Not in the Flesh but in the Spirit

The Bible says that God’s law obligates us to obey it fully. But God knows there is no way that we can obey it all. And since the punishment for failing to do so is separation from God, He had to provide a way to overcome this barrier. God’s solution was to simply release us from the requirements of the law. Freedom from law means that punishment for breaking it is no longer imputed (Romans 4:15, 5:13).

In Christ we are no longer subject to the realm of the flesh, even though our flesh continues to oppress us. Romans 8 says: “You are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. If Christ is in you, though your body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness.” Unbelievable as it may seem: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

From Free from the Power of Sin: the Keys to Growing in God in Spite of Yourself

My Reality

My child, when I come, I invade the impossible. My ways are so much higher than your ways and My thoughts are higher than yours. I chose you to live in this world but to live according to My reality. Look to Me in every situation. All things are possible with Me. Do you doubt what I can do? Look around you. Look at My creation. What can’t I do? Start setting your eyes on Me alone for your challenges. I alone can move this mountain. Seek Me above everything else. Love Me with your whole heart. Hold nothing back. When you lose your life, you gain Mine. 

Moral Awareness at our Very Core

Scripture tells us that God is righteous. We commonly define righteousness as being in right standing with God. But what does it mean for God to be righteous? It would be silly to think that He achieved a moral excellence that allowed Him to be good enough to be God. No, God doesn’t need to meet a standard of righteousness; He is that standard. God’s righteousness means that He is by nature the essence of all that is good and just.

Now since God’s righteousness is the benchmark by which He will ultimately judge the world, He had to provide mankind with the means to relate to His perfection. He revealed that standard through law. Law gives us our sense of right and wrong—a moral awareness at the very core of our being. This is why a good understanding of biblical law is so important. It helps us appreciate God’s amazing provision for our own righteousness.

From Free from the Power of Sin: the Keys to Growing in God in Spite of Yourself

Outstretched Arms

My love stretches beyond your wildest imagination. My love exceeds anything and everything your mind has ever grasped. My love encompasses all you are and will ever be. When you think of a human being that has loved someone and that you greatly admire for that love, just multiply that by the biggest number you can think of and that doesn’t even come close to how much I love you. Satan would have you think that I am a hard taskmaster, that I rule with an iron fist. But everything I allow to happen in your life I allow out of my great love for you and my desire to have you come to Me, trust Me and believe Me. Do not believe the enemy. I am for you. I am loving and kind. I bring beauty out of ashes and joy where there has been mourning. I am here with outstretched arms, waiting for you, longing for you, desiring you. My heart aches for you to return to Me with your whole heart. Come and enter into the joy of your salvation. Your Father who loves you more than you can imagine. 

Slaves Purchased to be Set Free

Why did God allow us to be born into a world of sin? The only possible outcome of life here is enslavement to sin. Yet human existence is actually an incredible gift of God. It gives us the opportunity for intimacy with Him—culminating in a personal joining with God eternally. God’s justice demanded that something be done about sin. That’s why Jesus came as a man to take our sins upon Himself through His suffering and death.

This radical step was equitable in God’s eyes because it allowed God to credit us with His own righteousness, thus paving the way for relationship with Him. It was the only answer to our tainted human condition. Crediting us with His righteousness is the very foundation of God’s redemptive plan in bringing “many sons to glory.” Our redemption means that God has purchased us, much like one would buy a slave for the purpose of setting him free.

From Free from the Power of Sin: the Keys to Growing in God in Spite of Yourself

Enter In

My child, I have placed in your heart My Spirit. You are My chosen one. My bride, My joy. Recognize your position today. Take up your shield and sword. Enter into the calling I have placed on you. You have the anointing, you have My Spirit guiding you. Walk in the love and peace and joy that I provide. Be thankful and rejoice. Do not give into discouragement or despair. There is much to be thankful for. Keep seeing the things above. Keep your thoughts on Me. This world is full of discouragement, but I have overcome the world. I came to give life and to give it abundantly. Live the abundant life today.

Our Battle with the Flesh Demands Choice

God wants good for us here on earth, but His plan revolves around our union with Him later. His purpose is fulfilled only as we receive Christ, and then enter into a lifelong pursuit of God in spite of our bent toward choosing self in place of Him. This is why God allows sin such power in our decision-making. Our ongoing battle with the flesh, as we’re relentlessly confronted by a world steeped in sin, boils down to just one thing: radical choice—decision with real meaning.

           But how could a good God give evil the right to exist at all, much less allow it to have such destructive power over us? Again, choice is the answer to this age-old question. In His eternal wisdom, God ordained that His children choose Him freely. And the more difficult the choice, the better He seems to like it, since it makes the value we place on Him all the more meaningful.

From Free from the Power of Sin: the Keys to Growing in God in Spite of Yourself

Place of Intimacy

Draw close to Me, I am close to you. You only need to stop your busyness and come rest in My presence. I am here, I am calling you to a closer relationship with Me. Deeper, more intimate and closer than you have ever experienced before. This is a sweet place of intimacy. There is nothing to fear and everything to gain. Come ever closer My child, My beloved, My bride. 

What if Sin was No Longer a Problem?

As Christians, wouldn’t it be wonderful if sin was no longer a problem? If sin wasn’t an issue, wouldn’t it be a lot easier to wholeheartedly live for Jesus? Great thought—just not within the realm of reality. Still, what could possibly be wrong with wanting complete freedom from sin’s influence so that single-minded devotion to God might be a bit less stressful?

Well, we need to think about what letting us slide through life in the comfort and security of sinlessness would ultimately achieve. It is only possible outcome would be a good life here, with the added hope of even a better eternal life in heaven. What’s wrong with that, you might ask? The trouble with this notion is that, while nice, it doesn’t line up with God’s plan. He has a much greater purpose for our lives, because our destiny with Him in heaven is so much more than just a wonderful place to spend eternity.

From Free from the Power of Sin: the Keys to Growing in God in Spite of Yourself

Your Protector

“I raise my eyes toward the mountains, where will my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121: 1-2

I am your Lord and your Maker. I am with you. I am not far off. I have My eye on everything concerning you. You need not worry or fret. Do not let anxiety rule your heart or mind. Put your trust in Me. I am your Protector. I neither slumber or sleep. I have everything in My capable hands. I am your shelter and I will protect everything that concerns you now and forever. Your God in whom you can trust.