BEING IN BONDAGE IS NOT ENJOYABLE, BUT IT CAN BE!

BIBLE PASSAGE:
I will bring Judah and Israel back from captivity
and will rebuild them as they were before. 
(Jeremiah 33:7)

MEDITATION:
We may not readily admit it, 
but most of us have an innate desire to be in control, right?
It could be from an ego that has convinced us 
that we are the only ones who do the right things the right way.
Whatever the reason, the majority of people want to be in control.

However, we are not in total control!
We are living in captivity to the things that control us.
We might be in bondage to alcohol, drugs, lust, lying, gossip, stealing, 
envy, jealousy, hatred, anger, selfishness, sensuality, creating turmoil, 
low self esteem, overactive and unhealthy ego, disdain for others, revenge, 
holding grudges, etc.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand that all of these 
are a result of being in bondage to the things of the flesh.
These are weapons Satan uses to keep some from being saved, 
and to create gaps in fellowshipping with the Lord for those who are saved.

In Romans, Paul tells us that we have two choices of captivity,
and each one has an important impact on our future.
For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit 
you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. (Romans 8:13)

How do we know if we are being controlled by the Spirit?
We evaluate our attitudes and habits to determine 
if any of the ‘fruits of the Spirit’ are evident in our lives. 
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, 
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)

We can see quite a contrast between being in bondage to the flesh 
and accepting the captivity of the Spirit.
If we are always going to be controlled by the flesh or the Spirit,
then which one should we choose?

When we read Romans 8:13, 
we see that our choice is a matter of life or death.
That makes our choice a little easier, right?
But think about this – none of us like to be on a losing team, 
so when there is a choice between an omnipotent God 
and a less powerful Satan, guess which one will win?

ACTION:
If you are still in bondage to the flesh, 
how do you make the quantum leap to become controlled by the Spirit?
The scriptures provide an easy answer – we go to the Lord.
He has the answers to everything we need.

If He can bring two nations out of captivity, He can certainly 
rescue you from the bondage of the flesh.
And when He does, the Lord can help you create a new mindset 
that will change your focus, desire and habits. 

Look at His promise to the nations of Judah and Israel.
I will cleanse them from all the sin they have committed against me
and will forgive all their sins of rebellion against me. (Jeremiah 33:8)

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for showing me that even when I think 
I am in control, I am really controlled by either the flesh or the Spirit. 
You have also made it clear that one leads to destruction and the other 
leads to life. Help me to voluntarily be in bondage to the Spirit, so that 
I can enjoy life more now and look forward to eternal life at the end of 
my earthly journey. I realize that choosing the Spirit will require drastic 
changes, so I pray that You will help me make the transition. I look 
forward to the changes in my life that will bring rays of sunshine into
my life. I welcome a new life of joy, peace, and purpose.”

blog: utvolwoody.wordpress.com