Those of us, who focus on the natural aspects of our
earthly existence, live a very limited life. We live in physical bondage to the
flesh, the world and the devil. Bad habits and sinful thoughts caused us to
live independently from God. However, those who focus on the spiritual aspects
of life here and in eternity, reap the benefits of living by God’s Spirit (Romans
8:5). We still function in this physical world, but we do not focus on
things pertaining to the flesh.
Our weapons for spiritual warfare are not carnal, but
divinely powerful against speculation and prideful beliefs that were ingrained
in us from birth (2 Timothy 2:23). They may become strongholds in
us, which come against the knowledge of God (2 Corinthians 10:5).
However, by God’s Spirit, we are able to coral our thoughts until they come
into submission to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). God’s Spirit makes us a
new creation in Christ, by His redemptive work on Calvary’s cross (2
Corinthians 5:17).
The longer we fellowship with the iniquity in the world,
the more it takes a toll on us (2 Peter 2:8). Our spirit is grieved, our
emotions are drained, our thoughts are cluttered, and we may even be tempted to
join in with the ungodly behavior around us (Matthew 24:12). The
only way to survive living in this world is to preserve our faith in God, and
our standards of conviction. If we compromise even a little bit, to go along in
order to get along, Satan has us right where he wants us.
Jesus destroys the satanic strongholds in our life one by
one. He teaches us new habits and turns our negative thinking into acceptable,
lovely and pure thoughts (Philippians 4:8). He reveals all the lies, which
Satan planted in our subconscious mind, and which formerly controlled our
decisions and emotions. This allows us to hear God’s truth about each one of
them, so He can replace them with the beauty of His truth (John
8:32).
We live in the world, but we guard against being part of
the world (2 Timothy 1:13-14). As God frees us from satanic
lies, we are able to live a healthy life apart from the influence of this
world. As we surrender all to Him, He enables us to supernaturally accomplish
greater works than He did on this earth (John 14:12). He
draws us closer to Himself and never lets us go. He is our Savior and Lord, but He
is also our fellow heir, brother and friend (Isaiah 43:11; 2 Peter 3:18;
Romans 8:17; Hebrews 2:10-18; John 15:12-15).
Prayer:
Father God, You are the most significant person in our
life. We want to please You in all things and to bring You glory by our
thoughts, words and deeds. Remind us that being unequally yoked in marriage,
work and friendships with unbelievers just does not work for Believers (2
Corinthians 6:14). Help us to exist as the pure temple of Your Holy Spirit
and to live righteously in the midst of this unrighteous world (1
Corinthians 6:19-20).
Thought for the Day:
Light has no fellowship with darkness. -
Ephesians 5:11
