"For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh)
nothing good dwells;
for to will is present with me,
but how to perform what is good I do not find.
For the good that I will to do, I do not do;
but the evil I will not to do, that I practice.
but sin that dwells in me."
Now if I do what I will not to do,
it is no longer I who do it,
but sin that dwells in me."
Paul's lament in
Romans 7:18,19,20
~God's Promise~
"There is therefore now no condemnation
to those who are in Christ Jesus,
who do not walk according to the flesh,
but according to the Spirit."
Romans 8:1
Believe with conviction that it is your old,
sinful nature,
not your new nature in Christ
that manifests itself in acts of sin.
Who is this woman?
Could it truly be me?
Knowing You love her . . .
yet refusing to be set free.
Who is this woman?
As I look deep inside . . .
I find teardrops and heartbreak.
And the fault? It is mine.
Lord, what was I thinking,
as the enemy moved with a start.
Caressing my weaknesses . . .
taking hold of my heart?
Who is this woman,
whose life passes by?
Allowing the flesh
to fill her with lies?
She's felt the wondrous love
of your consummate grace.
Yet she walks in the flesh . . .
not standing her place.
Who is this woman,
whose weakness is such
that without You and your strength
no peace will she touch.
Walk with me, Oh Lord, . . .
hold my hand with a grip
that is mighty and powerful . . .
so that I will not slip.
Who is this woman?
There's no need to reply.
For You see in my heart,
without words, it is I.
You know me.
You love me.
I trust the promises whispered
and the Son you let die.
What more could you offer
to one such as me?
Was I worth it, Oh Father?
Oh, please let me be.
Who is this woman
coming to You
again and again,
asking forgiveness . . .
and the binding of sin?
Who is this woman?
There's no need to reply.
For You see in my heart,
without words, it is I.
"For by grace you have been saved
through faith, and that not of yourselves;
it is the gift of God."
Ephesians 2:8
"Giving our lives to our Lord, moves us right up to the top of the enemy's list. Where he might not have taken much note of us before, we are now his enemies. He knows our weaknesses better than we do. He will move in manners so cunning, you won't even recognize you are under attack.
But God understands Satan's ways . . . for it was He who threw him out of heaven. Why then do we forget that a true battle is underway for our souls. That battle is never over until the day we enter heaven. As women of God, we must uphold each other. Give that needed word. Know that we are all the same . . . with the very same enemy.
Margi Harrell.