Showers of Blessings Day 10
Blessing: Deters Us From Sinning
Moses said to the people, “Do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear of him may be before you, that you may not sin.” Exodus 20:20 ESV
Message:
This verse reminds me of I feel was a time of testing in my life.
I had been Christmas shopping and my cart was full. The store was busy, and I was tired, I just wanted to get home. I chose to do the self-checkout as the line seemed shorter. Having had many years of cashier experience I was able to scan and bag my cart full of merchandise quickly, pay, and head for the door. At the door the security guard checked my receipt against my packages and waved me out. Arriving at my vehicle, which was parked at the far end of the lot because there were so many shoppers taking up spaces, I began un-loading my cart and putting the purchases into my car. Then, what do I see lying loose at the bottom of the cart but a small item that I had missed seeing and therefore had not paid for! I was exhausted. I couldn’t believe it! I had missed seeing it and so had the security guard! At that point came my testing. I had the choice to trudge back into the busy store and wait in line again to pay for this little $1.81 item which I really needed, or just leave, go home and say no one would know, justifying it because the security guard should’ve caught it. I was tempted, however, the Holy Spirit convicted me and I knew I had to do the right thing because God was watching and God would know, and my dishonesty would displease Him. So I returned to the store with the item, went to the Security Guard and told him what happened and he was shocked and surprised and told me to just go to the front of the line and he would have a cashier let me pay for it right away so I wouldn’t have to wait.
I did the right thing and was a witness to others and I was able to go home with a clear conscience. I am truly glad I have the Holy Spirit to convict me because I always want to make the right choices that please the Lord.
Our fear of the Lord will deter us from sinning for we have the Holy Spirit living within us to convict us of sin and lead us in the way of righteousness and truth.
So, living in fear of the Lord keeps us aware and alert to the many dangers and temptations that the world, satan, and even our own flesh might cause us to fall into sin.
It seems at times that God may often allow us to face things without intervening. This scripture says in those instances we are faced with a choice to make, we either choose to walk with the Lord and turn away from the temptation, or remain and allow ourselves to be further tempted by it, thus maybe falling into sin.
Remember, the Lord is always with us, He will always provide the strength we need to resist temptation, but He wants us to make the right choices. He gives us free will, and when we choose to do right, He will always help us to follow through. So, if sometimes you feel you are being tested, it could be that the Lord just wants you to realize that you need to be firm in your walk with Him, and as you honor Him and His will you will always see sin for what it is and turn away from it because you want to please the Lord and walk in His way and will, not yours.
Let’s pray to the Lord as David prayed: “Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; Try my mind and my heart.” Psalm 26:2 NKJV
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