Category: Hope

Are all sins created equal? This has been a topic of debate for years.  Many people have uttered the words, “A sin is a sin, one is just as bad as another.” I have never subscribed to that philosophy simply because there is evidence to the contrary.

The Bible gives us the 10 Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) as the gold standard of sin to stay away from.

1. You shall have no other gods before Me.
2. You shall not make idols.
3. You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.
4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
5. Honor your father and your mother.
6. You shall not murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
10. You shall not covet.

God doesn’t stop there, in Proverbs 6:16-19, He describes sin that He hates. As hate is a pretty strong word, it warrants great consideration when evaluating one sin over another.

¹⁶ There are six things the Lord hates,
seven that are detestable to him:
¹⁷       haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood,
¹⁸       a heart that devises wicked schemes,
feet that are quick to rush into evil,
¹⁹       a false witness who pours out lies
and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.

And then, of course, there is the unforgivable sin found in Mark 3:28-29.

²⁸ Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, ²⁹ but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.”

Note 2 self: God has different standards than man, but I believe there are some similarities in one regard.  Consider this, the person who robs a convenience store may receive five years or more in prison, but the person who kills another person in cold blood can expect a life prison term if not execution. To the question, are all sins created equal? I believe the answer is a resounding NO! Clearly, some sins are worst than others, and I believe the punishment is commensurate with the sin.

Blessings to you all, my friends.

Daniel

The Note 2 Self Guy

Happy New Year everyone and congratulations on making it through 2018. As we continue in 2019, it is crucial that we keep our time on earth in its proper perspective. It’s temporary, but we have an excellent opportunity to positively influence others as we share our love of Jesus with them.  Remember, it’s all about Him and truthfully very little about us.  The time spent on Earth affords us the opportunity to earn rewards on the other side of life (The Incorruptible Crown – 1 Corinthians 9:14-27, the Crown of Rejoicing – 1 Thessalonians 2:19, the Crown of Life – James 1:12 & Revelation 2:10, the Crown of Righteousness -2 Timothy 4:8 and the Crown of Glory – 1 Peter 5:2-4; all of which are far greater than we could ever imagine.) while experiencing a few earthly treasures along the way.

Note 2 self: Always remember who you are working for and the path to your destiny will illuminate itself.  The challenge –  make 2019 your most excellent service year to the Lord thus far.

Are you all in?

I shared some thoughts on our New Year resolutions on this video.

 

Blessings to you all, my friends.

Daniel

The Note 2 Self Guy

God’s special gift.

Today we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  As we spend time with family and friends, let us not forget the greatest love story ever told. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

Note 2 self: In other words, God loved us some much that He sent  His only Son on a suicide mission so that we might have an opportunity at eternal life with Him.  God took on human form and suffered a shameful and painful death for all of humanity. Who are you willing to die for? Perhaps you would give your life for your children, parents, dear friends and possibly other relatives whom you love.  But, would you give your life for the kid who bullied you in the 5th grade or the mass murderer who recently killed those innocent people in the Jewish synagogue in Pennsylvania?  I would think NO!  Without a doubt, God loves us, and yes – Jesus’ sacrifice for us is the greatest love story ever told.

Have a Merry Christmas everyone!

Blessings to you all, my friends.

Daniel

The Note 2 Self Guy

Update 2/10/19 Here is my special Valentine’s Day week Facebook live video on this theme.

Do you have a good cornerman?

A cornerman is a coach or trainer whose job is to assist a boxer at the corner between rounds.  He is the one who informs the boxer what he is doing wrong.  He gives his fighter encouragement with the end goal of helping him to win the match.

Life is essentially one boxing match (trial and tribulation) after another.  There are many unknown forces waging war against us but there is one force who is in our corner. Jesus is the Lord of the universe and beyond.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lend not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3: 5-6.

Note 2 self: The force of one is all you need but in reality, you get three – The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit.

To the question, do you have a good cornerman? If Jesus is your cornerman, you have the BEST there is.

Blessings to you all, my friends.

Daniel

The Note 2 Self Guy

Poor Man’s Proverbs # 3: God’s Ulterior Motive

 

 

 

 

 

God has an ulterior motive; it is His love for you.

Note 2 Self: He sent His only son on a suicide mission so that mankind could have an opportunity for salvation. This is proof positive of His love for us.

Love is indeed God’s ulterior motive for you and me.

Have a blessed day, my friends!

Daniel

The Note 2 Self Guy