Why do we Sin?

So let us start from the begining. The begining of the Bible, the begining of sin. In Genesis God created man in his own image, then he created woman from man's rib. He named them Adam and Eve, and they were perfect. They were blameless and without sin. God  put a tree in the middle of eden, it was the tree of knowledge of good and evil. God told man "you are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die."

Now the serpent came to Eve and tempted her with the fruit of the tree of knowledge. He convinced her that she would be more like God if she ate of the tree. Eve took the bait and and the fruit. Then she took the fruit to Adam and he ate of it as well. Immediately sin was born and they saw that they were naked.

When God realized that they had eaten from the tree of knowledge of good and evil he cursed the serpent, the woman and the man. (you can read this in Genesis 3)

Psalm 51:5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.

So now comes the question, Why do we sin? Now you've heard the beginning, and here's what come next: after Adam and Eve ate from the forbiden tree, we are born sinners. We have no choice, it comes naturally to us.  *When you look at a mother, does she have to teach her child to disobey or sin?* Our job is to learn how to resist and avoid temptations from the world. Why the world, you ask? Because the world influences us everyday. The world is full of sins and it lies.

I posted this question on my facebook to see if any of my friends would respond and this is what they said:

"I sin because it's easier than walking the path of the straight and narrow."

"It's easier to be selfish with my time rather than generous and doing what's right. We get tempted and sometimes we fall."

"Sometimes temptation gets the best of me."

"I don't like to sin but sometimes the temptation gets the better of me and I become weak and I give in."

We sin bcause it's our nature. We sin because we are tempted everyday and sometimes we are not strong enough to resist. Sometimes it feels easier, or we are so scared and pressured into it. Sometimes we follow others, follow the world, we are lied to when the world says "follow me, i know the way". If we retreat to God's word evryday he will give us the tools and the strength to stand up to do what is right.

Proverbs 23: 19 Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path. (20) Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor and drowsiness clothes them in rags.

Jeremiah 7: 23 but I gave them this command: Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people.

Galations 5: 16 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. (19) The actsof the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; (20) idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions (21) and envy; drunkeness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

I don't want anyone to read this and think I'm placing blame and not taking responsibilty of my actions. I have not always kept the commandments like I should. But I am not perfect and I am ready to actively use my faith!

Suffering

In this day and age I don't know why anyone would be ashamed of being a Christian. Muslims are willing to kill themselves to be with Allah. Jehovah Witnesses go door to door trying to convert you into believers. It seems to me like a majority of Christians cannot share their faith. Why are we so reluctant to save other with the Grace of God. Do we suffer more persecution? Do non-believers laugh? What makes it so hard? We are called to share the love and grace of God with our neighbors and we tend to be so shy. Is it fear of suffering? No one wants to suffer. To suffer is to feel something bad or unpleasant. Do we not suffer to have children? Or suffer for beauty or health? Do we not suffer because we are sinners and our sins cause us pain? We are going to feel suffering. We need to take a stand and let God lead us. He will direct you where you need to go. Pray that he gives you the words to say. We have so much more to offer than non-believers know. We need to take a stand. Step out in our faith. Let it be known that Jesus saves. Being school aged can be difficult when trying to share your faith, you are pressured into "fitting in" and "being cool". But is it really cool to die? Is it really cool to suffer for all eternity because you wanted someone, someone that doesn't matter, to like you?

1 Peter 4:12 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. (16) However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. (18) If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner? (19) So then, those who suffer accordingly to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

1 Peter 5: 2 Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers- not because you must but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve. (10) And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will make himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast. 

1 Peter 3: 13 Who is gong to harm you if you are eager to do good? (14) But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.  (15) Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. (17) It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing for evil.

Grace

The Lord's Grace to Paul

1 Timothy 1:12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. (13) Even though I was once a blasphemer and a person and a prosecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. (14) The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. (15) Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners- of whom I am the worst.

I am a sinner. I am not the worst. I am definitely not the least. I am guilty of hurting myself and others with my actions and things I say. I have hurt my self with placing judgment on others and impure thoughts. I am so lucky because I have accepted Jesus into my life and I have the grace of God.  He can take murders and adulterers and make them new again. Not everyone can forgive, and no one can forget. But it gives you such peace to know that you have the grace of God and that it doesn't matter what I or anyone says, you can know that you are saved. Jesus loved you, and you can have eternal life with him in heaven.

1 Peter 5:10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.

Dealing with Difficult People

Difficult people come in all shapes and forms and in all walks of life. Difficult people can interfere with you and your walk with Jesus. We need to learn how to identify the difficult people and what we can do to maintain "our cool" because I will be the first to tell you I easily loose my cool. I think partly it from the way I grew up, a lot of yelling and fits of anger. I adapted this as my way to retaliate when someone hurt me or made me angry, or when I didn't understand. I use past tense because that's what I am determined to do. Put those actions in my past. I am trying every day to be slower to anger. I'm trying to remain calm and not retaliate. And it's hard, Oh, it's so hard. When I hear something I don't agree with I want to yell and tell that person how stupid I think what they are saying is, and most of the time it's not my part, or my business to interfere. But my nature is telling me I need to be in control, I know what is best, why won't this person listen to me! In my head and heart and screaming but on the outside I'm keeping my composure (now). I've learned it's no use arguing. There's no point in trying to control the situation, because no matter what, God is on control. God does not tempt us. God allows us to be tempted by sin. He wants us to use the tools he has given us to make the right choices, to overcome sin.  When we are dealing with difficult people we need peace, patience and holiness. We need prayer and we need to understand that we cannot control anyone but ourselves, we need to keep our composure and act morally as God would have us do.

1 Samuel 24:12 May the Lord judge between you and me. And may the Lord avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you. (13) As the old saying goes, 'From evil doers comes evil deeds,' so my hand will not touch you.

Romans 12:9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.(14) Bless those who curse prosecute you. Bless and do not curse. (16) Live in harmony with one another. (17) Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. (18) If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

We can loose our temper or we can remain calm. We cannot control the difficult people nor can we change them.

Using Your Gifts + Living for God

We are called to use our gifts to glorify God.

1 Peter 4:7 Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. (8) Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. (10) Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering  God's grace in its various forms. (11) If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

1 Timothy 4:14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. (15) Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.

Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God- this is your spiritual act of worship. (6) We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. (7) If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; (8) if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

I have always been one to give or help out. When the angel tree would come around for Christmas that was my calling. I would shop til I dropped for others! I would deliver food for Thanksgiving.That is what I've always been good at. I always say I wish I could be a professional volunteer. To know that I'm giving a parent the opportunity to feed their kids and give them gifts through the holiday season is what makes my life. It is so fulfilling to know you have helped someone. Some people are natural born leaders. They can lead a group in discussion and prayer, give advice to follow Christ. They will go where the Lord calls them to go and they will do it with quick feet. Some people can lead praise and worship that reaches out to Christians and non Christians and could change their life. The Joy Fm reaches people all over and helps me stay encouraged. If we waste our gift we do not give glory to God. Your gift is your way to preach to others about God's love and his gift for us. Your gift could be what someone sees that will bring their life to Christ. To God be the glory, Amen.

Anger and Happiness

Anger and happiness. Can you be angry and happy? I am a happy person. In the past I have been a bitter person, I have been an angry person, a depressed person. I have been all of these and more. I am pleased to say that in the past 2 years with all my ups and downs I am now a happy person, a content person and most importantly a person that has a life worth living. But can I possibly be angry and happy? I believe that happiness is my overall, and I go through short fits of anger. It's natural to have emotions. And as a girl, you know we have waves of uncontrollable emotions that, at times, can be hard to control. Im giulty of trying to please people, or to tame the situation. At times I keep my emotions bottled up and you know when you bottle everyhting up, everything is bound to explode! And that's exactly what I do. It is wrong of me and I'm working hard on controlling it.

James 1:20 For man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. (26) If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he decieves himself and his religion is worthless.

Proverbs 29:11 A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control. (22) An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins.

Maybe the things that  make us angry shouldn't. I think that we take-for-granted the things we have and we are easily angred because we are so spoiled and want everything our way. I can't promise I won't get angry, but I'm going to try and think about the situation thoroughly before I "flip out".

Let's pray: Lord I pray that you will give me the strength to be patient and slow to anger. I pray you will help me never to go to bed angry. I want to share in the delight of you! Amen.

Im Not Perfect! Whos with Me?

I have said it more than once and I will say it again. Im on a journey of self discovery in my walk with Jesus Christ. Im wrting this blog so that others can see what God is doing in my life or what calls them to do as well. Im not claiming that I follow all ten commandments like they are gold to my life. Im syaing I should and im going to try each day to learn more about Jesus and how he wants me to live my life. Forgiving and forgetting. Im quick to forgive, slow to forget. Someone once told me to forgive, don't forget. It's foolish to let someone attack and hurt you over again. If you forget your opening yourself up to being hurt.

Matthew 7:1 "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. (2) For in the same way you judge others, you too will be judged,"

I have judged others. I have looked at the clothes they wear or their hair and thought ," now why would they wear that," or "only if they did this they'd look soo much better." But who am I to judge how someone looks. God created that person. They have a special place in his heart and in his kingdom. Who are we to judge. What makes us so great to look at others and want to change them. It could be because of money, parents, or their own choice why they wear what they do. Does it directly affect us? Does it make my life better or worse depending on what they wear? I used to dress for attention. I had the need for people to want me or want to be me. In the end it got me no where. Now i look back and think, I could have taken a stand and dressed modestly instead of putting immoral thoughts in peoples heads. I have a husband that loves me no matter if I'm in rags or silk, whether I'm a healthy weight or overweight. So what do I care if someone doesn't like my outfit. Are they going to get me into heaven? No.

1 Timothy 2: 9  I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, (10) but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.


Everyone is a sinner whether they choose to acknowledge it or not. I have a problem holding my tongue. I can be rude and obnoxious, I have hurt people close to me while I try to save those who don't know me.

James 3:6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and itself set on fire by hell. (8) but no man can tame his tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. (9) With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness.

Now I tell you again, theses are not all my sins, but I know and God knows, I'm not perfect. I'm trying my best to better my life and walk with Jesus Christ.  Anyone who says otherwise or feels as if I am a hypocrite will be judged by the Lord.

Isaiah 54:17 no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.