Today’s Devo:
@First5App @Proverbs31org We gathered at my house to try to sort out the tangled mess that had occurred among a group of close friends. https://myf5.co/571776
Highlights:
The battle against sin…
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.
Ephesians 6:10-18a
Romans 8:2 – We are set free.
“For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.”
Today’s Reading:
Day 25, pages 183-188
Today’s Workout:
Run, walk, or run/walk 3-4 miles.
My homework assignment:
For my counseling course at school I had to create a scenario and write what I would say to encourage a new believer who is tempted to sin. I tried to do it at 11 o’clock last night but was mentally blocked. This morning’s devotion (and remembering something a friend had said to me when I was tempted to sin) did most of the work for me! I think last night the Lord was like, “You need sleep. Go to bed, and I’ll tell you in the morning.” And He did. Here’s what I wrote…I thought it might be helpful for you to see how we can take what we’re learning through these Bible studies and use it to help others (and ourselves):
I understand your temptation to lie. I have felt that temptation at times as well. Many times when we are tempted to lie, or sin in other ways, it is because we are believing a lie ourselves. Are you believing the lie that telling a lie will make another problem go away? Or that it will keep the peace instead of creating more conflict? Do you think lying will give you control over a situation that seems out of control? Do you feel like you HAVE to lie? Whatever it is let's first do away with those lies you may be believing. God is in control. He sees your needs and your desires. You have a choice to NOT sin. The temptation is just that, a temptation, it is the point of decision. It is a part of the battle against sin. The good news: As a believer you can know that God has already won the battle. Romans 8:2, "For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death." If you have the Spirit then you have what is necessary to fight this battle. Remember, it is not a battle against flesh and blood but it is a spiritual battle. Ephesians 6:12, "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." So let's pray. Let's pray for the Lord to reveal the lies that you are believing. Let's pray that the Spirit will help you to "take every thought captive" (2 Corinthians 10:5). The temptation may not go away immediately. We need to discipline ourselves to stay in prayer, to stand firm in the truths we know, to remember our identity in Christ, and stay in His Word so we have ammunition to fire back when Satan's lies creep in. Ephesians 6:17-18a, "and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication."
What temptation to sin are you fighting against today?
Free and Fearless 