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Romans 7:7-8
What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.” But sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness. For apart from the law, sin lies dead.
I really did not see the sign. Perhaps they put it up after I had passed the spot. Perhaps I was concentrating so hard on being a good driver. Maybe I was deep in prayer…with my eyes open, of course. Whatever…I really didn’t see the sign (and after 995 miles on the road, we were just five miles from our small hometown!) But the trooper didn’t care and gave me a ticket anyway. He asked me why we were headed to Perry. I told him we were from the town and back to visit family. “Oh, really,” he said, “Who are your parents?” When I told him, he said, “Oh, I know Mary Moore. I go to church with her. See you Sunday.” Now, that’s a good reason not to go to church!
The speed limit sign is not a sin (okay, maybe this is a bad illustration). It tells me what the law is. If I did not know the speed limit, I wouldn’t know if I broke the law. Without the sign, “sin is dead.” But knowing the speed limit makes me accountable and, too often, makes me want to go just a little bit faster. My sinfulness likes to make its own laws. I like to go my own speed regardless of what some sign says.
Therein lays the battle—the struggle of knowing what I am supposed to do and not wanting to do it. Or…knowing what I am not supposed to do and wanting to do it anyway. Anyone tracking with me here? We will spend time this week dealing with the battle.
Father, I am saved by your grace, but my sin nature constantly rears its ugly head. Help me pay attention to your road signs and heed their direction. In Christ’s name. Amen.
Today’s Journey Message:
The Principles of True Repentance – Part 1
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I love the term Relent, it is precious time that I am watching the “signs”. I hear God speaking to me…making me realize not to go there not to continue in a conversation. It’s better to keep my 2cents to myself and that I’m impressing God, which is more important than the people I am with. Thank you for this message and I will continue to Relent after this Holy time.
God Bless you and thank you for this message.