Stumbling Blocks Written by Neal Bowes

Saturday, August 14

Proverbs 6:16-19
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 dissension in the community.

1 John 2:15-17
¹⁵ Do not love the world or anything in the world. If you love the world, love for the Father is not in you. ¹⁶ For everything in the world-the cravings of sinful people, the lust of their eyes and their boasting about what they have and do-comes not from the Father but from the world. ¹⁷ The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

The Bible tells us not to get mixed up in the things that would cause us to stumble in our walks with God. Some of the things mentioned here include bragging, lying, being conceited, and seeking revenge. Society offers up plenty of other stumbling blocks, too. What are some that you can think of? What stumbling blocks have you struggled with in the past? Which ones are an issue for you right now?

In prayer, confess how it is that you might be stumbling in your walk with God. Ask for clear guidance and the strength to avoid these temptations. It might also be helpful to find a youth leader, pastor, or Sunday school teacher who you can talk to and pray about these things together.


If today's devotion spoke to you in a particular way and you feel led to share your thoughts with others, please do so.