THROUGH THE BIBLE IN THREE YEARS
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A overweight man always stopped by the bakery on his way to work to pick up goodies for the staff coffee break. This practice was scrapped when he went on a diet, and the staff understood.
One day he had to drive by the bakery on a work related errand. As he approached the bakery, he said to himself, "If the Lord wants me to stop by the bakery this morning there'll be a parking spot available right in front of the bakery."
And sure enough, there it was - a parking spot. It was available right in front of the bakery -- on his eighth trip around the block.
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Gal 5:16-17
16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
KJV
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What Christian does not have a constant struggle between the old nature and the new creation in Christ?
The old nature uses all the weaponry of temptations upon the new.
The new creation in Christ is constantly on the outlook for temptations and is set for resistance.
The enemy of our sin nature is permanently entwined in our souls. We will never be rid of it as long as the Lord keeps us upon this earth. Contrary to the popular song, the "old man" is NOT dead! In fact that's why Jesus said we must take up our cross "DAILY" and follow Him (Luke 9:23). Each day we must crucify the old man and live for Christ - it is a daily effort.
At the same time our new creation in Christ employs His Holy Spirit to walk WITH Him and not AGAINST Him. He encourages, undergirds, comforts, and inspires us to NOT lose the integrity of our Christian walk. And He even convicts us when we sin, sending us to our knees, begging forgiveness from our Lord.
Being a Christian is not for sissies! We have a constant battle with the world, and a constant battle within!
But take heart, do not be discouraged because "greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." (1 John 4:4) And " ...He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:" (Phil 1:6).
And one day, my friend, when Christ comes to receive you unto Himself, He will TOTALLY ERADICATE the "old man!"
So fight on! "Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh."
Love ya,
Bruce