QT 30 May 19, Gen 16:2, Some ideas are just bad, especially when they ignore God's commands

Genesis 16:2 (ESV) — 2 And Sarai said to Abram, “Behold now, the Lord has prevented me from bearing children. Go in to my servant; it may be that I shall obtain children by her.” And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai.

NOTE: There is a reason God forbids certain actions, and there a reason certain activities are called sin. There are direct consequences: relational, emotional, spiritual, etc. And then there are indirect and unintended consequences to sin. God gives us his word and commands for our good, not for our hurt. When we disobey his rule, we suffer needlessly, because we are not designed that way. Unfortunately, in our human way of thinking, we discount God's wisdom in his commands. We think of ways to solve problems and justify the activity based on what we see as the outcome. Somehow, we think it will work, just this one time.

PRAYER: Father, protect us from ourselves, from our sinful flesh that wages war against the spirit. Forgive us when we let the flesh control our thinking or actions. Give us strength through your spirit and the power of your word to stay true to your commands for our lives. We are weak and stupid vessels otherwise.