Weather Report From Heaven: Sunny and bright, with an abundance of light and lots of singing and rejoicing.
Bible Verse of the day: James 1:22 ” But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (NKJV)
So many things that the Bible teaches us are so easy to say and hear, but so difficult to do. I fail miserably almost daily at carrying out our mission as believers of putting God first and our own selves and our self-will last. The battle between the Spirit, which is willing, and the flesh, which is weak, is still raging as Paul points out in Galatians 5:16-17: “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.” Almost daily, my flesh overwhelms my spirit in so many areas of my life. In how I react to various situations or perceived slights; in my impatience; in my pride and lust and anger. Oh how I wish it was easier to carry out what I truly want to do for the name of Jesus!
I am convinced that I can live out biblical principles on my own power based on some intellectual enlightenment that I have obtained from reading and hearing the scriptures, rather than pursuing the total character transformation that God requires of those who are followers of His Son, in order to live it out. Why is it so hard to totally surrender? Why is it so hard to have Christ centered nature become my second nature whenever I deal with the various tests and trials of this world? The power of the flesh over the Spirit is a constant battle that sometimes leaves me utterly fatigued and that is why I so desperately need to surrender all. Jesus has laid out for us that this path can be a struggle, that this path can lead to pain, but ultimately this is the only path that leads to all hope and glory. I get so distracted sometimes that I miss the Forest through the trees. I pray for the Lord’s help in doing better next time I have a chance to respond to any situation through a spirit led response instead of a fleshly one. I pray that He will lead me to the peace that comes from surrender and out of the daily conflict of being still stuck in this world, while longing to touch others for His purposes while I am still here. Lord give me all your wisdom, glory and mercy. For as 2nd Corinthians 12:9 says ” My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” I am weak Lord to do your will the way I want to and the way you deserve. Please make me strong. Amen!
Prayer: Lord Jesus, this world is so hard right now. There is so much pain, suffering and injustice. Help me to be a good Ambassador of yours that can shine the light that others need to see, and react in a way that is Spirit led that honors You. Fill me up with Your Holy Spirit so I have the energy it takes to pour myself out for others’ good each and every day. Amen!
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