The Darkness Speaks From within .....

Today was not a good day . Today was a day that one realizes how utterly sinful and dark the heart is . Its funny how close the line is with the sin that still lurks within. I still recall after becoming a believer there was a euphoria , a feeling of love and completeness . But then I soon realized two things , how much sin was in my heart and how easy it can be to slip into it. My weakness I confess , is when life is going to hell and hand-basket ( I know strange saying but my Grandfather used ) I let my sinful nature begin to root , which allows the world to entice and the Devil wins. Instead of turning to God and following the example of Jesus when he was tempted in the wilderness by the Devil and using God's word to subdue my old nature , cut down the world , I give in and relish in it to forget .This does not happen all the time , but today I was weak. The problem is , once you give in it only leads to shame ,guilt and defeat.

 You are in a battle . That although you have been given a new nature , that the Holy Spirit in dwells and seals you , the old man still lingers. Read through Romans 7 which speaks of this struggle.  1 john reads ," 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. " So sin is a ever present reality even in a believer. As Martin Luther coined it we are "simul iustus et peccator", justified and a sinner all in the same package. 


So today was a bad day , what then? I need to run to Jesus , repent and be cleansed . Trusting in the words of John  that if we confess , he will cleanse us from all unrighteousnesses. The gospel is not just for unbelievers but Christians as well. We will never stray away from the cross . So pray for me that I will run to Christ because it is a battle and we need to be ever ready when the old man comes calling .


I like the  idea of a warrior getting ready for battle . He would put on his armor , maybe some war paint and then with his other soldiers , typically they would do some  chant or just holler to get them ready . May we all realize we do have enemies outside the camp (the world and the devil) but a even more insidious one is camped inside and the most dangerous .