There is no question life is a daily struggle. The Bible calls it the flesh vs the spirit. Society would call it good vs evil, or white hat vs black hat, or good guy vs bad guy.  Others might call it the old man vs the new man.  No matter what one calls it, it is a battle. Let’s just call it flesh vs spirit in conflict.

Because of the struggle I am always one word, one act, one thought away from giving in to my flesh. My old man rears his ugly head. Tripp states it accurately:

“God has called me to say No. Not to Him or to others, but to myself.” Jesus said I was to deny myself, take up my cross and follow Him. I am to empty myself of myself. “I must say No to my selfish desires, wrong thoughts, and dangerous emotions. I must say no to the world’s values, sin’s temptations, and my desire to control what only God can.”

The solution? God has given me His Spirit.  Christ in me. My strength.

“Father, I’m a loser. Not the kind with the big “L” on my forehead. I’m a loser in the battle of the flesh vs the spirit. But because of Your Spirit that doesn’t have to be true. You have given me Your Spirit. I do not have to lose this battle and I definitely won’t lose the war. Help me to say “NO” to the things of the flesh-my selfish desires, wrong thoughts, and dangerous emotions. And say “YES” to you. Help me today to rely on Your Spirit to give me strength in the battle.”