the struggle is real

The struggle is real. This is one that we all have to deal with, but if we are honest, we might miss is, neglect it or even think it is not real.

I am talking about the struggle that is in the spiritual part of our lives where our soul is in the middle of some of the most difficult times. Whether we choose God or self, savior or satan, trusting God or doing something else, it is a real struggle, and this week we are going to look at the different struggles that happen in our every day lives.

Ephesians 6:12 NLT

For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

There is the struggle. We have an enemy that has been around since the beginning of time, and he is good at what He does. At times he looks like an “angel of light” but is not that. At times what the enemy wants us to do is something good but not the best. At times it is evident that what is in front of us is plain wrong.

How are we going to deal with the spiritual struggle that is going on in our lives? Great and important question. The best way to deal with the struggle is to choose a plan, a way to deal with it, before the struggle is in front of you. In fact that is a good plan for about every thing you face. Plan before it happens.

I want to suggest two things that will help each of us deal with our struggles. Trust and lean on God first. And next use the weapons and warfare that God provides for each of us.

Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

Choose to trust God. He is trustworthy and has our best in mind for us. Lean on His ways, His understanding and wisdom, His plan and even His path. That is when the struggle will be something that we get help with and can deal with.

Ephesians 6:13 NLT

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.

Put on the armor. Resist and stand against the devil, our enemy, in the strength of God and with the weapons He has provided. That isn’t always easy, but each piece of the armor changes us, our situations and the struggles and life we face.

The struggle is real. Get ready for what is ahead of us by choosing now how you deal with what is ahead.

Have you heard of EDITH BURNS?

Edith Burns was a wonderful Christian who lived in San Antonio, Texas . She was the patient of a doctor by the name of Will Phillips. Dr. Phillips was a gentle doctor who saw patients as people. His favorite patient was Edith Burns. One morning he went to his office with a heavy heart and it was because of Edith Burns. When he walked into that waiting room, there sat Edith with her big black Bible in her lap earnestly talking to a young mother sitting beside her. Edith Burns had a habit of introducing herself in this way: "Hello, my name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?" Then she would explain the meaning of Easter, and many times people would be saved. Dr. Phillips walked into that office and there he saw the head nurse, Beverly. Beverly had first met Edith when she was taking her blood pressure. Edith began by saying,"My name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?" Beverly said, "Why yes I do." Edith said, "Well, what do you ...

wash feet, sharing hope

John 13:4-5,14 NLT So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, 5 and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him… 14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. Jesus set the example we follow. He served. He valued and gave value to others. That is why we choose to serve. For 18 years our church has shared an outreach called back2school, and for 16 of those years we have chosen to give students brand new shoes and socks as well as washing their feet. It is one of the most important parts of this event. Washing feet is a humbling experience where both the give and the receiver learn how to share some moments that might change their lives. Jesus said we should do this. See the verse above. Follow His example, do what He did, and give far more than you will ever know....

Catalyst ticket arrived

My ticket to the Catalyst Conference, in Atlanta Oct 8-10, just arrived. I'm excited!

Michael Harrison's e-devotion

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