James 1:17
March 30, 2023
FEAST OF STS STEPHEN OF MAR SABA AND BENJAMIN OF PERSIA – 31st MARCH
March 31, 2023
THE 30th OF MARCH
WE CANNOT DO ALL WE WANT, BECAUSE THE DESIRES OF OUR CARNAL NATURE ARE OPPOSED TO THOSE OF THE SPIRIT
For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. – Galatians 5:17
We are all born with a fallen human nature, driven by sin. All it naturally desires is contrary to the Word of God. After we are born-again in our spirits and transformed by the Holy Spirit, we desire only what is pure and good. Even though our “spirits” are completely changed, our “fleshly nature” is still very much alive and strong. The fleshly nature is what urges us to sin, and the Holy Spirit urges to do God’s will. We are in a continuous battle.
Jesus told us that in order to follow Him, we must deny ourselves and pick up our crosses daily (Luke 9:23-26). In order to grow spiritually, we must stop the lusts of our carnal nature, on a daily basis. The fleshly nature does not want us to pray, praise the Lord, study the Bible or help others. Our carnal nature causes us to be offended, not forgive, seeks excuses and reasons to sin. We cannot do what the flesh wants, if we want to belong to the Lord!
SUGGESTED PRAYER
Dear Lord, please give us the will and the power to fight against the lusts of our flesh, that we may not sin. Please help us to deny oneself, by not making any decision without You, but to truly obey what You direct us to do, through the Holy Spirit. Help us to crucify our flesh every day and follow You. We know that as long as we live in this body, we have to overcome the lusts of the flesh and we cannot do it without Your help. Please help us to spend more time in Your presence and live in obedience to You. Praise You, dear Lord. Amen
Source: thetruthstandsforever
