1 John 2:1-2 Strive Not To Sin

1 John 2:1-2 NIV
We would hope that it is not true. But, it is reality that while we are in these mortal bodies we will continue to sin. Our intent may be to put our Father in heaven above all things and to love our neighbors as ourselves; but, we often find ourselves falling short.

St. John encourages those whom he considers his spiritual children to strive not to sin even while he reminds them and us that Jesus, the only Righteous One, is our advocate in heaven. Because of his sacrifice for us, we can be confident that our sins are forgiven. The debt has been paid. And... because he paid it for us, we respond with love and a sincere desire to walk with him in his light, avoiding the dark path of sin.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Psalm 46 - A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

Some strange dreams again, lately.  Not sure where my subconscious is roaming these days... I woke up thinking I was laying up against a wall of sand bags for protection.  Don't know whether the dangers I was dreaming about were natural disasters, war, or maybe spiritual warfare.  Regardless of what the ill that is trying to prevail, God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. (vs 1, NIV) 

Martin Luther expressed Psalm 46 quite well, much better than I possibly could, in my favorite hymn, by him, "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God."

A mighty fortress is our God,
A bulwark never failing;
Our helper He amid the flood
Of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe
Doth seek to work us woe --
His craft and pow'r are great,
And armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide
Our striving would be losing,
Were not the right Man on our side,
The Man of God's own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is He --
Lord Sabaoth His name,
From age to age the same --
And He must win the battle.

And tho this world, with devils filled,
Should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed
His truth to triumph thru us.
The prince of darkness grim --
We tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure,
For lo! his doom is sure --
One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly pow'rs --
No thanks to them abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours
Thru Him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go,
This mortal life also;
The body they may kill:
God's truth abideth still --
His kingdom is forever.

God's Peace - Pr. J