The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God. Why? Because though we are
unaware of it, we have treaded into the enemy's territory and have become
accustomated to his evil presence. Didn't the apostle Paul warned us: "For our
struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the
authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual
forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Eph 6:12, NIV2)?
Sadly, how many are governed by the flesh? We do what we want, no matter what
the consequences may be towards others. "Me first" is our motto. We may feel we
are in control for a while, but when disaster strikes, we realize how little
control we actually have.
Someone lost their job and we think: "I am glad it's not me! Better him than
me!" Where is our compassion?
Pleasure is everything for those who are governed by the flesh; but those small
pleasures will become our downfall. This is not why we were created, for
selfishness and pleasure only lead to misery. Rather, we were born to love
unconditionally, to care for others with all of our hearts; not to fulfill
unnatural cravings. Those who live to fill those cravings have no peace. They
continually look for their next fix, their next victim, their next pleasure.
They may think that they have it made, but when reality hits, they are left
wanting.
The only way out is provided by the One who willingly died for us so that we
could be free from bondage. He is the only one who can break the bondage, as
"The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work." (1John
3:8b, NIV2) You can be free, truly free: "So if the Son sets you free, you will
be free indeed." (John 8:36, NIV2)
The following testimony will show how our Heavenly Father freed a man from his
addictions, and He will do this for you as well.
"I grew up in a violent home. My father was very abusive toward my mother. My
father was an alcoholic and always drank from the time he got up until he
finally went to bed at night. To try and get away from things at home, I started
using drugs. It helped, but, only temporarily.
Time went on and I soon became 18 years old. I was staying with some friends in
what we called The Projects. I was lying on the couch. All was quiet in the
house. I was almost asleep, when a dim light appeared at the foot of the bed. I
thought I was seeing things, for I was so sleepy. I wasn't high that night. For
some reason I had decided not to get high.
This light was slowly getting brighter and brighter. It was strange that I
wasn't afraid. It was peaceful and relaxing. The light grew so bright that I
could barely look at it, but I did. I couldn't help but look at it. In its own
way, it was very beautiful to see.
All of a sudden … in the light was a man. He was not like any man I've ever seen
before. This man was the most awesome and beautiful person that I've ever seen.
Then He told me: "Everything will be alright." Next He touched me and I drifted
off to sleep.
I woke up the next day feeling better than I had in a long time. From that day
on, I've never wanted or needed drugs again. I truly believe that the man was
Jesus! I don't really know why the Lord would appear to someone like me, but, He
did.
Unfortunately - that's not the end of the story.
Years went on and I started drinking. From the time I got up until the time I
went to bed or passed out, whichever came first. I was addicted to alcohol.
Every day and every night I drank.
One night when my friends came over to get me to go out to the bar with them - I
don't know why - but I said that I was just going to stay at home that night.
I actually went to bed early and didn't drink at all. I went to sleep. I was
awakened by a bright light about two - three feet from me next to the bed. Just
like before … it grew brighter and brighter. At the same time it was very
beautiful. The same man appeared to me from the light. I asked Him if he was
Jesus. All He said to me was: "Do not worry; everything will be alright." He
then touched my arm and I feel fast asleep.
To this day I'm drug free and alcohol free. I'm now an ordained minister and
have a ministry that helps the homeless. We operate off of donated items and not
money. If it wasn't for the Lord, I wouldn't be here today. The Lord will never
turn his back on you, so, never turn your back on Him."
Written by James Ramsey Precious Testimonies Evangelist
Ministries
Real life is not bondage. Real life is only provided by the Risen One. Only then
will we fully experience real life and real peace.
Where do you stand?
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
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The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.