eve. Read Romans 5:12-21. Adam sinned. Sinned entered the world. Sin brought death. Death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned. People sinned before there was even the law was given. Adam is a symbol, a representation of Christ, who is yet to come. Paul went back to the very beginning to help the people…
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The Secret Life
Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? Do you tend to look at others’ sins over your own? I do think we…