19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
*A little sub-lesson*
A marionette is a puppet controlled from above using wires or strings depending on regional variations. A marionette’s puppeteer is called a marionettist..https://www.google.com/search?source=hp&ei=FgR2Wtu-OLCD5wKq2bhA&q=what+is+a+marionette+controller+called%3F&oq=what+is+a+marionette+controller+called%3F&gs_l=psy-ab.3..0i22i30k1.1141.16955.0.17412.54.40.9.4.5.0.380.5481.3j28j4j1.36.0….0…1c.1.64.psy-ab..5.49.6047.0..0j35i39k1j0i131k1j0i67k1j0i20i263i264k1j0i20i264k1j0i20i263k1j0i3k1j0i131i20i264k1j0i10k1j0i13k1j0i13i30k1j0i8i13i30k1j33i22i29i30k1.0.G5Lf1LM-AdI
I assumed the controller would have been called a puppet master.
Before Christmas, my friend and I went shopping for things to sell at my booth. I prefer a rather unusual collection. One of my findings that particular day was a horse marionette. The pony was clean, its strings and controlling sticks were all in good condition, not wound up or tangled.
It sat there in my booth for a long while, even put up front at times to keep it protected from kids who eagerly and often times, carelessly, grabbed for other toys. In my various sales, I never marked the price down because I figured if nothing else, I would keep it myself. Maybe I could take it back later because the “right person” just had not come along yet.
One day when I was in there moving my things around to amp up interest among my goods, I went to look for the marionette to display in a prominent place, but it was gone. Apparently a special needs youth came in with her father and saw it. From the front desk, the women up front heard her talk to her daddy about it throughout the store . As her father browsed other booths, she even came up with a name for the horse. When they finished shopping, dad approached the checkout and bought it. Walking out, she sweetly promised the ladies at the store to take very good care of it. I LOVE that story!
Are we repeatedly, dragging ourselves with matted and knotted strings, pleading to be straightened out, only to get right back in another situation? We follow our own will and wants, yet continually cry out for rescue. But God! Our Sweet Savior is always gracious and loving, there to be our Ever-present Help in time of need.
It seems as though many unbelievers claim that Christians are simply Christ’s puppets. If that were the case, why would we still sin? Why would there be suffering? No, although the Lord loves us, because He does, He doesn’t force a relationship upon His children. Unlike an earthly father, who may grow weary of a child returning time and again, picking us up, dusting us off, lovingly, not in anger or judgment, our Father God gently scoops us up, offers forgiveness to a repentant son or daughter and speaks encouragement into our lives.
Following the Lord is not for the faint-hearted. Through the Power of the Holy Spirit, we are able to forgive ourselves and move past mistakes we’ve made. On our own, yes, sin is (seemingly) the “easier” choice. It doesn’t require obedience, just a do as you will action or reaction. Satisfaction and indulgence of the flesh, if we want to admit it or not, is our natural inclination, We MUST lean on the Lord fully, realizing that obedience, just as disobedience, is a conscious decision. While we have this disobedience down pat, obedience is only possible through the Strength of Almighty God.
FATHER GOD
Please forgive our sins against You, others and ourselves
We give You praise today for Your forgiveness
For the Sacrifice of Jesus to not only save us from eternal damnation
But for the Wonderful Promise of Eternal Life with You in Paradise
Lord, please speak to us when our hearts lean toward wickedness
We ask that You direct us from our own will
To a desire to follow Yours
Please put within us a deep and growing love for You and others
We know without You, we can do nothing
Please forgive us from wandering away from You, Lord
For this, we give You praise!
You are King of kings
Lord of lords
To You go all glory!
In the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord
Amen
