Website: www.PastorTodd.org

As believers, we are called to walk in the Spirit and not gratify the desires of the flesh. Yet, even with the best intentions, we sometimes find ourselves slipping into fleshly behaviors. Today, we will explore why this happens and how we can keep our hearts in check, aligning them with God's will.

"But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies."

Galatians 5:16-17 (NKJV)

"I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish."

Romans 7:18-19 (NKJV)

"For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice."

James 1:14-15 (NKJV)

"But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death."

Philippians 4:7 (NKJV)

"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

"Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth."

1 John 2:15-17 (NKJV)

"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever."

Keeping our hearts in check is crucial for living a life that honors God. By guarding our hearts, walking in the Spirit, acknowledging our weaknesses, seeking God's examination, and praying for a clean heart, we can overcome the tendencies of the flesh. Let us commit to these practices and trust in God’s grace to lead us in His ways.