Good morning! May the Lord who is gracious and loving restore and grow your relationship with Him.

Bible Verse 1 John 5:16-21 NLT

“¹⁶ If you see a fellow believer^[d] sinning in a way that does not lead to death, you should pray, and God will give that person life. But there is a sin that leads to death, and I am not saying you should pray for those who commit it. ¹⁷ All wicked actions are sin, but not every sin leads to death.

¹⁸ We know that God’s children do not make a practice of sinning, for God’s Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot touch them. ¹⁹ We know that we are children of God and that the world around us is under the control of the evil one.

²⁰ And we know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us understanding so that we can know the true God.^[e] And now we live in fellowship with the true God because we live in fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true God, and he is eternal life.

²¹ Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.”

Reflection

The text today is insightful in many ways. We have learned in our past readings that all have sinned and fallen short.

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. – Romans 3:23-24 NLT

Today, we read that all wicked actions are sin, but not all sin leads to death – but there is one that does. Sisters and brothers, the word says God’s children do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s Son holds us securely and the evil one can’t touch us.

And, while things that happen in this world seem like we’ve been touched by the evil one, the word also reminds us that “the righteous person faces many troubles, but the LORD comes to the rescue each time.” – Psalm 34:19 NLT

Sisters and brothers, there are many troubles and heartaches that we face or will face in this world, but the Lord is with us. He will not leave us. Even when our emotions take over the Holy Spirit still leads and guides us in our actions so that we do not continue in sin. So be mindful as you live your Christian life to keep away from anything that might take the place of God in your heart.

Prayer

Father God, thank you for you protection, provision and peace. Thank you for sending your son to save us from our sins (known and unknown). God, your word and these verses today further remind us of Your love for us and the restoration you provide when we fall short. Jesus thank you for securely holding us and for rescuing us each time. Lord, there is no greater expression of love than what we find in you. Thank you for being the example of love for us to model here on earth.

Lord, we pray for those who are stuck and struggling with sin today. Lord, help them to overcome their desires and align them with your truth and love. Lord, heal marriages that have been broken due to lack of trust or integrity. Lord, restore communication and commitments to one another. Lord, help the couples surround themselves with godly married couples who will encourage them in their marriage, faith and relationship with you.

Lord, we pray for the singles who desire to walk with you and are having a difficult time finding a way to separate themselves from sin. Lord, our prayer is that you will continue to speak with them and comfort them in their loneliness, brokenness, and in their relationships and draw them back to you.

Lord, whatever it is that is causing us to sin or is taking your place in our hearts – expose it and begin removing it from our hearts and desires.

Lord, be with those in the hospital. Lord, heal them and bring clarity to the doctors who are treating them. Lord, let the test results show what is going on. Lord, heal them and/or provide the right treatment plan.

Lord, be with those who are grieving the loss of a loved one or a pet. Strengthen them and help them through this time.. In Jesus name we pray, amen.

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