Paul
admonishes us not to conform our thoughts, words and action to this world, but
to allow the Holy Spirit to transform us and to renew our mind (Romans 12:2).
We
feel remorse for our ungodly thoughts and behavior, repent of them as sin, and
submit to God's Spirit as He renovates us into the fruitful character and
divine nature of Christ (Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Peter 1:4).
Satan
uses the enticements of the world to distract us from our commitment to God. He
lures us away through the lusts of our eyes and flesh, as well as our pride in
our accomplishments (1 John 2:16).
When
these temptations stop working on us, then the devil uses worthy
responsibilities, as well as the expectations of others to sidetrack us to use
our time for good things rather than to devote our time to God's will for us.
If
we say "No", we may disappoint someone else, but we please our Lord
and God. When we boldly choose to focus on God's will, we submit to His Spirit as
He renews our mind and directs our steps (Ephesians 4:23, 5:26; Proverbs 3:5-6).
As
we regularly ingest God's Word, we sorrow over our sin to the point of
repentance, which helps us to walk in the good, acceptable and perfect will of
God (2 Corinthians 7:9; Romans 12:2).
Our
former Adamic nature dies and our soul is reprogrammed by Christ and His Spirit
in us, as well as the life and light of scripture, which sharply divides our
soul and spirit (Colossians 3:3; Galatians 2:20; Hebrews 4:12).
Prayer:
Father
God, life gives us choices, on a daily basis, to either walk in Your Spirit or
to succumb to the devil and our flesh. Thank You for convicting us when we walk
on the path of destruction and for helping us to find our way back to Your true
and righteous path for our life.
Help
us to live according to Your ways and to cherish Your love throughout our life.
We want to serve You with our whole being and to love You with our whole heart
by Your Spirit, whom You graciously provided for us. We give You all of the
praise and glory for the many benefits, which You shower on us with each moment
of our life.
Thought for the Day:
In repentance, we find freedom from
sin; and by reading God's Word and hiding it in our heart, we renew our mind
and walk in righteousness, peace and joy, which His Holy Spirit births in our
soul and spirit.
- Romans 14:17; Psalm 119:11;
