“God has looked down from heaven upon the children of men to see if there is anyone who understands, who seeks after God [who requires Him, who longs for Him as essential to life]. 3Every one of them has turned aside and fallen away; Together they have become filthy and corrupt; There is no one who does good, no, not even one.” Psalm 53:2-3 AMP

Since the first days of the fall of man, God has been actively looking to see if any have desired to return home! The power of sin can never be underestimated. Sin has caused a spiritual separation from God leading to corrupted and destructive behaviors. Jesus told us the end game of enemy the devil.

“The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].” John 10:10 AMP

This is accomplished by gaining control of our fleshly nature. The flesh is a powerful medium through which our enemy can utilize to enslave us. Sin acts a s a master, compelling actions that are contrary to one’s will dominating the heart and mind and distorting God’s nature. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Galatians,

“For the sinful nature has its desire which is opposed to the Spirit, and the [desire of the] Spirit opposes the [sinful nature; for these [two, the sinful nature and the Spirit] are in direct opposition to each other [continually in conflict], so that you [as believers] do not [always] do whatever [good things] you want to do.” Galatians 5:16-17 AMP

Ask anyone who has struggled with an addiction. Everything in them wants to be free but the controlling power of the flesh seems to be unbreakable. The only hope they have is in the reality that the blood of Christ to the bond of their sin will set them free! In writing to the church at Rome the Apostle penned these words.

“For those who are living according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh [which gratify the body], but those who are living according to the Spirit, [set their minds on] the things of the Spirit [His will and purpose]. 6Now the mind of the flesh is death [both now and forever–because it pursues sin]; but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace [the spiritual well-being that comes from walking with God–both now and forever]; 7the mind of the flesh [with its sinful pursuits] is actively hostile to God. It does not submit itself to God’s law, since it cannot, 8and those who are in the flesh [living a life that caters to sinful appetites and impulses] cannot please God.” Romans 8:5-8 AMP

We must choose each and every day to bring the desires of our flesh under the control of the Holy Spirit. If we continue to walk in the flesh, we will always experience separation from God as sin creates a barrier hindering spiritual growth and alienating us from the presence of God.

“So then,  brothers and sisters, we have an obligation, but not to our flesh [our human nature, our worldliness, our sinful capacity], to live according to the [impulses of the] flesh [our nature without the Holy Spirit]– 13for if you are living according to the [impulses of the] flesh, you are going to die. But if [you are living] by the [power of the Holy] Spirit you are habitually putting to death the sinful deeds of the body, you will [really] live forever.” Romans 8:12-13 AMP

Jesus told us that He came to set the captives free! If you are in need of freedom, He is willing to provide! All it takes is a willingness to truly surrender and a belief that He is able. If we are active in outing the desires to death He will bring the strength needed to have the victory! Have a blessed day, Pastor Ken