Romans 7:15-20 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
Lord, deliver me from me. As Paul so aptly stated, it is
our flesh, our carnal thoughts and behaviors that get us into trouble every
time.
So many times, I’ve decided to do one thing and end up either
doing something else or doing nothing at all. Why, because I allow the thoughts
in my mind to override my spirit.
Sin does not always have to refer to an inappropriate
behavior. It is whatever we say or do that is contrary to God’s will, His word
and His purpose for our lives.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward
you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an
expected end.
As I often confess, I am a dreamer and a believer. If it is in
the word of God, not only do I believe it, but I expect all of God’s promises
to manifest. God’s word is true and will not return void.
Isaiah 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my
mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I
please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
And then there’s me. What is my part? I must put works with
my faith.
James 2:17-26 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead,
being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I
have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith
by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils
also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without
works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had
offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his
works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled
which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for
righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by
works a man is justified, and not by faith only. For as the body without the
spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
What are the works that I need to put with my faith? The
works that are the evidence that I have faith in what I believe God has planned
and purposed for my life. You see, I believe God wants me to share His word
with you and encourage you to Liv by Faith. But what if I believed that is what
God wanted me to do and never did it? What if I never shared His word with you?
Not only would I not be fulfilling God’s purpose for my life, but my behavior
would also say God I don’t trust You to do what You said you would do.
The enemy will use the voices in our head, whether they are our own voices, or the voice of someone else to convince us we are defeated. What we must remember is that the enemy is defeated and he is trying to project his future onto us.
Oftentimes we are our own worst enemy.
Rather than protecting our mind by wearing the helmet of
salvation; protecting ourselves from what we see and hear. Taking the shield of
faith to stop the darts of unbelief. And using our sword, the word of God to
defeat the enemy within. We allow our mind to dwell on thoughts and words that
are contrary to the thoughts and words God says about us.
Ephesians 6:16-17 Above all, taking the shield of faith,
wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And
take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of
God:
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward
you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an
expected end.
Thoughts of fear, doubt, anxiety, procrastination,
slothfulness. Fear of rejection, fear of failure are not thoughts of peace.
They are evil in nature as they are harmful and do not bring us hope. These
thoughts do not align with God’s word.
Do not think it, do not speak it, do not believe it. If the
words you hear are contrary to God’s will, His word, and His purpose do not give them life.
2Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high
thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into
captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Focus on who God says you are. You are victorious.
Liv by Faith: A 31 Day Devotional (paperback): www.amazon.com/dp/0990525430
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