Lusts of the Flesh

 

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

Unreached People Groups

 

In this modern world, it seems impossible that there are still people who have never heard the gospel of Christ (Acts 4:12). They have had little to no opportunity for outreach and evangelism (Revelation 15:4).

An unreached people group is one that has less than 2% of Believers in their country and has no church planting capabilities or Bibles in a language, which they can understand.

Jesus told His disciples to go out into all the world and to preach the gospel to every nation (Matthew 24:14, 28:18-20). Christians in every succeeding century have followed suit.

Of course, America and England sent out the most missionaries so far. However, in today's spiritual climate, other countries are now sending missionaries to England and America, due to our lack of faithful, committed Believers. Churches are continually closing here.

We are afraid to speak to our friends, relatives, associates and neighbors about the difference that Christ makes in our life, and how God's unconditional love provides us with so many benefits both now and in eternity (Romans 15:21; Psalm 67:1-3).

The Apostle Paul is a great example to us, since he took several missionary journeys covering large land areas and started over 50 churches to carry on the ministry of spreading God's Word to the masses (Romans 1:5).

God calls all Believers, even today, to reach as many people in our area of influence and to plant as many churches as there is a need, in order to take as many people to Heaven with us as we possibly can (Revelation 5:9, 7:9-10; Mark 13:10; Acts 13:45-47).

Prayer:

Father God, as we go about our day, remind us to preach, saying that the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand and then to heal the sick, cast out demons, raise the dead and cleanse the lepers (Luke 24:45-47; Matthew 10:8).

Help us to be strong and courageous, because wherever we go, You are there with us and in us (Joshua 1:9). Move by Your Holy Spirit in the lives of people we know and those unreached people groups all over the world, so that the soil of their lives will be ready to receive the seeds of the gospel, which we commit to spread as sowers of Your Word (Matthew 13:18-23).

Thought for the Day:

All the ends of the earth shall remember what Jesus did and turn to Him, and all the families of the nations of the world shall worship before Him.

- Psalm 2:8, 22:27, 67:5-7, 98:2-3

Aging Gracefully

 

Getting old is difficult. Energy, bodily organ functions, and attention span all diminish; while aches and pains, pill intake and doctor bills all increase. We get discouraged, lose self-esteem and feel useless in so many areas.

Eventually, we even have to cut back on our energy outgo; limiting our activities to one major event a day. Many are required to give up the keys to the car, join a geriatrics exercise program and get more sleep with less productivity.

God knew, before the day we were born, that we would grow old (Ephesians 2:10). He has plans for us, which includes this time in our life (Jeremiah 29:11). We do not need to confine our self to the rocking chair on the front porch - although that is fun sometimes too.

We just change our focus and keep a positive attitude. We keep walking in the Spirit and continue to fulfill the will of God for each moment of our life. We exchange youthful ministries for the equally as important ministry of prayer and mentoring (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Titus 2:4).

Sitting at Jesus' feet, we worship Him by singing and praying the scripture. We lift up the needs of our fellow Saints and family members, the church's pastor and staff and the ministry leaders and volunteers, the world and its leaders, the persecuted church and the unreached people groups.

Another way to minister is by writing a blog, emailing, fellowshiping on social media and private messages and texts. This way, we can communicate and minister all over the country and the world.

God teaches us to set boundaries around our time; to take a day off; to enjoy time in nature, at the pool or walking on trails each day; to play with our pets; to write letters and books and to make cards to brighten someone's day; to bake a pie or a dozen cookies to share with the neighborhood kids after school - all in His name and all for His glory (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Prayer:

Father God, when we are drained, worn and weary from life, we are still Yours with a unique calling on our life. Remind us that until our dying breath, You call us to seek You and to walk in Your perfect plan for us by Your Spirit. We surrender all to You and worship You with all of our thoughts, words and deeds.

Remind us that the girl checking us out at the grocery, the waitress, the retail clerk, the person next to us on the bus or airplane, the librarian, etc. all need us to recognize them as a person too, and to tell them that You and we really care about them. Let Your light shine in us so brightly that everyone will see our good works and give You the glory (Matthew 5:16).

Thought for the Day:

God uses us in so many ways, regardless of our age, energy level, health issues and physical limitations, to share His wisdom, ways and wonders with those He brings into our life.