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Provisions for Shadows

"But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires." Romans 13:14 This verse stood out to me this morning for a couple of reasons. First, it comes at the end of a paragraph where Paul is encouraging and instructing the readers on how to live out their salvation. This is a great image of how our flesh is full of selfish desires that if we make any provisions for it, those desires will be gratified. So from a literary standpoint, I like the weight this verse puts on the flesh. It's like you can feel the struggle in the opposites of putting on the Lord Jesus Christ and making provisions for the flesh.  The second reason I like this is that this verse is wisdom. Paul knows that if you make any provision. And by a provision, I read it as allowing a circumstance or situation that will provide the enemy a chance to tempt you further with that shadow . For example, I struggle with lust so watching a TV show like Game of Thrones which...

Shadows of Stew

"Don't sell out for a bowl of stew."  This is written on a note on my desk. I have many things on my desk, some of which are notes that I use to encourage me or to keep me focused.  This particular note I wrote in response to something I was reading or a podcast/sermon I listened to. It comes from the Bible story of Jacob and Esau.  Here is a quick summary: Jacob and Esau are twins. Esau was the born first and in Jewish culture was awarded a birthright and a blessing. But Jacob stole both of these from his brother. The birthright Jacob actually bought with a bowl of stew. Esau was out hunting and came home famished. Jacob was cooking and offered a bowl of stew in exchange for Esau's birthright. And Esau sold it. (Genesis 25: 29-34) Now to my note. I wrote my note to remind me that what is right in front of me, no matter how hungry I am, is NOTHING compared to what lies ahead. If I was to give in to my hunger for an appetizer and not for the main course I would...