Daily Encounter: A Week-day Devotional by a staff of ACTS International.

Friday, October 3, 2014

"But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."¹

Several years ago a close family friend whom I shall name "Cynthia" (not her real name), experienced a very painful divorce. However, instead of getting into a recovery program or group to deal with her grief, Cynthia got involved with a single man who she envisioned would take care of her for the rest of her life. He was a very capable man, was very successful in terms of what many consider in today's world to be successful, and extremely wealthy—but he was an angry man and very mean to Cynthia, and even after several years of "using" Cynthia, refused to marry her. Tragically, she refused to accept any friendly advice and instead chose to stay involved with this man.

Several years ago now, Cynthia's friend had an accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down. He has been in assisted living ever since. His family, fearing our friend might inherit some of his money, had her cut out of his will, and refused to allow Cynthia to even visit him where he now lived.

So what did Cynthia do to avoid facing and resolving her pain? Tragically, she turned to alcohol to deaden her pain. Today she is a hopeless alcoholic and has had to be hospitalized. Furthermore, she is in denial and, like any alcoholic, unless she is willing to admit that she is an alcoholic and is willing to seek help, her situation is hopeless.

Cynthia's problem started long before she even took her first drink. It started when she became involved with a fellow who only wanted and used her for her body, was mean to her, and she made the choice to stick with him no matter what—all because of money—the money she never received, or will ever receive!

Cynthia's choices not only made her; they destroyed her. Always remember, too, that the choices you and I make will make us.

We are also reminded of God's Word that says, "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows."² 

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please forgive me for all the bad choices I have made in the past and help me to make wise and careful choices today and in the future, remembering that the choices I make, will make me. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus's name, amen."

Note: If you have never made the choice to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior, and thereby receive God's forgiveness for all your sins, for help read, "How to Be Sure You're a Real Christian" at: http://tinyurl.com/real-christian.

1. Joshua 24:15 (NIV).
2. Galatians 6:7 (NIV).

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