Download Devotional thoughts Feb 16 2017

Weekly Devotional thoughts
We have a tendency to think with just shear will power, we
can overcome the power of sin. If this was only true. We try to
combat the power of sin for short periods of time but our sinful
nature always seems to find a way to express itself. God knows
this, Christ knows this and the Holy Spirit testifies to it. The only
reason we have any hope is because of Christ. Through Christ,
God grants the faithful sinner, who repents, forgiveness of sins.
Paul in Romans 6:1 asks the following question; “What
shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may
increase?” The answer of course is no. We cannot win in our fight
against sin and we cannot go on sinning, we seem to be trapped.
But just throwing up or hands and no longer fighting is not an
option.
We can do a few things. The first and best option is to know
Christ’s will by studying the Bible. Pray daily that the Holy Spirit
will show you the path of righteousness and give you the strength
and courage to follow it. Ephesians 6:11 “Put on the full armor
of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s
schemes.” Our next step is to try and put ourselves in positions
where we can succeed in our fight against sin.
Without realizing it, daily we put ourselves in precarious
situations. Every time, we watch TV, a movie, read a book, a
magazine, a “news” item, use a social network or go on the
internet, we potentially give sin another way to manifest itself in
our lives. Think that these different mediums don’t have the
potential to influence our behavior? Then why are advertisers
willing to spend millions of dollars for a 30 second commercial?
It is our responsibility to carefully guard what we consume.
We watch our diets, we should also watch our spiritual diets.
Screen everything. Question its value especially as it relates to
your relationship with Christ. Romans 12:2 “Do not conform to
the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of
your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s
will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Blessings:
Pastor Brian