Romans 7:18-20 NLT
18 And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is
right, but I can’t. 19 I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong,
but I do it anyway. 20 But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong, it is sin living in me that does it.
There’s an internal war that often wages within each and every one of us. Paul describes this so well here in Romans 7 – we desire to do the right thing, but in our own efforts, we don’t have the power to and we mess up.
The good news is that we don’t have to rely on our own strength to make right decisions. We don’t have to be dominated by our sinful nature and end up doing the things we don’t want to do. But the only way we can live this kind of life is by yielding to the Holy Spirit and relying on the strength of Jesus Christ, not our own.
When we’re facing struggles, we must rely on God’s power alive within us through the Holy Spirit. When we are born again, the Holy Spirit resides in us and places in us the desire to do what is pleasing to God. (Hebrews 10:16) The Holy Spirit always wants to do what is right. He always wants to uphold the perfect will of God, pleasing the Father in every way. It is our job to lay down our stubborn fleshly will and yield to the will of God. In that moment,
the Holy Spirit will be there to help us in our time of need. Instead of trusting in our own strength, let’s learn to yield to and become totally reliant upon the Holy Spirit.
Are there areas in your life causing an internal struggle?
Make a decision today that you will yield to the Holy Spirit and lean on His
strength, not your own, to overcome obstacles of sin and selfishness in your life.
Surrender and release those areas to God, knowing He will help you.
FATHER'S DAY IS JUNE 19.
Day 6
ReplyDeleteWell, yesterday was Taylor's last day on the fast. He has done really good, but he told in the beginning 5 days and we've made him stick to it. He hates water, so that has been a chore in itself. My other 2 are still sticking with it. I'm so glad they like fruits and vegetables. They just like them with a little more flavor so each day I come up with something different.
Last night's meal was good, but I think tonight's has been the best yet. If you like Oriental food, then my first recipe is for you. The pineapples in it make it so flavorful.
Today's meal:
Breakfast - fruit
Lunch - Baked Potato
Supper - Oriental Broccoli and Rice with Roasted Green Beans, Potatoes, and Squash
I pray you are having a wonderful time in the Lord while on your fast. I must say that I feel so good. I'm not as tired during the day, but come 8:30, I'm ready to go to bed.
May the Lord grant you peace and direction as you continue your fast.
Oriental Broccoli and Rice Dish
1 TBSP Olive Oil
1 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup pineapple
1/8 cup soy sauce (There is a natural soy sauce, but I didn't have it.)
1/2 tsp ginger
1 1/2 cup cooked brown rice
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup carrots
1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans
Sesame seeds
Cook brown rice. Put olive oil in deep pan. Saute' onions until transluscent. Add broccoli and carrots and steam for about 15 minutes. Add soy sauce, ginger, and pineapple and steam for another 10 minutes. Put the broccoli mixture over the brown rice. Top with walnuts or pecans and sesame seeds. Enjoy!
Almost Roasted Vegetables
2 cups water
Green Beans (about 3 cups) frozen
1 large onion (chopped)
Squash (about 2 cups)
10 small red potatoes
1 TBSP salt (I didn't use quite that much.)
2 tsp pepper
1 TBSP garlic powder
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place all the above ingredients in a roasting pan. Place in the oven for 30 minutes.