Verse of the Day - Galatians 5:17

For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. ~ Galatians 5:17 (NIV)

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How cognizant are you of the spiritual battle that is being waged in your life? Do you see it played out, or are you clueless?

If you have a pulse, you're in a battle. Whether you are sixteen or sixty, your life is not only the battle field, but the territory to be conquered, the prize to be won. And if you are a believer, the amazingly tragic thing is that you are part of the mix! It's like an auto-immune disease, where the body turns on itself as if it is the enemy -- although we give ourselves over to Jesus, our 'natural man', our 'flesh' still lives. So we often sabotage ourselves in decision-making, either by making the willfully wrong choice, or sit back in complacency and make no choice. Either way, the line in the sand is breached and territory is lost. One step forward, two steps back. Or two steps forward, one step back.

Hopefully, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we gain ground in the war against our flesh. By being willing to recognize our weaknesses and turn over our sinful, selfish desires over to God, He can and does make change. He gives us the desire to want what He wants, and gives us power to resist sinful urges when they crop up. And believe me, they will crop up -- sometimes when you least expect it. Half of the devil's strategy is based on the element of surprise, when believers are asleep at the wheel.

I pray that you can be victorious in the Lord as you fight the battles in, and for, your life. Trust in God's powerful Holy Spirit to fit you with sufficient spiritual armor and a shrewd mind toward the devil's schemes. Know that the Lord your God is with you and will never leave you. And rest in the knowledge that, although you might not always "get it right", "there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1)

Love,
Joelene