struggles

Surface actions do not line up with inner thoughts . . . sound familiar . . .sounds a lot like the struggles Paul went through doesn't it? This CHRISTian life is a struggle . . . at least for me!

I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. (Romans 7: 15-20)

Living fully for God begins in the mind. We can actually be living what looks like a God-centered life yet in our minds we fight and struggle. Others look at us and think: "What a great CHRISTian!" Yet we look inward and see such a failure. We have to keep repeating what God has done for us. He has redeemed us with His blood! He alone can transform our minds by the washing of His Blood and the guidance of His Spirit.

In the struggles, we must keep our minds stayed upon His promise! Jesus is a Person we know and not a place we go! The struggle is a process but He struggles through with us. We are beloved, chosen and redeemed . . . believe that!

Protection is vital to success!

 "A good defense is the best offense". I often heard that as an athlete growing up. Now, I realize a team cannot win without scoring, but you cannot lose either if the other team cannot score! Defense, or protection, is vital to success! Spiritually speaking, we are called upon to protect, or cover one another. 

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. (Galatians 6:2-3)

A pastor covers his sheep in prayer daily. Husbands  and fathers need to be diligent to not only protect and cover their spouse and children in prayer, but also from physical harm and financial ruin. Youth leaders and teachers are tasked with protecting and defending the children in their daily care.

Even through challenges and conflicts, we are to fight for our spouses and children not against them. The enemy would like nothing better than to break down the walls of defense! 

We must learn how to fight fairly and be gently or lovingly honest with one another. It helps us to avoid any deception from creeping in between relationships.

We need to be proactive in easing one another's burdens in life by assisting with daily activities such as cleaning duties, making of meals, assisting with homework, and the like. Everyone needs a little hand up now and then!