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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Violation (04/04/24)
I crossed a line. I violated His Holy Word. My violation embodied a failure to honor His Word, uphold its principles, and acknowledge its boundaries. It was in defiance of the blood covenant that binds me to Him, and it caused discord to arise amidst the harmony of my life.

Temptation comes from my fleshly desire. I believe the Bible calls it "lust." The Holy Spirit in me gives me the power to resist what my flesh is screaming for. But I do not resist. No problem; my walk with the Lord continues.

As I allow desire (lust) to conceive, I entertain it in my mind and allow it to grow. I think about my transgression over and over and make mental scenarios that feed it. How far can I go and still be okay?

Because the blindness has begun at this point, I cannot see how gross my sin is to the Lord. I construct mental gyrations to justify my lust. I even think it is not sin because I haven't "done" anything.

In the meantime, life goes on with sin only conceived in my mind. On the surface, things look pretty much the same. But there is no joy, strength, power, or authority. I am confused, and I can't hear my Shephard's voice. I try to do the things I have always done by His Spirit, but I can't. I still try, and in so doing, I exhaust myself. Most of all, I miss Jesus. This thing in my heart separates me from Him. I am hurting.

Jesus said that to sin in the heart is to sin. The end of living in sin is death. Yes, I can be forgiven, but could I ever find a place of repentance in my heart? I don't know. Will I sell my birthright for a bowl of soup?

Here lies the proverbial "fork in the road."

When my flesh is out of line, there is only one answer. There is only one thing that my flesh will respond to: crucifixion. It hurts intensely to say no to that now intensified desire, but I must decide it is not worth its consequences. I cannot choose death rather than the life Jesus so freely offers.

Indeed, His Holy Presence is all that I need. The way is straight and narrow; you and I must stay on it. Satan wants to destroy us, and he will stop at nothing. He perverts everything God has made for us to enjoy and uses our desires against us.

In the shadow of every violation lies the potential for introspection and growth. When I recognize my violation and call it what it is: sin, I must receive the forgiveness that Jesus freely offers and go on to a more understanding and wiser way of living.

Then, my violation becomes a catalyst for reflection and renewal. In understanding my trespass, I can help others who face the same temptations and lusts. Every one of us struggles, and no person is better than any other.

God is for us and not against us. He has given us everything that we need to walk in victory. If we truly submit ourselves to Him and resist the devil, the devil will flee from us.

"Therefore submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7 MEV)

Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through Him. Whatever it is, wherever we are, He is the only answer!
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