Spiritual Warfare #43

God's Judgement and God's Grace by Charles Stanley
In Leviticus 20 we read, "If there is a man who ies with a male as those who lie with a woman, both of them have committed a destestable act; they shall surely be put to death" (v.13). It does not get any plainer than this.

God has placed principles within His Word to guide us and to protect us. He knows the consequences of sin. He also knows that we reap what we sow, more than we sow, and later than we sow. Some consequences of sin continue for a long time. In fact, some may be with us an entire lifetime.

A person who is deeply engaged in sin may not die physically though some of the sins that are committed can lead to this very end. But one thing is certain: he or she will face a spiritual, emotional, and mental death. Physicians' offices are filled to overflowing with people who are struggling with sin, disobedience, and rebellion. Their lives reflet an agitating presence of anxiety or a sorrowful countenance of depression. They don't understand why they are battling feelings of guilt and anger every day. It is the result of sin-rebellion against God.

"If I could jut have an hour of peace," one woman sighed. Her life was in shambles, and she refused to give her life to Jesus Christ. She wanted to hang on to what she believed was a sense of freedom, and she openly admitted that se did not want anyone to tell her what to do.

She was determined to live her life the way she planned. No matter how many relationships she had in the past or how large her bank account became, she did not have true peace. And she knew it It wasn't until she surrendered to the unconditional love of God that she had her first peaceful night's sleep in a very long time.

When you are tempted by sin, remember Satan has a goal for your life-destruction. Sin is the best way he can acheive this. He also will use feelings of depression, guilt over past sins that have been forgiven by God, and anxiety to prevent you from experiencing God's blessings.

All sexual sin begins like any other temptation-in the mind with a thought. From a thought it moves into the imagination. A person will imagine what a certain experience would be like. Usually there is a sense of identification with the other person involved. A desire begins to grow until it becomes constant and strong. You can deal with sin at any point up to this moment. As I mentioned earlier, you can also say no and turn and walk away.

However, if you allow the feelings to continue,they will become a fantasy and a part of who you are. Soon it will seem normal to act on your feelings. Sexual sin is like nothing else you will face. It is all-consuming, but God can break the bondage of the deepest sin.

You will need to admit that you need His help and His deliverance. If you don't deal with sin, it will deal with you.

I think the best part of today is seeing how sin grows in our minds, then to action. That's a huge warning sign. Blessings this day.