On The Mat! (part 1 of 6)

Yesterday we noted Paul's reference to a WRESTLER in his letter to the church at Colosse:

"Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. HE IS ALWAYS WRESTLING IN PRAYER for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured." ( Colossians 4:12 NIV)

Another aspect of the WRESTLING in prayer is that for ourselves. In what ways could we picture the continuing WRESTLING MATCH in which we are involved? Do you see yourself there on the mat in prayer? Over the next few days we will consider and mediate on this praying in the terms of WRESTLING.

THE "REVERSAL"

The "REVERSAL" in life may be expressed this way: "Lord, I repent of my sin! I turn from those things that are out of place with the Christian life and turn to follow you. Sin will no longer master me, but with your help, sin will be mastered."

Note the words of Peter:
"REPENT, then, and TURN TO GOD, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord," ( Acts 3:19 NIV)

Note also God's warning to Cain:
"(6) Then the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? (7) If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but YOU MUST MASTER IT."" ( Genesis 4:6-7 NIV)

Cain wrestled and lost. God wants us to wrestle and win!

Do you wrestle in prayer over those things you do which you don't want to do and over those things you don't do that you know you ought? In prayer we need to keep committing ourselves to REPENTANCE and the changing of those things which are out of place in our life. There needs to continue to be a reversal from being controlled by the flesh to being controlled by the Spirit of God. With His help we can gain the victory!

Have a great day MASTERING SIN THROUGH THE POWER OF CHRIST!
Carl

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[This focus was originally sent 3/14/99 & 06/23/2004 (Edited some.)]

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