There isn't a picture tonight, because I have had some technical difficulties. I don't know why, I do the same thing every day, but today my pictures didn't arrive in my inbox. Does that make sense? No, but none of this makes sense anyhow, so what can I say?

I have wanted to share this quote with you from the Bible Study by Priscilla Schrier, "Armor of God." "Sensitivity to taking offense is one of the key ways satan traps believers in his web of deception." page 48.  I know this can happen so easily. I am more aware of it now, but when I was younger, it didn't take much for me to take offense. How about parents and children, when someone says, I think my little boy Johnny is a little more advanced at coloring than yours. See how he stays in the lines.

I didn't know this was an IQ test, you might say to her. There you go, both women are offended. Both boys just want to play, but the Moms are up in arms over something silly.

"Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense." {Proverbs 19:11}
"A brother {or sister in this case}, offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle." { Proverbs 18:19}

All of these examples are pretty strong. Pride is at the root of it all. I hate to say that, but it is true. The Holy Spirit is so very close when we are willing to lay down pride and put aside offenses. Our enemy knows how easy we can fall into this trap. Don't do it! It is better to be wronged than to allow our feelings to be hurt. "Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up." James 4:10 I would rather have the Lord lift me up anytime, than my flesh try to do it. I will stumble and fall on my own, but if He does it He gets the glory. I'd say thats a win-win. Amen!