Most athletes, people in shape/fit, and successful business people have to do things that go past their feelings/flesh to reach their highest potential. We must do the same when it comes to our relationship with God to receive the best that God has for us.
I was led to Revelation Chapters 2 & 3, which describe several churches, and the phrase for the blog came to me. Each church started great, but most churches fell away from God. The church in Ephesus left their first love for Jesus. The church in Pergamum turned to false teachings and idols. The church in Thyatira allowed Jezebel, a prophetess, to mislead people to commit immoral/sexual acts and eat food sacrificed to idols. The church in Sardis was not dedicated to God. The church in Laodicea was lukewarm: neither hot nor cold.
We all can identify with these churches as believers. A lot of us have done those things in our own lives. However, God is merciful because if we repent, God can restore us and give us the best. We can be like the church in Philadelphia that remained faithful, and God opened doors that no one could shut. God promised them he would keep them safe during the trial because of their endurance and faithfulness. The church in Smyrna endured persecution, but the angel told them not to be afraid but to be faithful until the end. If they die in faith, they will receive the crown of life in eternity with God.
James 1:12 Living Translations says: 12 Happy is the man who doesn’t give in and do wrong when he is tempted, for afterward, he will get as his reward the crown of life that God has promised those who love him.
It is an excellent reward for putting under our flesh & feelings. But, remember, the only way we can do it is with the help of God and by washing ourselves with the word of God.
My body gets up early in the morning. I know God is waking me up to fellowship with Him. This week, for a couple of days, I yielded to my flesh and laid back down. I repented to God, and it came to me what Jesus said to His disciples: can you stay up with me for just one hour? (Matthew 26:40) However, I was determined to overcome my flesh. I sat up and turned the light on so I could stay awake to see what God had to say to me. Because I pressed through under trial, God gave me the blog and spoke to me.
Refuse to settle for less than God’s best. Instead, repent and ask God to help you conquer your flesh and evil desires. It is well worth it.
Receive God’s best when you conquer the flesh!
Prayer: Jesus, I thank you for suffering on the cross for me. Because of your sacrifice, I have eternal life. God, I have the power on the inside of me to endure my flesh and evil desires with your help and the Holy Spirit living in me. I endure to the end and receive the prize. I give you the glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen!