...the need for change
You
may have arrived at a point in your life where all hope is gone,
dreams are ripped apart, future looks dim, you feel rejected, you've
ruined it all - you are at Maximum Tolerance Level. What to do? Where
to go? Wait... there is a light stream, a fresh breeze, this
wonderful touch of the Master. Listen to what He has to say.
Matthew
11:28...Come
to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you
rest.
Jeremiah 32:17... Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You.
Mark 10:27... With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God ALL things are possible.
You were so busy ruining your life that He had to put it to a HALT. If you allow Him, He can do His restoring work in your life.
Hebrew 13:8... Jesus Christ is the SAME, yesterday, today and for ever.
When He touched people then, He will do it now. He is risen from the dead and sits at the right hand of the Father. Throw all your troubles overboard, give them to the Lord in prayer. You don't have to say a formal prayer, just call upon Him the way you would talk to a good friend. God will hear you alright.
Let's have a look at the needed "change".
Jeremiah 32:17... Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You.
Mark 10:27... With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God ALL things are possible.
You were so busy ruining your life that He had to put it to a HALT. If you allow Him, He can do His restoring work in your life.
Hebrew 13:8... Jesus Christ is the SAME, yesterday, today and for ever.
When He touched people then, He will do it now. He is risen from the dead and sits at the right hand of the Father. Throw all your troubles overboard, give them to the Lord in prayer. You don't have to say a formal prayer, just call upon Him the way you would talk to a good friend. God will hear you alright.
Let's have a look at the needed "change".
Outward
changes are only apparently good. Temporary relief may be provided,
with no lasting effect. Outward change may appear good to others,
even to oneself, when in God's sight it is not. External changes that
do not follow an internal change of heart, toward God, always moves a
person further away from the Lord. So change that is socially good
may be religiously evil.
Change has to be satisfactory to God, not merely socially good.
For example, a robber may quit robbing people, without repenting from his sin. This is good for society, but if his heart is not changed and he has not asked for forgiveness he is not right with God. Most likely he will fall back into the same thing or worse.
Lust of the flesh = self-directed; self-gratification.
Change has to be satisfactory to God, not merely socially good.
For example, a robber may quit robbing people, without repenting from his sin. This is good for society, but if his heart is not changed and he has not asked for forgiveness he is not right with God. Most likely he will fall back into the same thing or worse.
Lust of the flesh = self-directed; self-gratification.
- may involve imaginary sexual partners; pornography
- inward act of adultery; lack of self control, masturbation
- sexual relationship with a person other than your lawful spouse
- perversion
of the sexual act; homosexuality, sodomy, bestiality, oral sex.
Sexual immorality, committed by a married person, is a form of adultery. The sexual act is for procreation, and for the benefit and pleasure of the lawful spouses. God created male and female. He gave Adam a companion, which was Eve, his wife. Sexual relationship is to be shared between lawful spouses, not same sex individuals, and not to satisfy the individual's lust, as in masturbation.
Masturbation is a perverted sexual act, so is homosexuality, sodomy, bestiality and oral sex . These are unnatural, wrong and sinful, in or outside the marriage. It usually is accompanied with lustful thoughts and unclean fantasy. Perverted sex will also stimulate the flesh to more sinful experimentation, as with vibrators, sex toys, pornography and such. Because it is sinful it does not satisfy. Unnatural sexual activity becomes a habitual force in one's life.
Jude 1:7... Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
Micah 2:1,3 ... Woe to those who devise iniquity, and work out evil on their beds! At morning light they practice it, because it is in the power of their hand. (3)Therefore thus says the Lord: 'Behold, against this family I am devising disaster, from which you cannot remove your necks; nor shall you walk haughtily, for this is an evil time.
Leviticus 18:22-24... You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination. Nor shall you mate with any animal, to defile yourself with it. Nor shall any woman stand before an animal to mate with it. It is perversion.
Do not defile yourself with any of these things; for by all these the nations are defiled, which I am casting out before you.
If marriage and its intimate relationship reflects Christ and His Bride, then we can know for sure that masturbation and homosexuality do not belong in a Christian life. Christ gave Himself to His Bride unselfishly; He sacrificed Himself. In the same manner we have to consider each other in marriage.
Christians have to discipline themselves and if you are not disciplining yourself you will feel guilty. Guilt feelings are the results of sin. I am glad that you're reading this writing. Hopefully your conscience is bothering you, so you will desire to change.
Sin separates us from God, and so does the lust of the flesh. Committed sin and addiction to lust cannot always be blamed on satan, neither can sexual fantasizing. You can make choices, but once you have allowed sin, satan will reinforce this and add his trap. In the same manner, once you have rejected sin and satan, the Lord will add strength and power to His follower.
Your body, soul and spirit belongs to Him. Your body (including your mind) supposed to be a temple of the Holy Ghost. So, if you live with lust, you are demeaning His temple. I know you don't want to do this, you are weak and you seek help from the Lord, but you also have to make effort yourself.
1 Corinthians 6:13... Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.
Prayer and meditation on God's word is much needed, but it is not all. You have to become active in fighting this spirit of lust in the power of the Holy Spirit. First, you need to know that Jesus Christ is your Savior, having confessed your sins and are cleansed in His Blood of Christ. Secondly, become obedient to His word in water baptism by immersion, as in Matthew, 28:19 and Mark 16:16. Jesus Himself was our example. Seek the infilling of the Holy Spirit and the speaking in tongues. Only Through Him can you be a conqueror and overcomer, see 1 Corinthians Chapters 12, 13, 14.
Let us examine some of the scriptures:
1 Corinthians 6:18...
Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside his body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.
Romans 1:26,27...For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which is due.
1 Corinthians 6:9... Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, (check a few dictionaries for its meanings).
It is very clear that any sexual sin is an abomination to the Lord. There is no hope and no outcome for anyone who wants to continue in this situation. But, if you recognize this sin in your life and you want to be clean and free of this sinful lifestyle, there is HOPE, FORGIVENESS and HEALING. We all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. We all have to come to the Lord for forgiveness and healing of our souls. Jesus Christ gave His life as a ransom for our sins; for my and your sins. No matter what kind of sin we have been involved with.
1 John 2:16, 17... For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but who does the will of God abides forever.
James 1: 14, 15... But every man is tempted, when he is drawn of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust has conceived, it brings forth sin: and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
Satan is your enemy and he comes with sugar-coated sins and thoughts. Once he has got your attention, he puts some "glue" on it and makes your thoughts stick a bit longer. You will now start brooding upon sinful and lustful thoughts. These want to be satisfied, for it is the old stinking flesh which is lusting. Once this lust of the flesh is satisfied you've sinned, and the bitter taste comes after.
You're now separated from God and you feel dirty and sinful. Satan has dropped you in your own vomit. This will repeat itself over and over again, until you take a hold of your thoughts and bring them under subjection BEFORE you think twice.
You need the infilling of the Holy Spirit. You need supernatural power to overcome this stronghold in your life. Start walking in His word, DO what God requires from you. Don't be a hearer only, but DO according to His word.
Start getting that sling ready and throw the stone right between satan's eyeballs. You just swing that sling and the Lord will make it ring. AMEN! Read the story of David and Goliath. If David dared to attack this giant, how the more can you do it. You've got Jesus right walking beside you. Didn't He say that ALL things are possible with God to them that believe?
Romans 13:14... But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.
Titus 2: 11, 12... For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.
2 Peter 1: 4... Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these you might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
Romans 6: 12... Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in the lusts thereof.
1 Peter 2: 11... Dearly beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which wars against the soul.
Self-Control.
Proverbs 25:28... Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.
1 Corinthians 7: 5...so that satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control..
1 Corinthians 7: 9...but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry.
A believer must change from a sinful behavior to please God.
- Confessing sin to God and to them that you have sinned against.
- You must acknowledge that bad behavior cannot be excused, and that it is sin.
- You must ask for forgiveness from God and people involved.
- You must repent of your sin.
- Repentance is a change of mind about one's beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors.
- It involves regret about sin and related issues.
- It
demands a change of lifestyle as outward evidence and of a desire to
be different.
- Abandon connections which are involved in that sin, such as people, places, activities etc.
- Rid yourself of any influence that might lead you back to sin; if possible destroy any related material.
- Stay away as far as you can from the slippery edge of sin; screen your TV/Movie/Internet watching etc.
- Don't
walk on thin ice. Don't allow yourself to get into temptation.
- Discipline and train yourself in righteousness;
- Put on an entirely different way of thinking and living;
- Bring all your thoughts under subjection, at His feet;
- Replace
sinful habits and lifestyles with biblical ones, i.e. not cursing...
but praising.
1
John 1:9...
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our
sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
It takes homework to adjust to this new life in Jesus Christ, but it is far better than living separated from God. With Paul you can say: "I can do ALL things through Christ, my Lord." He will give you strength. Lean on the Lord and not on your own understanding.
Proverbs 3:6... In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
John 15:7... If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.
You don't have to do too much to get the victory you need. There is a key factor that MUST be applied in order to let the flesh know you mean business: "DECISION". The decision to surrender one's will to God.
Any thought about lust, bring it immediately to the Lord and speak out loud that you don't want to do this, in Jesus name. Start quoting a Scripture or singing a Hymn, and sin and satan will soon vanish. The Bible states: Walk holy for He is holy. Holy means separated from this sinful world.
Your own logic will say that it is unattainable. But once you've surrendered your will and allow Him to take over, He will bring it to pass. He will reinforce your decision. In your own perspective you will still look at the whole picture with the "carnal" mind! The fear of failure that may have haunted you for years may be all you see. Intercessory prayer on your behalf, and you for others, is necessary to break through. Intercessory prayer is one of the most effective and powerful type prayers that brings results to your OWN life.
You have to realize that the nature of our walk is to sin. We do it because we inherited the very characteristic of doing the opposite of what God intended for us to do when Adam sinned. The role of serving God and rendering our allegiance and praise to Him was destroyed and a different role took its place via the selfish ambitions and the free will to act out our own power of decision. This is the key word: "Decision"!
Just as much as when the sinful characteristic took over our will, in the same way did the power of Christ's Blood exemplified the role we initially had. Because of it, you now have the power to play the initial role of allegiance to God that brings LIFE and FREEDOM. You can now CHOOSE (use the same decisive self will that destroyed the initial allegiance to God) not to subject to the flesh, with the very same power that the flesh uses to prompt you to subject to it. This will set you free from mind binding spirits that are dwelling within, which are empowered by your own decisions, which will eventually and gradually destroy you.
It takes homework to adjust to this new life in Jesus Christ, but it is far better than living separated from God. With Paul you can say: "I can do ALL things through Christ, my Lord." He will give you strength. Lean on the Lord and not on your own understanding.
Proverbs 3:6... In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
John 15:7... If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.
You don't have to do too much to get the victory you need. There is a key factor that MUST be applied in order to let the flesh know you mean business: "DECISION". The decision to surrender one's will to God.
Any thought about lust, bring it immediately to the Lord and speak out loud that you don't want to do this, in Jesus name. Start quoting a Scripture or singing a Hymn, and sin and satan will soon vanish. The Bible states: Walk holy for He is holy. Holy means separated from this sinful world.
Your own logic will say that it is unattainable. But once you've surrendered your will and allow Him to take over, He will bring it to pass. He will reinforce your decision. In your own perspective you will still look at the whole picture with the "carnal" mind! The fear of failure that may have haunted you for years may be all you see. Intercessory prayer on your behalf, and you for others, is necessary to break through. Intercessory prayer is one of the most effective and powerful type prayers that brings results to your OWN life.
You have to realize that the nature of our walk is to sin. We do it because we inherited the very characteristic of doing the opposite of what God intended for us to do when Adam sinned. The role of serving God and rendering our allegiance and praise to Him was destroyed and a different role took its place via the selfish ambitions and the free will to act out our own power of decision. This is the key word: "Decision"!
Just as much as when the sinful characteristic took over our will, in the same way did the power of Christ's Blood exemplified the role we initially had. Because of it, you now have the power to play the initial role of allegiance to God that brings LIFE and FREEDOM. You can now CHOOSE (use the same decisive self will that destroyed the initial allegiance to God) not to subject to the flesh, with the very same power that the flesh uses to prompt you to subject to it. This will set you free from mind binding spirits that are dwelling within, which are empowered by your own decisions, which will eventually and gradually destroy you.
Ephesians 6:12... For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Immediate change will take place as you decide to surrender your will and your ALL to the Lord. Spiritual laws are automatically falling into place and the Power of The Holy Spirit instantaneously will begin His work on you.
May the following Words of the Lord reinforce your walk with Him.
Philippians 4:8... Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on THESE things.
1 Corinthians 2:16b... But we have the mind of Christ.
Romans 8:5,6... For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but for the spiritually minded is life and peace.
If you really love the Lord and desire to follow Him, if you want His protection all the days of your life, lift up your hands to Him and cry out for the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome. SURRENDER COMPLETELY. Ask the Lord to forgive you and cleanse you in His blood and walk in His ways. He hears you and knows the sincerity of your heart. Find a mature Christian, with whom you can confide in, who can help you and encourage you in this. One you can be accountable to concerning overcoming this lust of the flesh.
Psalm 50:15....Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.
Find a Christian friend you can trust, who will support you in your endeavors, who is willing to pray with you and fight the good fight of faith.
Grab the VICTORY in Jesus Christ.
Jesus is so wonderful, put your head to rest on His shoulder, lay your burdens before His feet, give Him your hopelessness, hand Him your dish of sin, allow Him to wipe away your tears. Yes, allow Him to touch you, to heal you, to restore you, to uplift you, to deliver you, to create something wonderful out of your mess, your pain, your sorrow. He did it before and He will do it again. Don't be ashamed for confessing your sins, not confessing is far worse. Confessing your sins before the Judgement Throne is too late! Make up your mind while you still can.
Please, enjoy this powerful poetic page below. May His name be glorified.
Be
encouraged, JESUS is standing with outstretched hands, ready to
rescue you.
God's Word provides direction and encouragement, the Holy Spirit provides power to overcome. Have faith in God!
God's Word provides direction and encouragement, the Holy Spirit provides power to overcome. Have faith in God!
A very helpful article by Lambert Dolphin can be fond at the link below.
copyright © Dr. Trudy Veerman, 1996-2014, All rights reserved.
No comments:
Post a Comment