Tag: Separation

June 10, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Separate from Sin

Opening Verse

 

“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” – 1 Corinthians 15:33 KJV

 

Introduction

As followers of Christ, we are called to live holy and separate lives. The world around us is filled with temptations and influences that can lead us astray. It’s crucial to guard our hearts and minds against the lure of sin, even if it means distancing ourselves from certain people or activities.

 

Devotional Story

There was a young man named Daniel who loved the Lord deeply. He enjoyed spending time with friends but began to notice that some of them often engaged in gossip, crude jokes, and other behaviors that went against his beliefs. Daniel felt uncomfortable but didn’t want to seem judgmental or lose their friendship. Over time, he found himself laughing at jokes he once found offensive and participating in conversations that left him feeling guilty.

 

One day, during his morning devotion, Daniel read 1 Corinthians 15:33 and felt convicted. He realized that by entertaining himself with the sins of others, he was slowly drifting away from his commitment to Christ. Daniel decided to make a change. He lovingly distanced himself from those influences and sought out friendships that encouraged his faith.

 

What This Means

This story illustrates the subtle but dangerous influence that sinful behavior can have on our lives. By associating with those who engage in sin or finding amusement in their actions, we risk dulling our sensitivity to what is right and wrong. The Bible warns us to be cautious about the company we keep because it can either build us up or tear us down.

 

Think About This

– Are there people or activities in your life that lead you away from God?

– How can you gently distance yourself from these influences while still showing Christ’s love?

– What steps can you take to surround yourself with godly influences?

 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to recognize the influences in my life that lead me away from You. Give me the strength to distance myself from sinful behaviors and to seek out relationships that draw me closer to You. Help me to be a light in the darkness, sharing Your love without compromising my faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

Closing Verse

 

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.” – Psalm 1:1 KJV

September 27, 2023 Devotional Post a Comment

The Silent Flood

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

Devotional Story :

Jacob and Rachel were loving parents to their two children, Samuel and Sarah. They worked hard to provide a happy home, but they allowed little sins to trickle in without taking much notice. They considered these sins harmless; perhaps a white lie here, or some gossip there. As days turned into weeks and weeks into months, this trickle turned into a flood.

The Bible warns,

“A little leaven leavens the whole lump” (Galatians 5:9).

Unbeknownst to them, the floodwaters of sin were rising.

One night, both Jacob and Rachel had a similar dream. They saw their children, Samuel and Sarah, asleep in their beds as floodwaters started to rise around them. The waters covered their beds, and slowly began to submerge their children. They woke up in terror, realizing the gravity of their actions.

They immediately fell to their knees and prayed for forgiveness, asking God for wisdom and discernment.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

From that day on, they were diligent in keeping sin out of their home, ensuring they were aligned with God’s word. They spoke Proverbs 22:6 over their children,

“Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)

Conclusion:

Don’t underestimate the power of ‘little’ sins to cause harm. Be vigilant and continuously seek God’s guidance to keep your home a sanctuary of His love and righteousness.
Let this story serve as a warning and a guide to stand firm against the tricks of the enemy, holding fast to what is good.

21 Examine all things; retain that which is good.

22 Separate yourselves from all appearance of evil.

(1 Thessalonians 5:21-22).