Deuteronomy 10:16
Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked (stubborn) any longer.
The past few years have brought us to the realization that time is short and valuable. In order to live in a pure and right covenant with God, it is necessary to evaluate and determine what remains in our lives that has significance or what must go. The Bible often refers to our natural sinful tendencies when it speaks of "flesh." According to Galatians 5:19–21, the works of the flesh are described as
"Clearly evident: sexual immorality, impurity, seduction, idolatry, sorcery (pharmacia), enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these."
It is then that Paul warns “that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Salvation cannot be achieved by the works of the flesh (Galatians 2:16), which specifies the need to “circumcise your hearts.” As human beings, we are naturally sinful (Romans 5:12). As a result of our sinful nature, we have to “cut off” the works of the flesh. To reach out to the unsaved, Paul circumcised Timothy so that he would not be a hindrance to the people. In its most basic sense, circumcision means "to cut around."
As part of Abraham's descendants and the Mosaic Law requirement, circumcision is a covenant between God and all Jewish males in the Old Testament. It involves surgically removing the male's foreskin. In the New Testament, circumcision is not required. Christians, on the other hand, see circumcision as a heart matter rather than a foreskin matter if they trust in Jesus and his blood sacrifice on the cross according to the new covenant (Acts 15:1-2a, 8-12).
In light of that, do you have anything or anyone that triggers your fleshly nature? Where is the area that brings no peace? The broken areas where our souls desire something more but that wall that hinders you has come to a place of demolition. It is time for a heart transplant for a healthier holy you. Surrender your heart to God. Cutting off will hurt, sometimes those cuts are deep. It involves a totally new lifestyle. Once that happens, you will smile again, you will be whole again; freedom is yours. Sometimes we have to crucify our flesh just like Jesus crucified His life so we can have a covenant relationship with God. You will see beyond the walls a new journey that only comes when you walk alongside Jesus.
Let’s Pray,
Father, you know the things of the flesh I am holding onto. I admit it is hard for me to let go. Today, I am handing over my heart and trusting that the fleshly things that need to be cut off can only happen when I crucify my flesh to walk with you. I surrender and allow the Holy Spirit to transform my life into the one He has planned for me. I declare I will live again, I will be free. I rejoice and praise You in advantage, change starts today. I ask this in Jesus name Amen.
Romans 2:29
No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by the Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people.
Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
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