Tuesday 7 November 2017

DAILY DEATH of FLESH, DAILY BIRTH of SPIRIT

My Daily Death


Many times I've listened and obeyed my flesh, but the Holy Spirit convicts me to not let my flesh rule but to let the Holy Spirit to rule my flesh. Because he respects my free will; he gives me this option to die daily. 

And I have been reminded; gently, to die to myself 'daily', and to pick up my cross. This means to me that I need to deny myself and my selfish desires and learnt behaviours of this world on a DAILY basis. 

The Holy Spirit then quoted this verse to me:

 "Then Jesus said to all of them, “If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me. "

I had to switch on my PC and type in these words to see which book of the Bible this verse belonged to and I found it word for word in Luke 9: 23.

He also reminded me that when anyone asks me for anything; I need to give; not for my sake; but for the sake of Jesus; being his ambassador on earth is SERIOUS business and misrepresenting him in any way births serious CONSEQUENCES. There's this spiritual ripple effect that takes place. Remembering how Ps Stewart from Freshwater Christian Church says in one of his sermons: "I may be the only 'bible', they read".

Once again, I heard this verse whispered into my ears:

" and if someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. "

Once again, I researched online to see which book in the bible this verse belonged to and I found it in Matthew 5: 41 -42. 

Reflection:


The world teaches us to not give to those whom we think have tricked us, abuse or misuse us. But God says to "allow" such to happen. Why? So that when we are being judged on judgement day, we won't have fault or an excuse to give. 

Matthew 5:39-48English Standard Version (ESV)

39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic,[a] let him have your cloak as well.41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.

Love Your Enemies

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers,[b] what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
God clearly states in his word the spiritual behaviour I need to show the world. Unfortunately, as I hear often in the news; those who claim to be Christ ambassadors end up hurting others because they've not learnt to die to their flesh; daily. 

So my generation has a lot of "spilt milk'', to clean and need to show the world the trueness of who and why Jesus disciples and followers are truly like. Sometimes it's not easy, but that's why he says to DIE to SELF, DAILY. Not every few days or few weeks or few months. It's a DAILY thing, just like how we brush our teeth daily. 

It takes time and effort to DIE DAILY, but it's easy. 

Prayer

Just pray. LORD, I allow the Holy Spirit to rule over my spirit and soul, that I may do what you want, not want I want and that my path before you aligns with your will. AMEN.



Extra thoughts

However; being sick after many years of good health makes it more challenging, my mouth just wants to remain shut and sleep. But then God can hear my hearts prayer so might as well pray inwardly. 

This is when I need to use other spiritual resources and brethern to come in for me, get them to pray for healing and protection.