Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: TRIP (10/18/18)
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TITLE: Keep on the Narrow Way | Previous Challenge Entry
By Donna Martelli
10/22/18 -
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“I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh”. (Galatians 5:16 NKJV)
God is not tempting me to sin, temptation comes from my own desire (lust}.
“Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” (James 1:13-15 NKJV)
Walking in the Spirit means that I do not yield to that lust. It is the Holy Spirit in me Who gives me the power to resist that temptation. No problem, I am still on the straight and narrow road and my journey with the Lord continues.
But, allowing desire (lust) to conceive means that I entertain it in my mind and allow it to grow. I think about it over and over and make mental scenarios. Looks like a side trip is brewing in my mind.
At this juncture, the blindness begins. I am unable to see how gross my sin is to the Lord. I even think it is not really sin because I haven’t “done” anything. Jesus said that to commit sin in the heart is to commit sin. It has consequences, the main one being the acceptance of darkness into my mind and my heart. Satan has no power or authority over me until I give it to him. Sin in my mind and heart gives the devil a place in my life. It gives him permission to influence me. If allowed to continue, I will commit the sin that I have entertained in my mind. Will I sell my birthright for a bowl of soup? Will my journey with Jesus be compromised by this little trip to the side?
In the meantime, with sin only conceived in my mind, life goes on. On the surface things look pretty much the same. But, since there is no anointing without purity of heart, there is no joy, no strength, no power or authority. I am confused, and I can’t hear the voice of my Shephard. I try to do the things that I have always done by His Spirit and I can’t. But I still try and in so doing I exhaust myself. Most of all, I miss Jesus! He’s been my close companion for so long. His hand stretches out to me, but it is this thing in my heart that separates me from Him. I am hurting! I want out! Help, Lord!
“Not my will but Thine be done”. When my flesh is out of line there is only one answer. There is only one thing that my flesh will respond to: crucifixion. It is painful to say no to that temptation, but it is so worth it. The anointing is worth everything. His Presence is all that I need. The way is straight and narrow, and you and I must stay on it. Satan wants to destroy us, and he will give us lots of little fun side trips to get us off that narrow road.
God is for us and not against us. He has given us everything that we need to walk in victory. If we truly submit ourselves to Him, and resist the devil, the devil will flee from us.
“Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7 NKJV)
Every good and perfect gift comes from God. He loves us! Jesus won the victory. He sent His Holy Spirit to equip us for anything we must accomplish in this life. Let us open our hearts wide and allow Jesus Christ to enter and permeate every part. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life, no one comes to the Father except through Him. Whatever it is, wherever we are, He is the only answer!
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