You would think that inmates being locked up are following rules. Or that it is easier to track their activities. The truth is…despite being incarcerated and being under surveillance, they still manage to do the things they want to do. From smuggling contrabands to making their own alcohol, they are able to think of many ways to improvise what they need to carry out any illegal plans. They might appear to be out of control at times. Some might succeed but this is where a surprise “shakedown” comes in from custody staff. To maintain safety, not only for the custody staff but among inmates themselves.
[Please silence my playlist]:
As Christians, many of us claim that we have God on our side. But have we asked ourselves if we are on “God’s side?” How many of us are truly controlled by Jesus Christ? It’s easier said than done. For I, myself, need the constant confession of my own improvisations of things that do not glorify Him. I don’t know about you, but I’m glad that the Holy Spirit is quick to give me a “surprise shakedown”. Which catches me off-guard.
The secret of an abundant life is to allow Jesus Christ to control our lives. Through His Holy Spirit living within us. When you realize that you have sinned, confess them immediately and thank God for His forgiveness. But you must continue to walk in fellowship with God. As you pray, examine your hearts. Do you honestly want Jesus to control your life? If not, ask God to change your heart.
When the Holy Spirit catches you with a big surprise, list the areas of your life that you believe should be under His control. Ask God to show you the ways to bring these areas under His control.
1 Corinthians 2:11 - “For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.” [NIV]
Galatians 5:16-24 - “16So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. 19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.” [NIV]
STUFF
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