Daily Bible Reading for February 10th

 

Reading for February 10th

Chapter 6 - Shooting Below the Waterline

Chapter Scriptures: 1 Peter 2:1

“So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech.” pg. 26

Can you imagine what kind of a world we lived in if deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech were removed? Even if we only removed one of those evil behaviors, dramatic changes would happen. Of course, we can all decry the different groups and people are the most guilty of these sins, but that’s not the point being made in our scripture. No, it starts with us. You and me. 

Every one of us has a measure of control over our thoughts, words, and actions. “So get rid of all evil behavior.” But this begs the question… how? 

Like most humans, I have struggled with sin. Struggled is a proper word to use here because it has been a battle within my soul, heart, eyes, lips, and hands. In the words of Paul, “For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” Over the years, however, I have learned a few things about how to win this battle more than I lose it, and I thought I’d share it with you. 

How to get rid of all evil behavior. 

1. Say no. Saying no to the behavior recognizes that it is bad and you don’t want it. This might sound elementary, but too often we accept sin instead of rejecting it. 

2. Utilize Scripture. When Jesus was faced with temptation in the wilderness, he responded to Satan with Scripture. We can do this too! If you face a specific sin or temptation repeatedly, find a scripture that can help you. 

3. Pray. This is obvious, but underused. Turn those sins into prayers. “Dear Lord, please help me to speak with a pure heart and righteous words. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.” 

There are certainly many, many more ways to get rid of evil behavior, and Rev. Shane will teach us some, but for now begin practicing (yes it takes practice) getting rid of all evil behavior in your life! 

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Lord of all, you guide the heavens and the earth. You bring us opportunities to share your Good News with others and we pray that we would not fail in those chances. Help us to remove the evil behaviors from our lives and replace them with behaviors that bring you glory, honor, and praise. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.