The Spirit and the Flesh
I love what Henry Blackaby said in the Experiencing God Day By Day devotional for today. In the passage from Mark 14 where Jesus is praying in the garden before the crucifixion, He told the disciples who were closest to Him to "watch and pray, for the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." Blackaby said there are times when we have to overrule the flesh and allow the Holy Spirit to empower us to do the will of God. This is especially true when it comes to very important times of spiritual warfare. We must not allow ourselves to fall asleep or to otherwise fulfill the flesh in those situations. We could miss our only opportunity to be a part of what God is doing.
However, the same principle applies to everyday decisions. I saw a story online about a lady who lost 213 pounds. Her success was due to a 12 step plan for food addition. She had to overcome the flesh and deny those desires. She had to allow God to help her spirit win the victory. That is what all of us have to do. If we follow the flesh, we will be overcome with all sorts of desires that do not honor the Lord or do His will for us.
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Samuel 10-13.
However, the same principle applies to everyday decisions. I saw a story online about a lady who lost 213 pounds. Her success was due to a 12 step plan for food addition. She had to overcome the flesh and deny those desires. She had to allow God to help her spirit win the victory. That is what all of us have to do. If we follow the flesh, we will be overcome with all sorts of desires that do not honor the Lord or do His will for us.
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Samuel 10-13.