Word for the day "Warring from within"
Romans 7: 17-20 (MSG) But I need something more! For if I know the law but still can’t keep it, and if the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help! I realize that I don’t have what it takes. I can will it, but I can’t do it. I decide to do good, but I don’t really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don’t result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time. 21-23 It happens so regularly that it’s predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God’s commands, but it’s pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge.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 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 My 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. Do not be controlled by your natural senses. Do not be controlled by your feelings. 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.Then 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. When 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 Easu 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- And 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.Today's message was birthed out of my own battle within, I pray someone has received help today!With all Sincerity,Pastor James Baker, Jr.