Romans 7:18-20
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.Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.
If you notice, I have used the same Scripture reference that I did in yesterday’s Daily-E-Votional. There is a reason for that. It has to do with the idea that there is a sin nature within our flesh. It is not something that has to be developed, it is there as part of the original equipment we were born with.
Several years ago I experienced sudden pain in my left leg. It became more and more painful and reached the point where I had lost the use of the leg. When I went to see our doctor I was shocked to be diagnosed with shingles. In my particular case the nerves in the leg had been attacked. Only a few surface sores ever became visible, but I had to use crutches for several weeks.
The thing that surprised me was a statement the doctor made. He said that if you ever had chicken pox, the shingles virus is already inside you and could manifest itself at any time.
Wow! That bit of information reminded me that it is the same with sin. It is like a horrible virus that is already inside us and can manifest itself at any time. That is why it is so essential to stay near the Lord by reading His holy Bible and communicating with Him in meaningful prayer. I know from personal experience that shingles paralyzes, and I also know that sin paralyzes. Stay close to the Lord!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing to others!
—Pastor Cecil