The God-given Right to Choose

Very seldom does anything exist in total isolation. God in Genesis 1:26 declared, "Let us make man in our image,” implying Jesus was an equal participant in the creation of mankind. John 1:3 confirms with this reminder, “Through him all things were made.” God is creator of the family, where attachments endure for life.

Temptation entices its victims to discard God’s boundaries. Satan tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden to doubt God’s simple rules. Satan’s objective was to cripple her faithfulness to God. The cutting edge of temptation is filled with deception.

God did not abandon Eve to Satan’s power but gave her the option to choose. While we can't be perfect, God empowers us with wisdom and insight to fight every temptation. He does this because of his great love and desire for fellowship with us. Be wise and permit God to rescue you from the snare of temptation.  

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If any of you needs wisdom to know what you should do, you should ask God, and he will give it to you. God is generous to everyone and doesn’t find fault with them.

~James 1:5 God’s Word Translation

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Trust: a Bridge from Conflict to Freedom

Unresolved conflict builds a bridge to emotional distance that separates those who love and cherish each other. Conflict most often centers on the issue of control. In some marriages the battle for control begins immediately, not necessarily an aggressive striving for control but perhaps a subtle, indirect effort to demonstrate power.

The attempt to gain power may remain activated indefinitely. This is especially true where a healthy balance of power remains unnegotiated. Freedom of choice is a God-given privilege, but conflict attempts to negate the right to choose. Even God gives each person the right to choose or reject his grace and mercy.

Conflict driven by greed, fear or insecurity strives to extinguish the right to choose. According to Proverbs 29:25, "Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe." Establishing trust in God and others diminishes fear. Trust builds a bridge to freedom from the bondage of conflict.  

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Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own.

Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track.

Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil!

~Proverbs 3:5-7 The Message