Talk Tuesday-Denial of the Flesh

Jesus wisely warns us about what to expect as we soldier on through the pilgrimage of life.
"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" John 16:33.

King David reminds us that, "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all" Psalm 34:19.

Suffering, in its nature, is truly abhorrent to the flesh. It denies our carnal nature the comfort of appeasement. When we fast, we lay aside our earthly desires in order to pursue communion and fulfillment with the LORD. As one sense decreases, the other increases. It is like that as we wait upon the LORD. We choose to TRUST HIM, despite our circumstances. We choose to tell our flesh-our physical sight-that we do not allow it to lead our FAITH, but our FAITH will guard our hearts. It is a denial of the flesh and inherent in that DENIAL, is the subordination of our sense of entitlement to the WILL OF GOD for our lives. As I sit here, journalling before the LORD, I wonder about Job and Jesus.

How was Job able to say, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him" Job 13:15 or Jesus able to concede, "Not my will, but Yours be done?" John 22:42.

I cannot explain these things to the non-believer. I cannot explain them to one who does not know the Son, because without the Son it is impossible to know the Father. Yet, once you know the Father and the Son, you know the Holy Spirit. You step out of the realm of the natural, into the spiritual. As Paul writes, "Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh." Galatians 5:16

So let me encourage you, as I seek to encourage myself. Let us spur each other on, to finish the race, and to finish it well. If you are suffering, know that it is not in vain. If you are waiting, know that it is unto a purpose. And if you are fasting, know that you are exercising your spiritual discipline. The DENIAL of the FLESH for the sake of the LORD will result in sweeping rewards. Continue to tenaciously hold to His promise, because GOD DOES NOT LIE!

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him." 1 Corinthians 2:9

Talk Tuesday-When God Uses Our Failures

I remember one day I was sitting around at an outing with colleagues from work. Someone brought up the issue of psychic activities (i.e. Horoscope, tarot cards, palm reading), and I simply said that I did not believe nor practise that. What I did NOT do, was explain why. That was a really weird moment for me because I knew I should have explained myself and I didn't. I am not in the habit of hiding away my faith, my love for Christ or my belief in His Word. Yet I did not speak up, even when questioned why. I remember walking away, surprised at myself.

Peter's first encounter with Jesus is a memorable one: “Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, 'You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas' (which is translated, A Stone)” John 1:42. Simon Peter answers the call, and leaves all to follow Christ. One day, Jesus asks his disciples, “'But who do you say that I am?' Simon Peter answered and said, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.' Jesus answered and said to him, 'Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter and on this rock I will build My church and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” Matthew 16:15-18.

What a pivotal moment this must have been for Peter! Yet, soon afterwards, Jesus warns Peter:

“And the Lord said, 'Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith would not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.'” Luke 22:31-32

“Most assuredly, I say to you, the rooster shall not crow till you have denied Me three times.” John 13:38

Peter ardently rejects the idea that he would ever deny Jesus. Yet, he does...three times. Knowing that Peter would before hand, Jesus intercedes on his behalf. He also does not give up on Peter. I have learned that Jesus sees our hearts, knows our weakness and prays for us. When we have fallen, we must remember to GET BACK UP! He is waiting to restore us. 

John Chapter 21:15, Jesus says to Peter three times, “'Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?' He said to Him, 'Yes, Lord; You know that I love you.' He said to him, 'Feed my lambs.'” Now, Jesus knows that Peter is up to the task.

How do you think that God used Peter's failure to prepare him for future ministry? Have you ever failed the Lord, yet seen the mercy of God come through in a restorative and redemptive way? Please click on the comments link below to share. I think I'll be the first to respond :-) Be blessed as we strengthen one another in Christ Jesus.