Tag: temptations

Grave Clothes

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” John 11:44

What grave clothes are you still wearing?

What temptations or selfish acts do you still participate with?

What lies still tie your hands?

When we place our faith and trust in Jesus as our Savior, asking Him to forgive our sins, He does.

He cleans us, wiping our slate clean.

But too often that’s all we do with our salvation. We trust Jesus for eternity, but continue wallowing in our filth on earth.

Do you realize it’s possible to be saved, yet sinful? Sanctified, yet selfish? Free, yet bound?

God sent Jesus to restore His relationship with us for now and eternity. Did you catch that? Our saving relationship with Jesus is also for now.

We all understand the later part. Upon our death, we will rise to heaven to spend forever with Jesus. Eternally praising Him. Sounds heavenly, right?

But God has bigger plans than just you. He wants you to show others His goodness right now.

He wants you to show others His forgiveness right now. His mercy, love, and peace right now.

And that’s next to impossible if you are walking around in your grave clothes.

What do I mean by that?

You’re saved, yet you still cling to the bitterness and unforgiveness that has clung to you for so long.

You’re saved, yet you still bow to the lies in your head, deeming you unloved or unworthy.

You’re saved, yet you still allow anger to rule, justifying your actions due to this or that.

You’re saved, yet you continue to live for number one: your self.

You are on the throne of your heart, not God.

The devil knows you are saved. Nothing he can do about your eternity. But he can keep you stuck. Sad. Decaying your beautiful soul as you live in your stinky grave clothes. Literally imprisioned.

A.W. Tozer once said, “Why do we claim on one hand that our sins are gone and on the other act just as though they are not?”

God gives us free will. The choice to choose Him or not.

Delighted you’ve chosen to God. Seriously, it’s wonderful!!

But have you chosen Him with your whole self? Have you given Him your plans? Your time? Your todays and tomorrows?

Do your thoughts match what He says about you?

Do your actions match what He says to do?

Do your words mirror God’s words of life?

Stand up and get dressed. Declare Jesus is Victor over all! Let’s leave those stinky grave clothes in the dust. It’s time for a new wardrobe!

Photos by Deep Doshi, Alex Sheldon, Hanna Morris, & Samuel McGarrigle on Unsplash

Standing Against Sin

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

 So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. James 4:17

Do you have an intense desire to sin?

I’m guessing no. Not many people do.

If that’s so, then why do we sin? Or why are we more apt to sin when surrounded by others who sin?

Because when one is in the midst of those who allow themselves to sin, our minds have one of two reactions: we either abhor it, wanting to run away or we smile, beginning to allow our minds acceptance. Enjoyment even.

It’s as if our minds begin to embrace sin when influenced by others around us.

If everyone around us enjoys partaking, it can’t be that bad, right?

Our flesh begins to agree and before you know it, we are full on sinning just like the others.

Doesn’t matter if you’re a Christian or not.

Doesn’t matter if you believe in the fruits of the Spirit or not.

Doesn’t matter if you pray or not.

Sin affects everyone. And its temptations lurk around every corner.

Knowing this, what’s the solution? The antidote?

To be aware. To recognize tempting situations, staying far away.

To share sinful behavior with the necessary authority, breaking the code of friendship.

Enjoying the sin of others, yet staying silent?

You’re guilty.

Know what is coming, yet say nothing at all?

You’re also guilty.

That’s the sin of omission.

When you intentionally neglect to do something you are obligated to do.

The sin of commission is doing the deed.

So, back to the original question: When a situation presents itself, do you have an intense desire to sin, or do you simply sit back and do nothing?

Stand for God’s truth. Stand for what’s right. And go and sin no more.

Photos by Papaioannou Kostas, Camylla Battani, Justice Amoh, & Aaron Burden on Unsplash

God or Our Flesh

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin. Romans 7:25

Can I get a witness?

So true, isn’t it? Our minds long to serve God, yet our flesh longs to serve sin.

Waking up every morning, we once again purpose to walk within God’s plan for our day.

Yet how soon does our flesh rise up to sin?

Reacting with a snarky comment to our spouse.

Thinking of our own needs first instead of others.

Allowing an anxious thought to take root in our mind.

Believing a lie about our identity in Christ.

Lying to get out of a sticky situation.

Ignoring what you know you should accomplish, indulging in your flesh instead.

Becoming grumpy pants whenever things are not going your way.

Dwelling in self-pity or poor me.

Worrying to the point of fear filling your mind.

When we participate with sin, we are serving the law of sin.

Ouch. Do you want to serve sin?

Heck no. I’m not sure we consciously say to ourselves we want to serve sin as we indulge with our flesh.

But that’s what we do when we sin. We serve it. We agree with it because we succumb to it’s temptations.

But God is on the throne, His power to withstand is available to us – we only need to ask and then stand firm. Again and again. And again.

Lord, help us to continue in the mind of Christ, instead of living within the sin of our flesh.

Fill us with your Holy Spirit and help us to remember You with every thought as we go about our day.

Cement in our hearts Your ways, Your peace, and Your presence.

May we long for You more than our flesh.

Only with Your power within us will we ever have a breath of hope.

You are above our sin and we are nothing without You.

You are our God, forevermore reigning for all of eternity.

We praise You for thinking of us, helping us, and wanting us to follow in Your footsteps.

May we live to glorify Your name as we serve you instead of ourselves.

Photos by Karsten Winegeart, Jessica D. Vega, & Silvana Carlos on Unsplash