April 2, 2026

We believe God is the force for good, our Creator and Source; therefore, we must accept there is also a force for evil or bad. We are lured to sin, tempted to follow desires of the flesh and things designed to lead us away from God. Only the foolish ignore God and choose to follow the enemy. It never ends well!

Easy right? No. Friends, school, and family have strong influence on our behavior. Often we choose hobbies and activities, habits and interests because we want to spend time with them or please them. We’re also lured by commercials, movies and music. Remember that song when we were little? “Oh be careful little ears what you hear!” Be careful indeed. We have to refuse even our dearest connections when they encourage us to sin, ignore God, get Saved later, or in any other way stray away from God, believing we can repent later. There’s another scripture that says to those whom much has been given, much will be required. Here in this Holy Week we’re focused on the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross. Not a lot to ask that we stay faithful, take every thought captive and simply refuse to backslide when Jesus gave so much.

Lord God, I am sorry I listen to other voices, that I’ve often felt compelled to go have some fun, to risk things I know You wouldn’t like or even just skip church for other activities. My friends laugh and say You will forgive me and I know You will. Then I think about that cross, those soldiers, and Jesus willing to die for my redemption. And I sincerely and gratefully come running back to You.

A lot will be expected from everyone who has been given a lot. More will be demanded from everyone who has been entrusted with a lot. Luke 12:48