Overcoming Sin

Do you have trouble with sin? I am not thinking of the little things you do that annoy other people. You have a bigger obstacle to overcome before you can come clean with the Lord who made heaven and earth. It is your rebellious, self-centered nature that keeps you far from God's will for your life

Sin, the disease you inherited from Adam and Eve, is the condition of all humanity. It is your instinct to always put yourself #1 in the universe. You love things and use other people to achieve your goals in life.

God created you to love people and use things only as resources to manage this good earth. As you love God, other people, yourself and all creation, you overcome sin.

"I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You." Psalm 119:11

Children love to memorize Bible verses. They enthusiastically shout them out and take them to heart. Adults could learn from them to treasure the Holy Scriptures.

When you have more of God's Word on your mind, you will not be so inclined to wander off the narrow pathway into forbidden pleasures. Your eyes will be on the Lord God who created you for good works.

You are invited today to treasure the Holy Scriptures, to hide God's Word in your heart and live by its divine principles. Believe me, your life will go smoother as you stay close to God's heart and treasure His Word.

Prayer: LORD, help me read, learn, and inwardly digest Your Word, so that I might live in Your kingdom, work for justice, and share Your grace with all people. Amen.

The Rev. Mel Swoyer, Interim Pastor
St. John Lutheran Church, Thorndale, Texas