"Self" Will Not Fade Away If We Deny It

                                                     When The Door Slams

But I say, walk habitually in the [Holy] Spirit [seek Him and be responsive to His guidance], and then you will certainly not carry out the desire of the sinful nature [which responds impulsively without regard for God and His precepts].   Galatians 5:16 AMP  

        Discipline, intentional action, and accountability are all good things that can help us overcome our sinful desires and shortcomings. We won't live as faithful disciples by accident. However, Paul shares the heart of the Gospel with us-the driving force in our lives that both unites us with God and empowers us to live in holiness. 

        The only way we will definitively and consistently overcome sin is to yield ourselves to the Holy Spirit. With the Holy Spirit as our guide. we will begin to recognize the power of our own desires and, most importantly, our powerlessness in overcoming them.

        The "self" will not fade away if we deny it. Our cravings are too powerful. Our senses of self-preservation and enjoyment are too appealing. We can only educate ourselves so much in the consequences of sin. At a certain point, we need a more powerful guide to show us the right way forward and to redirect our desires with the presence and power of God. 

        The only way to overcome sin is to stop fighting it. We won't be shaped into God's people by what we deny, but rather by whom we yield to and who guides us. By yielding our wills to God, we will find new cravings for the presence of God and we will discover along the way that all days are not created equal. Some days are bright and cheery while others days are dark and difficult. 

        Think about this: Even some of the most faithful Christians are, at times, surround by occasional bouts of discouragement and doubt. But even when we feel far removed from God, God is never far removed from us. The LORD is always with us, always willing to calm the storms of life. The LORD is always willing to replace our doubts with comfort and assurance.

 Renewal: Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh; but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. The mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace (Romans 8:5-6).                                                                                                                                                                                              Petition: May I watch carefully how I walk, not as the unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. May I not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is (Ephesians 5:15-17).                          

 Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the LORD and thank Him for His forgiveness. 

                                                    Never Rest Ministries