Stay safe

"Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death." James 1:14-15

While running last week, I narrowly avoided stepping on a small snake. I think I jumped at least six feet into the air! After my heart rate finally returned to normal, I reminded myself that it's not just the big dangers that I should be looking out for. Did you know that the Timber Rattlesnake is the largest venomous snake in Missouri? While the babies are not as lethal as the adults, Reptile Channel reports that the “activity level of some venom enzymes tends to increase with the size and age of the snake. So an older timber rattlesnake has venom more virulent than a younger one." Which means the majority of these seemingly harmless babies I almost stepped on can grow to be a very dangerous threat.

Sin in our life is much the same way. While small, our sins can seem nonthreatening and "safe", maybe even safe to step on. The problem is that sins, like snakes grow. That is, unless we do as the bible instructs. While scripture is clear to tell us that temptation comes from our own desires which can drag us away and, if allowed to grow, lead to death - it also tells us how to prevent this from happening. 2 Corinthians 10:5 tells us to destroy every obstacle that keeps us from knowing God and to capture our rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. When sinful thoughts enter our minds, no matter the size, we must immediately take our thoughts captive and ask Christ to redirect our thinking.

While it's best to take control of our small thoughts before they "grow", 1 John 1:9 gives us this promise, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Oh praise God for the reminder that we need Christ every day to keep us "safe."

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us your Word to remind us that we can prevent our thoughts from becoming venomous and deadly. Give us discernment Lord to recognize the small desires we have that might tempt us to be dragged away. And then give us the strength to take those thoughts captive and to allow you to cleanse us from them and set our feet back on a path where we can run the race free from those things that might lead to death. It's in your precious name that we pray these things, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
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Lord I need you - Matt Maher

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuvfMDhTyMA