"Help In Doing The Will Of God When The Flesh Is Weak" - Romans 7 (With Andrew Murray Sermon Video) - Inspirational Weekend

Spring is here is some parts of the USA, while other parts are facing winter storms and extreme cold.   My photograph above was taken at Descanso Gardens outside of Los Angeles, California, a few years ago.  If you ever are near there, this is a must see, especially in the Spring.   Beautiful flowers and trees and the like always cry out of God's wonderful creation; of His love of beauty and His plans for our enjoyment of His masterworks.

"Time is the brush of God, as He paints His masterpiece on the heart of humanity."   -  Ravi Zacharias

"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth His handiwork."  -   Psalm 19:1  (KJV)

With all of creation shouting God's glory, and majesty, and love and so much more, we should be constantly aware of His presence and of His mercy and long suffering.   We should also endeavor to live as holy a life as possible, with the Holy Spirit's help.  If we are truly grateful for all the good Lord has done for us, we will want to please Him as best we can.   One Scripture I have memorized is also in Psalm 19:  verse 14, which follows:

"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer."

We can please God by much prayer and much Bible reading and studying, because that builds a strong, close, and intimate love relationship with Him through His Son, Jesus Christ.  You learn to grow in spiritual maturity, the closer you are to the Lord.  We cannot expect to know Him and His Word and His will, if we never communicate with Him, and if we never open the Bible to learn more about Him.

In today's chaotic and immoral world, we definitely need to be in prayer for many reasons:  for strength to stay pure and unspotted from the world, for strength of endurance, and to face the future with hope.... the blessed hope of Titus 2:13, which tells us, 

"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ."  

"The best and sweetest flowers of paradise, God gives to His people when they are upon their knees.  Prayer is the gate of Heaven."  -   Thomas Brooks

"Time spent in prayer is never wasted."  -  Francis Fenelon

"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive."    -   Jesus at Matthew 21:22

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."  -   Philippians 4: 6-7

We may always want to do the right thing, if we are born again believers, but we find that our flesh can be very weak at times and we may give in to temptation if we are not careful.

"Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.  The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak."   -   Jesus at Mark 14:38

The Gospel of Matthew says "the spirit is willing.....".  All true Christians are aware of this battle....the flesh against the spirit.   That is where prayer comes in.   If we pray and ask for strength - spiritual strength - to overcome the flesh, the good Lord will answer that prayer and keep you from temptation and sin.  

We also need to be watchful.  Bible prophecy experts tell us this frequently, and it is a good warning for us to live lives that prove we are watching and waiting for Jesus' soon return to take us home to heaven to be with Him.   But also, we should watch for a way out of the temptation that comes upon us .   Pray for help and strength and guidance.   Pray to recognize the devil's tricks and attempts to lure us off the spiritual path;  he uses the same tactics over and over again, so we need to be alert to his schemes and stay close to the good Lord.  

"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."   -  Hebrews 4:16

Romans chapter 7 shows the apostle Paul's struggle and war with the spiritual and the flesh.   I urge you to please read all of Romans 7.  Following are some verses from that Chapter:

(19)  "For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.  (20) Now if  I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. ...(24) O wretched man that I am !  who shall deliver me from the body of this death?  (25) I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.  So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin."

In the following 37 minute audio video, Andrew Murray gives the best discourse I have ever heard on Romans 7 (as well as Philippians 2:12-13).  He answers the question as to why the Christian tries to do their best to overcome sin and imperfection, but  yet still fails.  Murray gives the solution to that dilemma.

Have a blessed and Christ centered weekend..... and life !

Discussion On End Time Events (With Video)

"What higher consolation can man desire than the assurance that He [Almighty God] is with him to protect him"; so says Albert Barnes in his commentary on Isaiah 41:10, which reads:

"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: Be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; Yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."

The above verse was the topic for my Bible Study for this morning.  I have written several posts about fear.  Go to the search box on the above right of this page and type in the word "fear" and click on "Search" and the articles will appear for you if you wish to pursue this topic further.   We do live in fearful times now, as these are the prophesied last days which are full of chaos, lawlessness, sin, violence, depravity, war, and general apathy where Jesus and God are concerned.   It means a lot to know that God is "on our side" (if we are true born-again believers in Jesus Christ) and that He will love and protect us and soothe our troubled minds where these perilous times are concerned.

Remember, however, that chronic fear that never goes away shows a lack of faith in the good Lord.  We need to turn to the Lord with all of our cares and be continually in prayer and in the Holy Word.

Following is a video by www.skywatchtv.com featuring Dr. Michael Lake who has been preaching since he was 13 years old. He is also an author and speaks at various conferences frequently. In the video he touches on various end-times topics of interest, and I learned some new things from watching it.  

In the video they discuss the Armor Of God and how many Christians (as well as unbelievers) are clueless as to the "Big Picture". They mention that in Charles Spurgeon's time any sermon less than 2 hours long was considered an insult to the congregation.  My how things have changed !  Watch this 28 minute video and it will enlighten you where current events are concerned.

"The world has an expiration date."  -  Jan Markell

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.  For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."  -  2 Corinthians 4:18

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil."  -  Ephesians 6:10-11

"Don't Forget The Armor" - Inspirational Weekend

The above flower and fruit (the ball) are on the Cannonball Tree; a tree with its own weapon !   When the cannonballs fall to the ground (or on your head!)  they burst open and emit a foul odor.  You might say this is a tree with its own armor.  

Christians have armor for their use as well.  The armor of God, that is.  In last weekend's post  I dealt with the subject of strength: how to be strong.  This weekend we will discuss how the armor of God can make you strong and can protect you in this spiritual battle we find ourselves in every day.  Following are verses from Ephesians 6 that describe this armor of God, which verses most Christians are familiar with but I quote it here for unbelievers or those who are not aware of this passage in the Bible.

"(10) Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.  (11) Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  (12) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against  powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.  (13) Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.  (14) Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;  (15) And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;  (16) Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.  (17)  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God: "  -  Ephesians 6:10-17

We cannot win this spiritual battle by our own human effort; we need the Lord's help and His Spirit, and these verses above inform us how to do just that.   It is good to take note that, in verse 12, it tells us that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood....in other words, we should not lash out at humans that give us a hard time as though they were the real culprits or enemy.  The devil is the real enemy and is able to use people to tear us down and persecute us and to make us lose heart.

Also in verse 12, satan and his fallen angels (demons) are referred to as "spiritual wickedness" and "the rulers of the darkness of this world."  Though powerful, they are not as powerful as God and the Lord can protect us and help us by means of the armor of God.

Please note also that verses 11 and 13 admonish us to "put on the whole armor of God."  Not just a part of it, but all of it.  That is the only way we can stand firm and be strong.  Ancient soldiers equipped themselves with all of their armor when in battle, and we should do the same with our spiritual armor.  

"Having your loins girt about with truth"  (verse 14) ;  The girdle or sash was always an important part of their dress in war as well as in peace.  It was designed to keep every part of the armor in its place, and to gird the soldier on every side. Likewise, believers need the truth of God's Word to keep things in perspective and to help them endure the battle we face with the darkness of evil.  In other words, to hold everything else together as only God's Word is able to do.

"Having on the breastplate of righteousness" (verse 14) ;  Here Paul is showing that true believers are to put on righteousness to protect their hearts as a soldier puts on a breastplate to protect himself.  This righteousness includes integrity, holiness, purity of life, and sincere piety.  

"And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;" (verse 15);  A peaceful and benevolent attitude which is an essential part of the Christian character.  This, like the boots worn by soldiers, will keep you from being harmed by the many difficulties and trials which, like sharp-pointed thorns, may lie in your way and thereby obstruct your progress.

"The shield of faith"   (verse 16)  The apostle alludes to the great oblong shield which covers the whole body.  As faith is the grace by which all others are preserved and rendered active, so faith is properly represented here by a shield by which the whole body is covered and protected.   True faith can quench any dart of the devil.

"The helmet of salvation"  (verse 17).   This protects one's understanding from being darkened and confused by any temptations of the evil one.  It also protects from any subtle views of the ungodly.

"The sword of the Spirit."  The Word of God; the Holy Scriptures.  It comes from the Holy Spirit, and receives its fulfillment in the soul through the workings of the Holy Spirit.  The ability to quote God's Holy Word, especially in times of temptation and trials, can cut in pieces (like a sword) the snares of the adversary and his demons.  

Ephesians 1:19 tells us:  "And what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power."

In other words, God gives us the strength to help us to resist the devil.  As stated previously, we are in a war; a spiritual warfare against the wicked forces of darkness.   This is particularly true of Christians who are living godly lives and sharing the Gospel.  The devil strikes at them especially hard, to bring them down, because he already has the ungodly...the world in general...in his grasp.

So put on the armor that God provides.  The Lord will protect you and help you to endure.

"Do not strive in your own strength; cast yourself at the feet of the Lord Jesus, and wait upon Him in the sure confidence that He is with you, and works in you.  Strive in prayer; let faith fill your heart - so will you be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might."  -  Andrew Murray

We should not overlook what Ephesians 6:18 tells us,  "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints."

Prayer gives you strength from the Lord.  It just simply makes all things better to pray.   When you pray and read your Bible daily, you draw ever closer to the Lord, and that alone gives you victory over temptation and discouragement.  When you love the Lord with all your heart, soul, strength and mind, you will live more and more in His presence and grow stronger every day.


"Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong."   -  1 Corinthians 16:13

"Thoughts On Faith and Strength From God" - Inspirational Weekend

There are several topics whirling around in my brain that I want to discuss here, but I need to focus on only one or two or this post could go on for pages.   I want to talk a bit about faith and about strength from God.   I recently had a lesson in faith and strength from the Lord.   I had over-exerted myself and suffered extreme pain as a  result.  Then on top of that I had pneumonia.    I spent a  good deal of time flat on my back, so I had a lot of time to just think, and think some more.  I wondered what lesson God was trying to teach me in all this.    I guess the obvious is to not over-extend myself physically.   Basically I came to the conclusion that God just wanted me to be still and know that He was God  (Psalm 46:10); to meditate on His Word and to be in prayer and to have faith  and patience to be healed.

God wants to show Himself strong on our behalf.  Surrender to Him today and and He will give you peace that will fill your very soul.  We cannot fully serve God without full surrender to His strength.   "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: Be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."  -  Isaiah 41:10

God's strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).  You need to trust in God so  completely that He is your strength.   That takes faith.   

"Faith, as Paul saw it, was a living, flaming thing leading to surrender and obedience to the commandments of Christ."  -  A.W. Tozer

Many people struggle with a lack of faith.   According to the apostle Paul, we are to "walk by faith and not by sight."  (2 Corinthians 5:7)  .   Don't follow your perceptions of what is true; instead follow what you know to be true by faith.  God is a stranger to many people.....they don't read His Word or pray daily and are therefore less likely to believe what God says if they ever hear or read His Word.   The way to end this is to spend many hours in God's Word so you may come to know Him and have an intimate, personal relationship with Him through Jesus Christ.  

Romans 10:17 says,  "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God."

"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.."  -  Hebrews 11:6

"Every element of self-reliance must be slain by the power of God.  Complete weakness and dependence will always be the occasion for the Spirit of God to manifest His Power."  

-  Oswald Chambers

Next time you are ill and flat on your back, or you are experiencing many trials and hardships,  ask God what lesson He is trying to teach you.  Most of the time all these things happen to make you realize your weakness and to turn to God for answers, direction, guidance and to therefore draw you closer to God and Jesus.   God is your strength.    A verse I love is found at Nehemiah 8:10b ,

"....for the joy of the LORD is your strength."

I am very fond of the following song by Don Moen,  "God Will Make A Way"

"Seek the LORD and His strength, seek His face continually."   -  I Chronicles 16:11

"These things I have spoken unto you,that in Me ye might have peace.  In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."   -  Jesus speaking at John 16:33