[The Mayor]

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July 29

All for Nothing

Bible in a Year : Psalms 49–50; Romans 1

Her house is a highway to the grave, leading down to the chambers of death. Proverbs 7:27

Heroin addiction is poignantly tragic. Users build tolerance, so larger hits are required for the same high. Soon the dosage they seek is more than enough to kill them. When addicts hear someone has died from an exceptionally strong batch, their first thought may not be fear but “Where can I get that?”

C. S. Lewis warned of this downward spiral in Screwtape Letters, his imaginative look at a demon’s explanation of the art of temptation. Start with some pleasure—if possible one of God’s good pleasures—and offer it in a way God has forbidden. Once the person bites, give less of it while enticing him to want more. Provide “an ever increasing craving for an ever diminishing pleasure,” until finally we “get the man’s soul and give him nothing in return.”

Proverbs 7 illustrates this devastating cycle with the temptation of sexual sin. Sex is God’s good gift, but when we seek its enjoyment outside of marriage we’re “like an ox going to the slaughter” (v. 22). People stronger than us have destroyed themselves by pursuing highs that are harmful, so “pay attention” and “do not let your heart turn to [wrongful] ways” (vv. 24–25). Sin can be alluring and addicting, but it always ends in death (v. 27). By avoiding—in God’s strength—the temptation to sin, we can find true joy and fulfillment in Him.

By Mike Wittmer

Reflect & Pray

When and where do you face temptations? How can you seek God’s wisdom and help in turning from them? 

Holy Spirit, I know that I am powerless in myself to resist temptation. I need You. Help me. For more on overcoming addiction, see When We Just Can't Stop at discoveryseries.org/cb961.

 

[SkyDancer]

Hai! Kathy (((HUGS)))

[left that other site]

Hi Everybody!

((((HUGS))))

[HartleyMBaldwin]

That’s a nice story. Thanks for posting it.

[mountainlion]

You never want to have any wrecks carrying high explosives. Good story.

[luvie]

What a great story of yet another wonderful...and four-footed...hero!

[lightman]

Thank those serving.
Honor those who have served.
Never forget the fallen.

[PROCON]

What an absolutely fascinating story of Sgt. Reckless, a truly inspiring Marine horse!

Still at sisters, returning home tomorrow!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Hello Veterans, wherever you are!!

[radu]

Greetings to all at the Canteen!

To all our military men and women, past and present,

[E.G.C.]

A very pleasant good Monday morning and ((HUGS)) to everyone at the Canteen and to all our military at home and abroad. Thanks for your service to our country.

I'm still up and at 'em but with a stomach virus this morning. Taking it easy for awhile.

How's everyone else doing this morning?

[luvie]

Over and over and over. LOL!
But it's so FUN after midnight!
Is it pretty where you are?
It is here...sunny and clear.
But....HOT! 🔥
Six more days and then I'll be in cool WY. ✈️
Soooo ready for it!
...AND to see my kids!
Hope all y'all have a Mahv'lus Monday!
(((hugs))) & 💋