Sin Struggles

by | Apr 24, 2024 | road blocks

ROADBLOCKS – SET DOWN SIN  (Day 4 of 7)
(Need to start at the beginning? Day 1)

Unfortunately, sin has its perks.

Let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus … Hebrews 12: 1b-2a ESV

Sin usually feels good or gives us something we selfishly want.

Not telling the whole truth to Paul meant I didn’t have to deal with confessing my bad. I didn’t want Paul to think less of me. And, let’s be real, I wanted to continue in my sin without conflict.

Woman telling a lie

A part of my journey with Jesus is learning that His ways have way more value. Doing things His way brings an unbelievable blessing, and I get to hold onto my integrity. I just have to convince myself it’s worth the effort. (I know that sounds a bit silly, but sin can be rooted in personal injury and facing that can be painful.)

What makes it difficult for you to face and deal with those areas where you struggle? What conversations do you need to have with God?

 

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Aim for the Mark

by | Apr 23, 2024 | first try

FIRST TRY – SET DOWN SIN  (Day 3 of 7)
(Need to start at the beginning? Day 1)

Let’s take action today.

Let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus … Hebrews 12: 1b-2a ESV

What area do you struggle in? Ask God for His care and help today. What small thing could you do to make things right?

woman chosing right

Set down the erotica/porn. Speak the (whole) truth to your spouse. Begin the process of restoring a relationship with a friend or family member. Ask your kids for forgiveness. Make a baby step toward doing better with a particular responsibility.

It’s always a good idea to have a bit of accountability. Invite a friend to coffee and talk about what you want to do, and invite them to regularly ask you how things are going.

 

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Image credit © ra2 studio / Adobe Stock
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My Bad

by | Apr 22, 2024 | self-examination

SELF-EXAMINATION – SET DOWN SIN  (Day 2 of 7)
(Need to start at the beginning? Day 1)

Sin certainly is a weight.

Let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus … Hebrews 12: 1b-2a ESV

I’ve told my husband the truth (but not quite all the truth). Does it matter why? It was still a lie and it built distance in our marriage. It harmed my sense of integrity, and later I had to tell the truth anyhow (yeah, embarrassing).

How many times have our sins, big or small, done damage to ourselves and those we share life with?

Take the day to talk to God about those times you’ve missed the mark. Let Him show you any areas where He’d like to fix something. And, of course, a little repentance is a good thing.


Time to get our seed potatoes at a local nursery.

local nursery with seed potatoes

(A ground cherry plant followed me home too.)

 

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Image credits  – lying woman © pathdoc / Adobe Stock, local nursery © Lori / Doing Marriage Well
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Set It Down

by | Apr 21, 2024 | concept

CONCEPT – SET DOWN SIN  (Day 1 of 7)

How many of you walk, jog, or run for exercise? I’m willing to bet you exercise light, maybe carry just a water bottle.

Let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus … Hebrews 12: 1b-2a ESV

In this scripture, Paul, the apostle, is comparing carrying a heavy load while running to carrying around sin in our everyday life.

couple wearing backpacks

Give the concept some thought today. Sin is heavy. It weighs us down and makes it difficult to run our individual races in life. Makes marriage hard too.

 

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Image credit © Julita / Pixabay
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Things That Bless Me

by | Apr 20, 2024 | let's chat

COFFEE CHAT  (Day 7 of 7)
(Need to start at the beginning? Day 1)

Just thought I’d share a couple of things that have been a blessing to me of late.

Redeeming Heartache by Dan Allender and Cathy Loerzel is an amazing book. It talks about different kinds of wounding and how the body of Christ can respond to each type. If you read this book, please do read it with your spouse or a good friend. Personal wounds can be overwhelming when dealing with them by yourself. Better to have someone to pray with you and give you hugs.

Redeeming Heartache book

ZQuiet anti-snoring mouthpiece. Yup, I snore. I have tried a number of snore guards, but they’ve never completely stopped the snoring (and one I couldn’t even get in my mouth). This one is designed well and fits my smaller mouth. Paul tells me I do a bit of heavy breathing, but no snoring. I’m feeling more rested too!

What items have been a blessing to y’all lately?

 

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To Your Heart’s Content

by | Apr 19, 2024 | reflection

REFLECTION & PRACTICE (Day 6 of 7)
(Need to start at the beginning? Day 1)

How are y’all doing with envy?

BE PATIENT – more understanding, less annoyance
BE KIND – add considerate and helpful too
NO ENVY & BOASTING – Ew! Dump them!

I’ve never felt like I had a problem with envy, but the other day I visited a friend with a beautiful home (done in a style I adore). I confess my eyes turned a bit green.

beautiful cabin view

I had to stop and remind myself of all that I love about my home and where I live. I can enjoy the journey of fixing up our place (we are doing some remodeling) and I can love the beauty of another home and be happy for my friend.

Envy is interesting. It rests on a sense of lack and an absence of contentment. Perhaps also, wanting something without doing the work needed to get it. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with wanting better. It’s the attitudes that are a problem.

Lord, help us all to be envy-free. Teach us more about contentment.

 

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Image credit © Lori / Doing Marriage Well, StockDreams AI
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