2 Kings 5; 1 Timothy 2; Daniel 9; Psalms 117, 118

It was an exercise in forgiveness. I stood in a room with others, a list in hand of offenses and offenders, only mine was marked by ink of imagination. When they tore their papers, I tucked mine away. I wanted to forgive, but I also wasn’t finished being angry. I wanted to send my list by mail to the offenders, or tuck it under their windshields as a notice of violation. Even if it was just a blank piece of paper imprinted with the words I was offended … but that would seem nutty. So instead, I went home.

My six year old overheard me singing a line to song about forgiveness. Her response was light and childlike, “Of course, Mommy. Why wouldn’t anyone do that?”

 

¹³ But his officers tried to reason with him and said, “Sir, if the prophet had told you to do something very difficult, wouldn’t you have done it? So you should certainly obey him when he says simply, ‘Go and wash and be cured!’” 2 Kings 5:13 NLT.

If she and her sister are wrapped in dispute, I get between them and have the offender speak the offense and apologize. The other one follows up with forgiveness. They go on about their day like nothing happened. It’s a pretty easy formula when you’re in elementary school. When does that change? Is it when no one owns up to fault? Or when the offense is repeated over and over … on purpose?

In his book, The Anger Solution, John Lee proposes writing down the offense, what you wish you had said and what you wish you had heard in response.

Those initial wounds still hurt when someone else bumps up against them–and maybe there is sense in going back to heal what’s underneath instead of covering it up with thoughts like I’m fine … It doesn’t matter … It’s no big deal. Maybe it’s time to sit with the Lord and tell him: Lord, when they did that, it hurt.

⁵ In my distress I prayed to the Lord,
    and the Lord answered me and set me free.
⁶ The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear.
    What can mere people do to me?
⁷ Yes, the Lord is for me; he will help me.
    I will look in triumph at those who hate me.
⁸ It is better to take refuge in the Lord
    than to trust in people. Psalm 118:5-8 NLT

Naaman is washed clean of his disease by obedience and faith. Daniel prays a lengthy confession for mercy. Paul urges prayer.

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. ² Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. ³ This is good and pleases God our Savior, ⁴ who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. ⁵ For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. ⁶ He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time. 1 Timothy 2:1-6 NLT.

And the Psalms testify:

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
    His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 118:1 NLT

Courtney (66books365)

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Genesis 4, 5, 6; Matthew 2

God gives me what I need, when I need it…including loving rebuke and discipline. I am reminded of this as I read Genesis 4:6-7.

God spoke to Cain: “Why this tantrum? Why the sulking? If you do well, won’t you be accepted? And if you don’t do well, sin is lying in wait for you, ready to pounce; it’s out to get you, you’ve got to master it.” (MSG)

When Cain’s offering was rejected, he became angry. Cain’s countenance fell; in other words, he started grumbling and moping. God asked him why he was angry. He warned Cain that he had a choice to make: to allow negativity to rule over him OR to be the master of his emotions.

God shared with Cain a very important secret to a successful life-journey:  subdue, master, rule over, control, reign over, have dominion over…sin, especially that of negative thoughts and emotions, which lead to sinful behaviors.

I am given the same choice, the choice to conquer or be conquered. Recently, I’ve been walking in a literal minefield of negative thoughts and emotions, and more often than not, I am being blown to smithereens. I have been allowing sin to creep in little by little by allowing my circumstances to control my thoughts, actions, behaviors, attitudes…and it has been killing me slowly from the inside out.

Cain didn’t heed God’s warning and it destroyed him; his sin leading him to murder his brother. It destroyed mankind in the days of Noah; their sin resulting in the annihilation of the earth. It destroyed King Herod resulting in the massacre of countless innocent children. And it continues to try to destroy all of us still today.

I am so grateful that through Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection, He gives me the ability to stand against sin, to overcome those offenses and not allow sin to rule over me. I can lean on His strength and like Enoch, I can continually walk with God. I can call on Holy Spirit to help me maneuver through my circumstances and use them to bless His name.

I choose to heed the warning and choose to be a conqueror.

Yesappa, I repent for bowing my knee to offense and allowing the sin that desires to control my life, my heart, my mind, and my future to steal my joy and my blessings. Help me to be obedient to your warning to rule over the sin that wants to continually enter the door to my spirit. Thank you for standing with me always and forever. Amen.

Blessings – Julie, Vadipatti, India

Sin is ready to attack; it wants to control – you must control it (ERV)

Sin crouches at your door; it desires you – you must master it (AMP)

Sin crouches at the door, eager to control you – you must subdue it and be its master (NLT)

Sin crouches at your door; it desires you – you must rule over it (NIV)

Sin lies at the door; it desires you – you must rule over it (KJV; NKJV)

Sin is ready to attack; it wants you – you must rule over it (NCV)

Sin is lying in wait for you, ready to pounce; it’s out to get you – you’ve got to master it (MSG)