"It happens so regularly that it's predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God's commands, but it's pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge. I've tried everything and nothing helps. I'm at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn't that the real question? The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does." Romans 7:21-25 (The Message Bible)
Every day is a battle but it's not against flesh and blood, no, it's against the powers of this dark world - the unseen forces and my very own carnal nature. Above all, watch out for self. I have seen my self – my carnal nature spring into action. I have experienced time and time again this hidden force inside of me that stands at attention ready to devour anyone that gets in its way. Like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde so is every person – two personalities in one being.
My thoughts and actions are usually right and full of love and good intent, similar to Dr Jekyll, yet in the blink of an eye it can change and Mr. Hyde springs into action ready to devour its prey.
Is it only I with a problem such as this? Not a chance. The problem is not many are aware of this taking place inside of them and they see it as natural responses to differing situations in life. The Bible is clear that I can put the fleshly, carnal nature to death but I must yield to the Spirit.
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Can I live like this, full of love and kindness and self-control? Could I possibly make a more conscious effort today to be gentle, patient and live in love with everyone I come in contact with? The answer … Yes! But first, take “I” out of the equation and know that I can live like that only through HIM.
Prayer
I know on my own there is nothing good in me. I know on my own I can do nothing right. Oh Lord, protect me from the enemy, but Oh Lord, also protect me from myself. Help me to utilize the power of your Spirit who lives in me; to utilize your power instead of mine; to follow your desires instead of mine; to accomplish your purpose instead of mine; to do your will instead of mine. Now may you be glorified in and through me. Thank you for loving me. Amen.
Every day is a battle but it's not against flesh and blood, no, it's against the powers of this dark world - the unseen forces and my very own carnal nature. Above all, watch out for self. I have seen my self – my carnal nature spring into action. I have experienced time and time again this hidden force inside of me that stands at attention ready to devour anyone that gets in its way. Like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde so is every person – two personalities in one being.
My thoughts and actions are usually right and full of love and good intent, similar to Dr Jekyll, yet in the blink of an eye it can change and Mr. Hyde springs into action ready to devour its prey.
Is it only I with a problem such as this? Not a chance. The problem is not many are aware of this taking place inside of them and they see it as natural responses to differing situations in life. The Bible is clear that I can put the fleshly, carnal nature to death but I must yield to the Spirit.
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Can I live like this, full of love and kindness and self-control? Could I possibly make a more conscious effort today to be gentle, patient and live in love with everyone I come in contact with? The answer … Yes! But first, take “I” out of the equation and know that I can live like that only through HIM.
Prayer
I know on my own there is nothing good in me. I know on my own I can do nothing right. Oh Lord, protect me from the enemy, but Oh Lord, also protect me from myself. Help me to utilize the power of your Spirit who lives in me; to utilize your power instead of mine; to follow your desires instead of mine; to accomplish your purpose instead of mine; to do your will instead of mine. Now may you be glorified in and through me. Thank you for loving me. Amen.
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