The natural man, or unbeliever, knows nothing about carnality. The desires of the flesh warring against the Spirit, and the Spirit warring against the flesh, which began at rebirth, are what produce carnality and the awareness of it. But Paul said, “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). In other words, carnality will disappear.Are you quarrelsome and easily upset over small things? Do you think that no one who is a Christian is ever like that? Paul said they are, and he connected these attitudes with carnality. Is there a truth in the Bible that instantly awakens a spirit of malice or resentment in you? If so, that is proof that you are still carnal. If the process of sanctification is continuing in your life, there will be no trace of that kind of spirit remaining.If the Spirit of God detects anything in you that is wrong, He doesn’t ask you to make it right; He only asks you to accept the light of truth, and then He will make it right. A child of the light will confess sin instantly and stand completely open before God. But a child of the darkness will say, “Oh, I can explain that.” When the light shines and the Spirit brings conviction of sin, be a child of the light. Confess your wrongdoing, and God will deal with it. If, however, you try to vindicate yourself, you prove yourself to be a child of the darkness.What is the proof that carnality has gone? Never deceive yourself; when carnality is gone you will know it— it is the most real thing you can imagine. And God will see to it that you have a number of opportunities to prove to yourself the miracle of His grace. The proof is in a very practical test. You will find yourself saying, “If this had happened before, I would have had the spirit of resentment!” And you will never cease to be the most amazed person on earth at what God has done for you on the inside.

____________________________________________________________

 

March 23, 2015

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

Lord, the first thing that I noticed about this devotional was that this is exactly how it has worked for me.  I often struggle to say and do the right things; I often struggle to be the man that You have called me to be.  And I find that I can still look for the change in my circumstances instead of looking for You.  But you do not see my shortsightedness, or my selfish requests for changes in my life circumstances, You remind me that You only see Jesus. Through it all You are my God, faithful, full of mercy and grace.

And God says…”You have enough experience being intimate with Me that you know when you are connected, curious, expectant and obedient.  And you have learned that circumstances cannot dictate your peace of mind. and neither can carnality. So continue to seek first the Kingdom of God, which is Jesus, and notice that everything else you require: food, shelter, friends, acceptance, and health….everything you require is provided.  Not in the sense that you will always have all the resources, or strength of character you think you need, but in your knowledge that I will meet all your needs according to my riches in glory.  Delight yourself in the Lord, and I will give you the desires of your heart. Acknowledge Me in all your ways and I will make your paths straight. And you can observe the transformation in yourself as you look back and see the changes wrought by My Spirit.”