"The Monster of Sin"

(click image to enlarge)
For the good that I will to do, I do not do;
but the evil I will not to do, that I practice.
Romans 7:19

Let's face it, unfortunately there are times when we just mess up!  Perhaps we've spoken something we never should have uttered.  We've done something we wish we never had.  We've made decisions that were not the best choices.  We love the Lord, and we follow Him, and then, BAM!, it's as if some other person takes over; it's that monster called sin, and we do just that - SIN!

The good news is, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous, who understands our weaknesses, forgives our sins as we repent, and who reminds us He makes a way of escape from all of our temptations.

Bad news is, this side of Heaven there will always be a battle between our flesh and spirit.  But God has given us His word, living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

God's word transforms us.  It is the truth that makes us free as we get a hold of His promises.  We are to be outfitted daily with the full armor of God, fully prepared as we are dressed in His righteousness, filled with the mind of Christ, walking in the gospel of peace, standing in faith, deflecting the arrows of the enemy, wielding the sword of the spirit, and being watchful in prayer, to cut down every enemy against us.  We make the choice to stand on the life-giving promises of God, that we may confidently, authoritatively, and effectively walk in them.

May we, in all humility, allow the word of God to cut through those dark places in our lives, to surgically remove every monster of sin, that we may be purified, little by little, to walk in holiness, reflecting the character of Christ.

Do you ever feel like a monster?
Then call upon the Lord
That you may walk in the Spirit
Pick up your sword.
Which is the very word of God
Dividing heart and flesh
He delivers us from temptation
Always willing to help and bless.
I pray, Lord, let me not wander
From Your most perfect commands
Cleanse me as I heed Your word
Far from sin's demands.
For I delight myself in Your statutes
I contemplate Your ways
I will not forget Your word
Almighty God, who saves.
Deal bountifully with Your servant
Open up my eyes
To see and choose the wondrous things
Your law, and life provide.

Scripture Meditation Links:

Romans 7:13-25

Hebrews 4:12

Galatians 5:16-18

1 Corinthians 10:13

Matthew 6:13

Psalm 119:9-18

1 John 2:1

Ephesians 6:10-18

1 Corinthians 2:16