Scripture -
The Battlefield
Romans 7:15-24 New International Version (NIV)
15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature.[a] For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.
21 So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22 For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; 23 but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. 24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?
Praying & Asking God to set us free
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." ~ Philippians 4:6-7
Observation & Application -
Am I so robotic that I react or act from my past without consideration or consequence. My thinking, attitudes, and behavior, are they just a product of my past or have I really let the Lord into my life to make the changes necessary to begin living "set free." Often a prime example is when I am in my car, listening to a lesson, singing, praising and worshiping our Heavenly Father, only to get cut off or something similar happens and the "old" Warren comes out. I begin to say unpleasant words, offer a gesture (usually not a wave to say "hello"), and having my mind drift off from where it was being filled with a positive message or vibe just a few seconds ago.
Another example of where I have let sin get a hold of me is when I think about the evil, hate and unbelievable things that people do to each other around the world; those who persecute Christians, innocent people who have been killed from terrorists or hate groups, and those who serve to enrich and better the lives of others whose lives have been taken away because of some senseless act. It makes me sad, and more than not, very angry, hoping, wishing that we could just eliminate all of them by any means. While others may engage in this type of conversation, instead of speaking from a place of love, patience, and forgiveness, I am quick to jump in, in support of doing such harm when I have been taught otherwise.
Hopefully this is a reminder of why it is so easy to fall back into the habits and thinking that drives us away from running to God, trusting in our Lord, because the devil wants me to stay in this frame of mind. Ultimately it is his tool to destroy, to break my relationship, my hope and trust in God & His promises and to "rely on myself" or any one/thing else for that matter.
prayer -
Father, I continue to ask for Your guidance, through the Holy Spirit, in shaping my thoughts, actions, behaviors, and attitudes. Let me be in alignment with what you teach me through my experiences, The Bible, speaking into my life from other brothers & sisters-in-Christ, and from what your son, Jesus, exemplified in His life - help me to become more like Him. May my words and actions reflect my love for you that others may see, hear and want to know You too.