“Only Two Endings”

Scripture:

Galatians 5:17
The old sinful nature loves to do evil, which is just opposite
from what the Holy Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us
desires that are opposite from what the sinful nature desires.
These two forces are constantly fighting each other,
and your choices are never free from the conflict. (NLT)

Observation:

The battle for our soul begins the moment we are born into this fallen world. We have all inherited a self-indulged sinful nature that comes indirectly from the Enemy of our soul (Romans 5:12). This enemy, the Devil, is indeed the second most powerful force that must be reckoned with every second of our lives. This unseen evil has engulfed the world since the beginning of time and will be ever so present until that day when the Lord throws Satan into the Lake of Fire forever. Until that time, the battle rages on; one that we must fight until that moment we breathe our last breath; one we will most certainly lose when we live by our own understanding and power.

Application:

The only Hope we have in assuring ourselves from following Satan into his permanent residence is found in the first and foremost powerful force in existence—the Living God, Jehovah. It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit working in our lives that anyone can overcome the power that sin has over us. For it is by the renewing of our hearts and minds that we can fend off the fiery darts of the enemy. It is only by surrendering our will and our lives over to the care and control of Christ Jesus, that we have any chance of saving our precious souls (Romans 3:23-26)—souls that our loving God has personally and individually created for Himself. Never doubt the power of sin that Satan has over your life, and never doubt the inherent weaknesses you possess in fighting that power. For without the power of our Creator, Jesus Christ (the One who is LORD over all) living deep within your heart and guiding the way, your life will easily fall prey to the delight of Satan, whose only desire is to destroy anything and everything that is good (Genesis 1:31).

Prayer:

Thank You, LORD God, for the power to fight this sinful nature that never rests. Thank You for providing the resources needed to fend off the enemy of my soul, for without You as my shield I would have no chance of overcoming the temptations that lead to death. How I praise You, O Lord, for all the protection You provide; for it is indeed, a great and awesome blessing that’s undeserved.

Amen