The lusts of our flesh conflict
with the desires of the Spirit of God in our spirit (Galatians 5:17; Colossians
1:8-9; Romans 13:14; Galatians 5:24; Ephesians 2:3; 1 Peter 2:11). As we
mature, the Holy Spirit births more and more holiness in our soul (Galatians
4:19).
Paul lays out the entire
purification process for us in Romans 6-8. Our soul leans toward sin during our
initial walk with the Lord (Romans 7:17-18, 20-21, 23). As the Word of God
quickens His Truth to our soul, these sinful habits start grieving our spirit
as much as they do the Spirit of God (Ephesians 4:30; 1 Thessalonians 5:19).
We see the work of Christ in us
as He dwells in us and gives us His hope of glory (Colossians 1:27; 2
Corinthians 13:5). We no longer live our life, but Christ lives in and through
us (Galatians 2:20).
Jesus Christ is our whole life
and we live in union with Him (Colossians 3:4; 1 Corinthians 6:17). We enjoy
other relationships; however, if they are stripped from us for some reason, we can
trust in God's purpose and wisdom.
Satan uses our circumstances and
fishes in our desires in order to catch us off guard and to hook us into
choosing to listen to his evil suggestions. He attempts to employ our carnal
character and selfish habits to cause us to sin.
However, as we present our self
to God, He makes us holy and uses us as an instrument of His righteousness
(Romans 5:19; 6:13). He calls us during our lifetime to love, nurture, witness
to, and influence those He brings into our life.
Prayer:
Father God, free us from the
lusts of our flesh. Lead and guide us to be in the right place at the right
time to affect Your plan for us in this world. Drench us with Your peace and
joy in the midst of all of the sorrow and devastation we experience in the
earth in which we live. Draw us close to You and never ever let us go.
Use us for Your purposes and help
us to make an impact on the earth for Your Kingdom and glory. Use us to fill
heaven with the humble and upright in heart whom You are calling to Yourself.
Maybe we cannot meet them or talk to them, but we can pray for unreached people
groups and the persecuted church every day as You lift up Jesus and draw
humanity to You.
Thought for the Day:
We never lose faith in God's
faithfulness regardless of what someone does to us, against us, or fails to do
for us; we do not trust in people, because everyone is fickle and easily
tempted to sin against us; but we continually trust in Christ who is our solid
Rock. - 1 Corinthians 10:4
