Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Re-reading the Scriptures with the Risen Lord
Psalm 119:9-16
 Vs. 11 'I treasure your word in my heart, so that I may not sin against you'.
 We are born into this world with fleshly desires which craves for worldly pleasures. A baby throws a temper tantrum when his desires are not met. But an adult should not feed these desires, though there is a constant struggle between the flesh and the spirit. A carnal minded person is inexperienced and struggles with the desires of the flesh; he seeks pleasure, is impulsive and wants immediate gratification. They can easily fall into sins like adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, debauchery, revelries etc… It is not easy for them to resist temptation. They keep repeating the same mistakes. They do not repent of their sins.
 God’s word is the compass that leads a man to the right path. We must feed on the bread of life. A spirit led person follows the directives given in the Scriptures. He seeks the face of God, for in His presence is fullness of joy. He is a man of faith, and his hope is in the Risen Christ.  When he makes a mistake, he is quick to confess his sins and repent.  His sins are washed in the shed blood of Christ on the cross. He bears the fruit of the spirit which is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. When we love the world more than Christ, we commit spiritual adultery. Those who are in Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires and they live and walk in the Spirit. Christ’s finished work on the cross has emancipated the believers from their sins. We are still bound, but no longer to the flesh, but to the Spirit, to live after the Spirit.
Jesus Christ was tempted by Satan three times in the wilderness when He was hungry and tired. But He did not give in to Satan’s tactics as He led a spirit empowered life. He was victorious over temptations by quoting the Scriptures. He used the sword of the Spirit. We too ought to follow Christ’s example utilizing the Word, especially when we face our temptations and struggles. By sinning we should not grieve the Holy Spirit that lives in us in whom we are sealed unto the day of redemption. We are to be transformed and live a life that glorifies God.
 PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we submit ourselves into Your hands, mold us and use us for Your glory. Transform us and enable us to bear the fruit of the spirit. In Jesus name.  Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119 : 105.

Chacko Varughese, Epiphany MTC, NY
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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