Word for the day "The War on the Inside"
Romans 7:17-23 (NLT) 17 So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.
18 And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.[a] I want to do what is right, but I can’t. 19 I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. 20 But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.21 I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. 22 I love God’s law with all my heart. 23 But there is another power[b] within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me.
Who's in the battle?
As I share today’s message, the Holy Spirit has been dealing with me and showing me that there are many people of God who are battling within themselves.Two natures are constantly trying to control our way of thinking, which will eventually dominate our lives.I am confronted with this battle on a regular basis myself! Are you aware you are having a battle within?I believe the Lord is saying: to those of us who have been struggling and battling from within, don’t allow negative thoughts to rule and dominate your way of thinking.
Don't allow the battle to win
Don’t allow the nature of your flesh to win the battle. That is your old nature contending with the divine nature which is created in you by the transformation of your renewed mind (Romans 12:1-2).Don’t allow carnality to gain ground. Allow your Spirit to lead and direct you from the inside and you will be set free from this struggle.Now, this does not mean you won’t struggle, it means you will handle the struggle!
When times of temptation arise
Know that you have the strength to follow the way of the Spirit. When you are tested and tried through the contention of others, don’t give in to their accusations.Don't be controlled by your natural senses. You should not allow your feelings to control you.Do not be led by any thoughts that are contrary to the Lord’s Word.Stay strong through difficult times and prayerfully seek God to lead you and guide you in the way of righteousness.
God will always use his word to show you something
The Lord brought me back to the book of Genesis.There is a story about Isaac’s wife Rebecca who was pregnant with twins which they named Jacob and Esau.The bible says that when Rebecca was pregnant, the twins jostled (fought) each other within her womb and she didn’t understand what was happening.She inquired of the Lord, He told her that there were two nations within her womb, one will be stronger and the other shall serve the younger.When I read this scripture, the Holy Spirit showed me a metaphor of Esau representing the flesh and Jacob representing the spirit.The struggle between Jacob and Esau in the womb is symbolic of the struggle that is going on inside of you as your flesh is warring against your Spirit (Genesis 25-22-23).
Point to ponder
The Lord is showing us; just as the rivalry was between Jacob and Esau, stand steadfast and don’t give up your birthright.Don’t dismiss the blessing that I have bestowed upon your life by submitting to carnality.As these two natures are in constant conflict and struggle against each other, hold on to the dream that I have placed in you.Don’t let go of what I have already provided for you as you learn how to master your flesh and submit to the Spirit living and dwelling on the inside of you says the Lord.
Conclusion
Today’s message was birthed out of my own battle within, I pray someone has received help today!
Our leadership team
Our Leadership team is especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in the month of May 2018 by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season:Special thanks to Mr. William Wilson, Ms. Annette Straker, Mr. David Straker, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Mrs. Shakeema Fraser-Lowe, Mrs. Cynthia Waiters-Artis, Ms. Monique Williams, Ms. Karleasa McCoy, and Ms. Gertrude Scott.Why don’t you take the opportunity to write us on our blog and let us know how we are doing in serving you, Great people.We are a faith-based, donor-supported ministry.If you have been touched by these daily devotionals and would like to make a monthly pledge or a special gift of any amount, please use the link below to give as the Lord leads.Thank you so much!Follow me on Twitter @James Baker_jr as I endeavor to encourage and empower leaders of today and tomorrow!Kingdom Blessings,Pastor James Baker, Jr.