HAPPY TUESDAY!
Today’s scriptures are about being forgiven of sin. It’s one thing to say “Jesus died for my sin”, and it’s another thing to actually believe that. You might be thinking what I mean by that, but you know that I’ll explain. There are so many believers that live in the bondage of sin, even though Jesus has set us free. The fact that sin doesn’t have to slow us down somehow doesn’t always register. Sin is no longer an issue for a child of God, and we don’t have to be a slave to it. Sin is like an addiction, we can overcome it, but it’ll constantly be an issue for us for awhile. Sin is appealing, and the world dresses it up as if it’s the cool thing to do, but it could be detrimental to our lives mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. When you’re addicted to something—whether drugs, alcohol, money, other people, etc.—it becomes something that you’d risk your life for. You start living in the moment, and the only thing that matters is getting that next fix, regardless of the repercussions it’ll have on you, and the people you love. Sin has the same exact affect in the life of a believer.
We’re born into the flesh, which is made from the dust. It’s weak and frail, and not meant to withstand the test of time. In the flesh we’re weak by design, but by the Spirit of Christ, we’re stronger than we could ever imagine. The Apostle Paul wrote: The Scriptures tell us, “The first man, Adam, became a living person.” But the last Adam—that is, Christ—is a life-giving Spirit. What comes first is the natural body, then the spiritual body comes later. Adam, the first man, was made from the dust of the earth, while Christ, the second man, came from heaven. Earthly people are like the earthly man, and heavenly people are like the heavenly man. Just as we are now like the earthly man, we will someday be like the heavenly man. (I Cor. 15:44-49 NLT) Sin to a believer is like kryptonite to Superman, because we are indeed still in the flesh. At the same time, we’ve received the Spirit of Christ, and He lives within us, so we are working toward becoming “the heavenly man”. Each day we seek righteousness we become stronger and wiser, regardless of sin. However, if we allow sin to consume us, we stray, and become stagnant, and are no longer growing in the Spirit.
The enemy will have us believe that we are the worst people in the world when we sin. He uses guilt and fear to his advantage, that’s why it’s so important to continue to seek the face of the Lord. It’s important to remember the Lord’s promises, that He died so that we can be cleansed of all unrighteousness, and it’ll never have dominion over us again. God has called us to complete a very special task in this life, and sin is the only thing that can separate us from His grace. The awesome news is that He’s taken care of that once and for all, so there’s truly nothing in our way. Please don’t allow the enemy to deter you any longer, because you think you’ve done something extremely wrong, or you’re too bad, or have too many bad habits to be saved. There’s nothing you can do, big or small that can separate you from the love of God. Once you believe, and confessed Jesus as Lord, you’re a child of God forever. There is no turning back, however the enemy will always have you believing that you’re always falling short. Today is the day where you can stand up and say enough is enough. Each day is a new day, repent for your past sins, and ask the Lord for help and guidance to stay on the narrow path of righteousness, and He will, He promised.
The question still remains, “why do so many believers allow sin to consume them?” It’s due to a lack of knowledge, and a lack of faith. There’s no way to live in freedom if you don’t know how. The only way to live free is to live for the Lord. Do your best to be righteous, and repent when you aren’t. Hunger and thirst for the wisdom of the Lord, and He will give you the key to living a stress free life. Notice I didn’t say “sin free” because as long as we’re in the flesh we’ll fall short, but as we grow it will become less consuming and life altering. If you’re consumed with sin, then it’s time to do some self-reflection. Ask the Holy Spirit for help in identifying those crippling sins that affect your daily life, and repent for them. Surround yourself with positive people, as it’s written: Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” (1 Cor. 15:33)
Paul goes on to say: The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Cor. 15:56-58) In the Name of Jesus you are delivered from the law! All of the “thou shalt not’s” are no longer that scary, thanks to Jesus Christ. He’s given us a way to trample over the enemy and live in victory, by one selfless act; all we have to do is believe in Him. If you don’t believe in Him, then sin equals death for you. There’s no way around it. Take a few moments to take the God Quiz right now, and be free! My favorite verse today is: Sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. (Romans 6:14,18)
ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455559&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/broadcast/audio-archives
http://www.intouch.org/magazine/daily-devotional
I love you!
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