Meditations from Judypie

Father, we have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so we will walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him, established in the faith and joyfully abounding in it. Love is our foundation, and we pray that Christ will be at home in us. May we be rooted and grounded in love, able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height -- to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge, that we may be filled with all the fullness of God, and walk as Jesus walked in love, in harmony and unity with one another. In Jesus name. Amen.

Scripture Meditation: Colossians 2:6-7; Ephesians 3:17-19;

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Glorious Father, I ask You, the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give us the Spirit of wisdom and revelation. I pray that whatever we do or say, will be as a true representative of the Lord Jesus, and together we will give thanks through Him to You Most High God. Father, I thank You for calling us to be Your ambassadors of good will here on this earth. In Jesus name. Amen.

Scripture Meditation: Ephesians 1:17-18; Colossians 3:17

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Our Father, Your kingdom come, Your will be done in our families even as it is in heaven; hallow Your name in our families. You chose us before the foundation of the world, and we thank You for pouring out Your Spirit upon our offspring, and Your blessings upon our descendants. You are contending with those who contend with us, and You are giving safety to our children and easing them day-by-day. Thank You for forgiving all our iniquities and healing all our diseases, and crowning us with loving kindness and tender mercies, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Scripture Meditation: Matthew 6; Ephesians 1:4; Isaiah 44:3; Isaiah 49:25; Psalm 103

“Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”

Psalm 46:10

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Father, You have not given me the spirit of fear. I submit to You and resist the temptation to fear terrorists, biochemical warfare, wars and rumors of war. I resist anxiety, and it is far from me. I refuse to impair my immune system through disobedience and resist the temptation to fear, which is a sin. When I am tempted to be afraid and troubled, I will delight myself in You, and receive from Your bountiful supply a spirit of power (the Holy Spirit) and love (Father-God’s nature) and a sound mind (the Word of God). This is the victory that overcomes the world, even my faith, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Scripture Meditation: 2^nd Timothy 1:7; Philippians 4:6-7

“I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.”

Psalm 91:2

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Father, thank You for comforting and assuring me of Your divine intervention as I walk this journey here on earth. I dwell, remain and settle down under the shadow (defense, protection) of the Almighty. I say of the Lord that You are my Refuge, my place of Protection. You are my God, True and Faithful. You are my Security. You did not give me a spirit of fear – but a spirit of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control. In Your name I bind my emotions to the control of the Holy Spirit and go forth with confidence. Amen.

Scripture Meditation: Psalm 91, 2^nd Timothy 1:7

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”

Matthew 11:28

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Heavenly Father, thank You for the United States of America, the only country in the world founded upon religious freedom and Your Word. Thank You for the founding fathers, Lord, who looked to You for guidance to develop the kind of government that would be pleasing to You. Our president and his advisers need Your wisdom to safeguard freedom, turn their hearts to follow you. By wisdom You laid the earth's foundations, and by understanding You set the heavens in place. I pray that these leaders will turn their ears to wisdom and apply their hearts to understanding. May the light of Your word run swiftly and prevail throughout the USA, and Your love burn brightly in this land. Give us a rebirth of freedom, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Scripture Meditation: Proverbs 2:2; 3:19; 21:1; Acts 6:8; 12:24; 13:49; 19:20

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Father,in the name of Jesus, we pray that our families will not be terrified or afraid knowing that You go before them. You have not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. We pray that our families will not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. Father, give us a heart to walk in all Your ways as You have commanded us so that it may be well with us and You will prolong our days on earth. Amen.

Scripture Meditation: Deuteronomy 1:29; 2^nd Timothy 1:7; Deuteronomy 5:32-33

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Father, in the name of Jesus, I receive grace and peace which you have multiplied to me in the knowledge of God and of Jesus my Lord. Your divine power has given to me all things that pertain to life and godliness. Your grace gives me the ability to fulfill my destiny - walking in paths you have ordained for me. Your peace directs me and acts as umpire in all my decisions as I walk with confidence and assurance. I thank you for giving me the knowledge of Jesus Christ who called me by glory and virtue, and for giving to me exceedingly great and precious promises that through these I may be a partaker of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. I live and move and have my being in Jesus Christ my Lord! Amen.

Scripture Meditation: 2^nd Peter 1:3-4; Acts 17:28

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Father, I thank you for the fragrance of the knowledge of Jesus Christ, which flows through me to others. I abide in Jesus, He abides in me and through the power of the Holy Spirit, I am salt and light in the earth - a witness to him everywhere I go - in my home, the workplace, and to the end of the earth. I purpose to practice the presence of Jesus, and make choices that will honor you, Father. Thank you for leading me in triumph in every situation I face today in Jesus' name.

Scripture Meditation: 2^nd Corinthians 2:14; Matthew 5:13-16; Acts 1:8

“I came to the world to be a Light. Anyone who puts his trust in Me will not be in darkness”

John 12:46 (NLV)

“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”

Galatians 6:7-8

Guide me in Your truth and faithfulness and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You do I wait all the day long. Laus Deo!

It Consumes Me

Earlier, we touched on the struggle between flesh and spirit. When we give our lives to Jesus Christ, our spirits are born again. Our flesh (or human nature), however, does not change. At least, not immediately. While some people may see radical shifts in their personalities, their language, their habits... the sin nature is still present and must be dealt with on a daily basis.

What was the Apostle Paul’s experience?

¹⁵ For I do not understand my own actions [I am baffled, bewildered]. I do not practice or accomplish what I wish, but I do the very thing that I loathe [which my moral instinct condemns].

Romans 7:15 (Amplified Bible)

As we read in verse 15, our behavior can often be baffling or bewildering. The Holy Spirit within us prompts us to do good works... but then our flesh tries to get us to do the opposite. Even when the Spirit wins and we do the right thing, the flesh then tries to take credit or glory for what was done. And, when we get called on that, it is frustrating because our original intentions were good. Yikes! Who will deliver us from this wretched condition?

²⁵ O thank God! [He will!] through Jesus Christ (the Anointed One) our Lord! So then indeed I, of myself with the mind and heart, serve the Law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.

Romans 7:25 (Amplified Bible)

Yes, thank God that we don’t have to try to live the Christian life on our own power and ability. In fact, we can’t. We can try... but then the flesh gets in the way and we screw it up. So, allow the Spirit of the Lord to live it out through you. Allow Him to consume those things that are not like Christ so that he can empower you to live a life that is Christ like. Let Him love those unlovely people who work on your last nerve. Let Him complete those good works that He desires you to do.

Like Phil Keaggy and the Compassion All Star Band sang: Yield to the Spirit. He has the right of way...

Looking back at the Old Testament practice of sacrifice, the burnt offering was consumed and the glory of the Lord appeared in a powerful way. The response of the people was to worship... as the power of God was in that place.

¹ WHEN SOLOMON had finished praying, the fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the house. ² The priests could not enter the house of the Lord, because the glory of the Lord had filled the Lord's house. ³ And when all the people of Israel saw how the fire came down and the glory of the Lord upon the house, they bowed with their faces upon the pavement and worshiped and praised the Lord, saying, For He is good, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever.

2^nd Chronicles 7:1-3

We wrote It Consumes Me in response to that scripture as an expression of our personal desire to have the presence of God consume all that is within us... like refiner’s fire purifying gold, we want to be holy -- set apart for the Master’s use.

The sweet delight of the pain of life
that draws me to another day
on goes the fight to uphold the light
the God to Whom i give all praise

His precious love -- it consumes me
The Holy Dove -- it consumes me
His Throne, His righteousness
The zeal to serve my God -- it consumes me

No sting in death just a peaceful rest
When Jesus comes, it won’t be long
Life is a joke where the “un-awoke”
Pursue the things that’ll soon be gone

To be the best -- it consumes me
To pass this test -- it consumes me
To see the battle end
And enter in His rest -- it consumes me

The sweet delight Of the pain of life
There’s something here i’m trying to find
Within my grasp what i hope will last
Am i a fool? Am i just blind?

My tears, they fall -- to extinguish
Those flames that are causing me anguish
about what i can’t distinguish

My heart’s desire -- it eludes me
The tightrope wire -- there to prove me
Send Holy fire -- to consume me
You’re my desire -- Lord, consume me

In The Time of Trouble...

Do not be seized with alarm and struck with fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom!

Luke 12:32 [AMP]

The Bible says that in the days of trouble, men’s hearts will fail them because of fear. But fear is not your heritage. You are called to be a man (or woman) of faith in the MOST HIGH. So, stop focusing on the bad news and proclaim the Good News that Jesus Christ is Lord!

You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.

Psalm 128:2 [AMP]

A lot of people have become alarmed because their 401k may have lost thousands of dollars. Others because their pay has been cut. Some have experienced all of the above... and more! But fear not, for THE LORD is your God. He will not allow you to be forsaken nor to beg for bread (Psalm 37:24-26).

All the days of the desponding and afflicted are made evil [by anxious thoughts and forebodings], but he who has a glad heart has a continual feast [regardless of circumstances].

Proverbs 15:15 [AMP]

Rather than lose sleep over worry and cogitating over all of the bad news that is broadcast 24 hours a day... spend that time worshipping and praising THE LORD your God. He has already walked out your steps and ordered them (Psalm 37:23).

Show me a sign of [Your evident] goodwill and favor, that those who hate me may see it and be put to shame, because You, Lord, [will show Your approval of me when You] help and comfort me.

Psalm 86:17 [AMP]

There is an old saying that he who laughs last, laughs best. Well... people may be laughing at you now... but don’t be upset over their scorn. THE LORD your God will show you a sign of His evident goodwill and favor. Those who see God’s hand moving on your behalf will have nothing but shame over their despicable behavior... when they see how THE LORD your God helps and comforts you in the times of trouble.

Return to the stronghold [of security and prosperity], you prisoners of hope; even today do I declare that I will restore double your former prosperity to you.

Zechariah 9:12 [AMP]

You may have lost money with the economic downturn... but never lose hope!

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.

Numbers 6:24-26 [NIV]

This is a classic Hebrew blessing that you should repeat over yourself, your spouse, your children... all to whom you wish to keep under the loving watch and care of THE LORD your God.

I shall not die but live, and shall declare the works and recount the illustrious acts of the Lord.

Psalm 118:17 [AMP]

Even though satan wants to kill you, he can’t. Permission denied! You have a job to do... you have to tell people of the love of God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So ignore the lies of the devil and continue to live the good life. Or, as Marilyn Hickey says... let the word of God live big on the inside of you!

Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you.

Luke 10:19 [AMP]

You have power over all that satan has in his arsenal. Walk as the mighty man or woman of God that you are and overcome by the Blood of the Lamb and by the word of your testimony. Put the above scriptures in your heart and recite them out of your mouth. You will notice the difference in your life!

It's Your Life!

See more at Chick Publications

Turn or Burn

A colleague was reading a book by Christopher Hitchens, God is not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything. In this book, Hitchens contends that religion is “violent, irrational, intolerant, allied to racism, tribalism, and bigotry, invested in ignorance and hostile to free inquiry, contemptuous of women and coercive toward children.” My colleague had fallen for a growing mindset that seems to be growing in America and around the world... a mindset that pushes atheism as a desirable state of mind and religion (or, specifically, Christianity) as an evil to be avoided at all costs. This is, in part, the reason why you won’t see the words Merry Christmas in most retail establishments. The very mention of Christ is offensive to this world.

Whoda’thunkit?

Several years ago, I recall turning my radio dial up and down the band trying to find a specific station. At first... I thought I had found it. It sounded like someone was preaching against the enemy. However, I quickly learned that the “enemy” this person was railing against was the body of Christ. This guy had convinced his audience that Christians were responsible for ruining things and had to be stopped at all costs.

Huh?

It shouldn’t be surprising that satan is turning people away from the truth. Right now, many are laughing at us “ridiculous Christians” for serving and worshiping what they refer to as an invisible man in the sky. Hitchens and crew may be laughing now... but you can be assured that God will get the last laugh. Anyone who thinks that he or she can live a reckless sinful life or that they can mock the Living God will learn the cold hard truth one way or another.

⁷ Do not be deceived and deluded and misled; God will not allow Himself to be sneered at (scorned, disdained, or mocked by mere pretensions or professions, or by His precepts being set aside.) [He inevitably deludes himself who attempts to delude God.] For whatever a man sows, that and that only is what he will reap. ⁸ For he who sows to his own flesh (lower nature, sensuality) will from the flesh reap decay and ruin and destruction, but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

Galatians 6:7-8 (Amplified Bible)

He who sows iniquity will reap calamity and futility, and the rod of his wrath [with which he smites others] will fail.

Proverbs 22:8 (Amplified Bible)

Yes, they will learn the truth... one way or another. I just pray for their sakes that they find out by God’s great love for them. Along those lines, we wrote the following lyric, which appears in our Psalms from the Pen of the Ready Writer series, as a message to the MTV generation. Well, the demographic that we referred to as the MTV generation a decade and a half ago are now on their way to becoming the AARP generation. Still, the words that we penned are just as relevant (perhaps, even more so) to today’s youth.

Break all the rules
Do what you want to
You get to choose

It’s your life... so you can...

Party all you want to
Buy what they sell

And, when it’s all over...
You will go straight down to hell

Ain’t no party, pal

Can’t you see, it’s a line you’ve been fed
Follow satan -- you will wind up dead
You might think it’s the time of your life
but when it’s over... it cuts just like a knife

Stay out of school
No education
Live like a fool

It’s your life... so you can...

Drink until you pass out
Smoke ‘till you choke

And when your life’s ended
Eternal flames you will stoke

This ain’t no joke

You may think that the world is your friend
Don’t you know they’ll leave you in the end
They will take all the money you have
You’ll think you’re happy... but inside, you’re so sad

Drink lots of beer
Then puke your guts out
You call this fun?

It’s your life... so you can...

Have lots of “safe” sex
Catch AIDS and die

And you know what comes next?
You’ll go to hell and you’ll fry

What a sad goodbye

Listen up, there’s somebody who cares
Jesus Christ -- Your sins He did bear
You might think it’s a lame thing to do
But when He comes in... He’ll make you brand new

Call on the Lord
Pray, “Jesus, come in”
That’s where it starts

He’ll give life... so you can...

Walk in the Spirit
Live above sin

And when life is over...
You’ll live forever with Him

Heaven will never end

This message is as relevant today as when first penned nearly 15 years ago. Turn, or burn. I don’t know about you... but my choice is to turn.

Be Ready...

Something to think about...

You Can Lead an Atheist to Evidence but You Can't Make Him Think

Ray Comfort from the Way of the Master ministry has a new book.

Read about it at Charisma Magazine’s blog.

Meditations from Judypie

Father, we have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so we will walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him, established in the faith and joyfully abounding in it. Love is our foundation, and we pray that Christ will be at home in us. May we be rooted and grounded in love, able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height -- to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge, that we may be filled with all the fullness of God, and walk as Jesus walked in love, in harmony and unity with one another. In Jesus name. Amen.

Scripture Meditation: Colossians 2:6-7; Ephesians 3:17-19

Glorious Father, I ask You, the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give us the Spirit of wisdom and revelation. I pray that whatever we do or say, will be as a true representative of the Lord Jesus, and together we will give thanks through Him to You Most High God. Father, I thank You for calling us to be Your ambassadors of good will here on this earth. In Jesus name. Amen.

Scripture Meditation: Ephesians 1:17-18; Colossians 3:17

Our Father, Your kingdom come, Your will be done in our families even as it is in heaven; hallow Your name in our families. You chose us before the foundation of the world, and we thank You for pouring out Your Spirit upon our offspring, and Your blessings upon our descendants. You are contending with those who contend with us, and You are giving safety to our children and easing them day-by-day. Thank You for forgiving all our iniquities and healing all our diseases, and crowning us with loving kindness and tender mercies, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Scripture Meditation: Matthew 6; Ephesians 1:4; Isaiah 44:3; Isaiah 49:25; Psalm 103

“Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”

Psalm 46:10

Father, You have not given me the spirit of fear. I submit to You and resist the temptation to fear terrorists, biochemical warfare, wars and rumors of war. I resist anxiety, and it is far from me. I refuse to impair my immune system through disobedience and resist the temptation to fear, which is a sin. When I am tempted to be afraid and troubled, I will delight myself in You, and receive from Your bountiful supply a spirit of power (the Holy Spirit) and love (Father-God’s nature) and a sound mind (the Word of God). This is the victory that overcomes the world, even my faith, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Scripture Meditation: 2^nd Timothy 1:7; Philippians 4:6-7

I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.”

Psalm 91:2

Father, thank You for comforting and assuring me of Your divine intervention as I walk this journey here on earth. I dwell, remain and settle down under the shadow (defense, protection) of the Almighty. I say of the Lord that You are my Refuge, my place of Protection. You are my God, True and Faithful. You are my Security. You did not give me a spirit of fear – but a spirit of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control. In Your name I bind my emotions to the control of the Holy Spirit and go forth with confidence. Amen.

Scripture Meditation: Psalm 91, 2^nd Timothy 1:7

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”

Matthew 11:28

Guide me in Your truth and faithfulness and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You do I wait all the day long. Laus Deo!

Eternal Fire Insurance

Have you heard the latest? There are people complaining that Hollywood is anti-athiest because of movies that suggest that there really is a God. And people wonder why the Bible says that God laughs (see Psalm 2:4 and Psalm 37:13). These people are a living example of what it means to be blinded... to walk in darkness.

People who are in darkness laugh at the idea of eternal punishment. Many in the atheist camp argue over the existence of any afterlife. Those of us who have accepted the word of God, however, know the truth. We deserve eternal punishment but have been saved by God’s mercy and love. Having received this wonderful gift, we have a mission to show people that without Christ they are without hope. We are called to (with humility and love) point them toward Jesus Christ as their only way of escape.

I was reading a Christian blog around the time that former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein was executed for his crimes against the Iraqi people. The writer seemed to be celebrating and rejoicing over the thought of Saddam suffering in the agonies of hellfire. This was not the first time that I have heard a Christian gleefully speaking about another person’s demise. Many Christian friends used to chuckle over some person “busting hell wide open.”

I don’t feel comfortable with that mindset. The idea of anyone burning in hell is not anything that I can imagine rejoicing over. It is a terrible thing for a soul to be eternally lost.

It is a fearful (formidable and terrible) thing to incur the divine penalties and be cast into the hands of the living God!

Hebrews 10:31 (Amplified Bible)

The Bible tells us that the soul that sins (without receiving the mercy of God) shall surely die (see Ezekiel 18). Many religions lay out a complex set of rules and regulations for achieving a righteous state. Some have people go to convents or monasteries where they are told to shun the simple pleasures of life. Others insist that followers take whips and flagellate themselves... even to the point of drawing blood. Still others create a complex set of rules to follow in the deceptive belief that these will save them. Even some who call themselves Christian believe that their salvation hinges on their adherence to a strict set of rules and regulations.

The bottom line is that there is salvation in none other than the name of Jesus Christ, God’s precious Son who died a sacrificial death and rose from the dead to give us hope of eternal redemption.

Or, as some hip Christians put it during the 1970’s, Eternal Fire Insurance.

Okay, so the work that Jesus did is more than an insurance policy to protect us from disaster. More accurately, it is blessed assurance that God loves us and was willing to pay the ultimate price to bring us back to Himself.

I used to hear the “old folks” saying that there is a hell to shun and a heaven to attain (or words to that effect). However, it is not by works that we escape damnation. It is through the blood that Jesus shed on the cross. It is through God’s loving kindness and tender mercies to provide a way of escape. And the good news is that it is absolutely free for anyone who will simply receive it.

Once we have received salvation, we have a desire to live a life that is pleasing to God. The problem, however, is that while our spirits are reborn, our human nature remains. Jesus gave us the solution for this dilemma:

And He said to all, If any person wills to come after Me, let him deny himself [disown himself, forget, lose sight of himself and his own interests, refuse and give up himself] and take up his cross daily and follow Me [cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying also].

Luke 9:23 (Amplified Bible)

Every day, we have to die. We are commanded to put our carnal nature to death. It ain’t easy... but the rewards are vast.

Meditations on Love - Volume 1

This is a new album from The Powerhouse Ministry... and is not being sold but is being made available for free download from The Powerhouse Ministry!

Visit Meditations on Love, Volume One to get this teaching.

We will be featuring segments from this teaching series on iTunes as part of our Power Podcasts for 2009!

No Condemnation

In our previous blog, we addressed the topic of the duality of human nature.

In Romans chapter seven, the Apostle Paul stared across the gulf that separates the perfection that God demands and the imperfection that dwells within ourselves.

Are we doomed?

No way! In chapter eight, we can move over to the point of God’s abundance of Grace towards us who are His Children through Jesus Christ.

¹ THEREFORE, [there is] now no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live [and] walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit. ² For the law of the Spirit of life [which is] in Christ Jesus [the law of our new being] has freed me from the law of sin and of death.

Romans 8:1-2 (Amplified Bible)

We are no longer bound like a dog chained to a tree (as T-Bone would say) to the prison of sin. Yes, sin is present and is something that we continue to contend with... but we are not sitting on the death row of condemnation. Of course, the caveat is that we walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit. As we quoted Pastor Lon Solomon, the Christian life is not something that any human being can live. We have to yield to the Holy Spirit (for He has the right of way) and allow Him to walk out the Christian life through us.

If I were to try to live the Christian life... I might find myself bound to certain rules and regulations that have about as much spiritual nutrition as a bag of chips and a diet soda has physical nutrition. Religion does not change us... at least, not in the ways that count. However, a relationship (with our Heavenly Father through Christ Jesus) does change us.

³ For God has done what the Law could not do, [its power] being weakened by the flesh [the entire nature of man without the Holy Spirit]. Sending His own Son in the guise of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, [God] condemned sin in the flesh [subdued, overcame, deprived it of its power over all who accept that sacrifice],

Romans 8:3 (Amplified Bible)

The Law was a nice attempt... but ultimately was insufficient. I know many Jews who eat pork, miss Sabbath, and may only keep the most important of the high holy days. Not to pick on them, but they are living examples of the weakness of the law. Wearing certain clothes and having a specific diet does not sanctify. One former pastor used to tell us that abstaining from alcohol (alone) will only allow you to go to hell sober. We don’t need rules and regulations... we need the power of the Son of God through His Spirit operating in our lives. As His will is walked out through us, we can achieve more (for His glory) than the rules and regulations ever could.

⁴ So that the righteous and just requirement of the Law might be fully met in us who live and move not in the ways of the flesh but in the ways of the Spirit [our lives governed not by the standards and according to the dictates of the flesh, but controlled by the Holy Spirit].

Romans 8:4 (Amplified Bible)

Again, the important thing is to follow the Spirit and not the flesh. When anger flares up, forgiveness extinguishes it. When pride flares up, humility extinguishes it. When lust flares up, love extinguishes it. You get the picture?

⁵ For those who are according to the flesh and are controlled by its unholy desires set their minds on and pursue those things which gratify the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit and are controlled by the desires of the Spirit set their minds on and seek those things which gratify the [Holy] Spirit.

Romans 8:5 (Amplified Bible)

Kenneth Copeland spoke about a woman who had bills to pay and children to raise... so she figured she needed a man. Then, he spoke about a man who was single and his lust was getting out of control... so he figured he needed a wife. They both prayed... but their prayers were vain. The woman wanted to make a man into her god... when the Lord God (Jehovah Jireh) should be her provider. The man wanted to satisfy his physical desires... when the Lord God calls a man to love his wife as Christ loves the church and gave Himself a sacrifice for us.

That couple got married... the man practically wore the woman out and then wanted to leave her because he felt all she wanted him for was his money. Both were on the wrong track. If the woman believed God to be a Proverbs 31 wife... and the man believed God to be an Ephesians 5:25-27 husband... and both put Christ in the center of their relationship, then you have something a whole lot better than what they had originally bargained for.

⁶ Now the mind of the flesh [which is sense and reason without the Holy Spirit] is death [death that comprises all the miseries arising from sin, both here and hereafter]. But the mind of the [Holy] Spirit is life and [soul] peace [both now and forever]. ⁷ [That is] because the mind of the flesh [with its carnal thoughts and purposes] is hostile to God, for it does not submit itself to God's Law; indeed it cannot.

Romans 8:6-7 (Amplified Bible)

If you listen to atheists or other such people, their thoughts are so incredibly hostile toward God.

There was the instance of a man who went before a judge to obtain a lawsuit because he found it offensive that President Obama wanted to have prayer at his inauguration. I mean... hello? When did prayer become offensive?

Homosexuals and lesbians can parade down the street... strip their clothing off... and perform public lewdness. But praying to the God who created us is offensive? Lord have mercy on this rebellious people!

But even those who want to serve God cannot with the mind of the flesh. Look at the Scribes and Pharisees in the Bible as an example of what happens to men who seek to be righteous by their own works. They are far from the Kingdom of God and by their lifestyles drive others away. Surrender to God and let Him walk the love walk in your life... for He is love. He will tell you whether to let that other driver merge into traffic. He will tell you to pray for that person who was mean to you. That is WWJD. It is also what you should do.

⁸ So then those who are living the life of the flesh [catering to the appetites and impulses of their carnal nature] cannot please or satisfy God, or be acceptable to Him.

Romans 8:8 (Amplified Bible)

Hebrews 11:6 tells us that without faith it is impossible to please God. If you are living the life of the flesh, you are not living a life of faith... because you are not believing in God as your source.

⁹ But you are not living the life of the flesh, you are living the life of the Spirit, if the [Holy] Spirit of God [really] dwells within you [directs and controls you]. But if anyone does not possess the [Holy] Spirit of Christ, he is none of His [he does not belong to Christ, is not truly a child of God]. ¹⁰ But if Christ lives in you, [then although] your [natural] body is dead by reason of sin and guilt, the spirit is alive because of [the] righteousness [that He imputes to you]. ¹¹ And if the Spirit of Him Who raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you, [then] He Who raised up Christ Jesus from the dead will also restore to life your mortal (short-lived, perishable) bodies through His Spirit Who dwells in you.

Romans 8:9-11 (Amplified Bible)

Listen, folks... live the life of the Spirit. It is the love walk, for God is love. If you are God’s child, then you will show agape (loving people even if they are unlovable, and even if they do not return your love) towards everyone in Jesus’ name.

Selah.