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January 25, 2010

Deadly Sins

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READ: John 16:17-24

You now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you. —John 16:22

You may be familiar with the list of seven deadly sins that was formulated during the sixth century: lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, vengeance, envy, and pride. But you may not know that the original list compiled during the fourth century also included the sin of sadness. Over the years, that emotion was omitted from the inventory.

Some people are blessed with a cheerful disposition. They always seem to be happy. They wear a perpetual smile almost as if they were advertising toothpaste. But then there are others who seem to be chronically sad. They continually complain about life and its burdens. And who can deny that afflictions are discouraging?

While we acknowledge that not everybody is blessed with a bright outlook on life, we need to remember that joy is one of the gifts Jesus promised to His followers. And we need to resist any tendency to let sadness dominate our emotional lives.

Jesus promised His disciples on the night Judas betrayed Him, “Your joy no one will take from you” (John 16:22). Remember that joy is the fruit of the indwelling Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22). Let’s ask the Lord to help us look beyond our sorrowful circumstances and encourage our hearts by the vision of joy that awaits us (Heb. 12:2).

You alone, Lord Jesus, can true joy impart,
For You know the sorrow of the human heart;
You came here from glory many hearts to win
And in love for sinners suffered once for sin. —Anon.

Joy is a fruit of the Spirit that’s always in season.

Bible in One Year: Exodus 12-13; Matthew 16

BREAKFAST

EGGS,(Your way)
BACON (thick and smoky maple)
HASHBROWNS (golden brown, with fried onions if you like, and served with a pat of butter on the top)
PORKCHOPS (Center-cut, Cajun spiced (if you like) and lightly seared to lock in flavor)
SAUSAGES (Pan fried and served hot)
TOAST (six different flavors, with whipped butter and preserves)
CEREAL (Hot and cold, whole milk and sliced bananas on request)
COFFEE, TEA, JUICES

Mid-Morning Snack
-Steak and Cheese Wrap with fresh lettuce, tomatoes and onions served with a sharp Ranch Dressing
-Fresh fruit assortment
-Apple Honey with 7-up Cooler

No guilt, No calories, No waiting!

I have a theory ...

When one is a member of a family, and early on the children begin to find their role, the thing that gets them what they want (attention, time, goodies, etc.)

Some find it by being sickly, or other negative behavior, or by being a clown, or really smart, or as they get older they become addicted, or engage in risky behavior, IE Sexually or otherwise, get into trouble ... basically as an outgrowth of whatever type of behavior worked for them earlier.

Complaining, crying, having s temper tantrum..

Of course, the parents and siblings are instrumental as well.

Thus, they live their life from the basic tenants developed as children.

This may be unproven; but I observe it to be correct in the instances where I know about their family and their upbringing. Something to consider.