My Daily Pause

My child, if sinners try to lead you into sin,
do not follow them.

They will say, “Come with us.” …

It is useless to spread out a net
right where the birds can see it.

But sinners will fall into their own traps;
they will only catch themselves!

All greedy people end up this way;
greed kills selfish people. – Proverbs 1:10-11a, 17-19 NCV

Contrast the birds’ ability to avoid an obvious trap with someone that enters willingly into sinful adventures – The easy score … The fast buck … “One upping” someone…

History is littered with the failure of those who thought they could avoid falling into their own trap. We see it all the time with our politicians and those who try to influence them.

So many think they are finding freedom by turning away from God’s word. No more obeying commands designed by the Creator in our best interest! No more subjections to God’s will! Just the “freedom” to do what I want!

The Proverb writer shows us the opposite is true. Freedom is found outside the trappings of sin. Those who are in Christ find the kind of freedom that lasts. (Galatians 5) For the ultimate example of avoiding temptation, read about Jesus in the wilderness in Matthew 4:1-11.

Daily Bible reading for November 14

Psalm 105
2 Kings 14:1-22
Isaiah 1
John 8