January 13th Blog

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.

Paul gives us this command: Don’t give into (gratify) the desires of the flesh. It is amazing to me how I can read this passage over and over and in one quick momenttotally blow it. As a youth pastor I would remind teens how we are all just one bad decision from landing in jail! That would get their attention quick. Its amazing that as soon as I sin and miss the mark- I immediately know in my heart that I shouldn’t have done that!

I mean c’mon I have been serving the Lord for 25+ Years and I got this ‘flesh’ thing all worked out. Really?? You DO?? Ok, sometimes I like to think that…and shortly fall flat on my face. Whoops!

I do look forward to the day of perfection- that day when I no longer have to deal with sin and shame. That glorious day when I enter into the gates of Heaven and see my Savior face to face. This side of Heaven we will continue to fight and struggle. However I want to share the first point of my sermon God shared with me about Keeping in Step:

In 2019 Holy Spiritwants to give you victory over the flesh! Even greater

than in years past.

For some temptation is the outward desire for success, popularity or power. Others deal with the inward pressure of self-rejection and depression. Whatever you face, we can overcome them by the power of Holy Spirit. Notice Paul doesn’t say we won’t have the desires of the flesh, but as we walk by the spirit will not carry out those fleshy desires.

How is this possible? One quick word and thought:DESIRE. I believe as I continue to grow and mature in faith in 2019- God will do His part and exchange the desires of the heart by the renewing of the mind. As I study the Word of God, Pray the Word of God, Hear & Discuss the Word of God with others- I am forever changed. Oh that God will show us how offensive sin really is to Him and we would cast it aside!

There is Hope this side of Heaven found in 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sin He is faithful and just to forgive us.” Until we meet the Lord, let us Keep in Step with the Spirit and ask Him to give us the desires of HIS heart. As we walk with Him we can have the power to walk in Victory.

~Pastor Clint