Weekend Giveaway: Darkness & Light
Do you know who you are?
More importantly, do you know whose you are?
I must admit, even though I first met Jesus in a very real way back in late high school, I haven’t always lived as though all that took place with that life-changing encounter were true.
What I mean is this: sometimes, there is a disconnect between my mind and my actions; between my brain and my body (or most often between my soul and my mouth!)
The good I know I should do….
I don’t always do.
The love I know I should display…
I don’t always display.
The kindness I’m convinced I should show….
Well…it stays hidden.
This disconnect both frustrates and aggravates me.
Until I remember that I am not alone.
Read preacher Paul’s words from Romans 7:18-20 in the Amplified Version of the Bible:
18For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot perform it. [I have the intention and urge to do what is right, but no power to carry it out.]
19For I fail to practice the good deeds I desire to do, but the evil deeds that I do not desire to do are what I am [ever] doing.
20Now if I do what I do not desire to do, it is no longer I doing it [it is not myself that acts], but the sin [principle] which dwells within me [fixed and operating in my soul].
Sister….can you relate????
Now I know Christians aren’t perfect. We are just forgiven.
And I know I cannot always make the right choice…. in my own strength.
But for me I know where part of the problem lies.
I forget I am no longer in the dark, but in the light.
“….for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9(for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true)” Ephesians 5:8-9
Walk as children of the light.
Walking is an action. It takes effort on my part.
Good. I need to focus on what is good.
Right. I need to chose to perform that which is right.
True. I need to focus my brain on the things that are true.
For me…that last one is a doosey. You see, I let the enemy whisper all sorts of things to my soul that simply are not true.
You’ll never lose weight.
You are incapable of being a good wife.
Rotten mom. You sure blew it today with your kid.
Christian? Yeah, right. Some Christian you are having those thoughts you did just now.
Just give it up….ya failure!
At those times I have a crucial choice to make. Am I gonna give in to the dark or run to the light?
Am I going to listen to the lies or align my mind with the word of God?
Darkness or light? Its our choice.
Do you ever battle the same thing? (Oh please tell me that you do?!?)
Lets purpose to pray for each other during the heat of the battle for our minds. And, just cause I love you all, here is a little light & dark giveaway to go along with our little chat. It includes:
~ A cozy brown plush throw–for you to snuggle up in as you read the Bible, filling your mind with God’s truth about you.
~ Some dark chocolate Hershey’s kisses.
~ A tube of Dark Kiss Bath & Bodyworks lotion.
~ Three packets of Land O’ Lakes white hot cocoa.
~ Two white votive candles from Bath & Bodyworks–one vanilla coconut & one creamy nutmeg.
~ A candle snuffer from At Home America.
One person who comments this weekend will be chosen at random to win the above package. So please, tell me your thoughts on this topic. (Or if time is tight, just say “I’m in!”)
I’ll be praying for you this weekend. Will you do the same for me?
Into-the-light Blessings,
I’m in! Thanks for this wonderful message, and so timely for issues I am working on in my life. I struggle with being a patient mom, especially when my strong-willed daughter knows just what buttons to push. I also struggle with the enemy whispering lies to me, so your message today (and everyday!) is a welcome reminder of truth through Jesus Christ. Thanks!
I tend to always turn everything into guilt…not sure why. Last night in my personal prayer space (the bathtub :) I was praying and telling God how overwhelmed I feel and even though I spend an hour in the Word before I go to work, I feel like I’m not spending enough time with Him…and the guilt began. I thought back to when I bought a book 15 Minutes with God and thought I could at least find 15 minutes, which began my habit of morning devotions. Then the moment of revelation….I’m not lacking in spending time with God; I’m hungry for more time with Him. Thank you, Lord, that you gave me that revelation of the truth…there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus!
I really do strive to walk in the light and always show God’s love to people but sometimes I fail miserably! Thank goodness He always loves us even when we are not perfect.The enemy tries to keep us down with his lies but it won’t work because God’s love is stronger!
I definitely battle with keeping my mind on the lovely things and wonderful things…I’m bombarded with foolishness, discouragement and offenses. There have many opportunities everyday to be offended. But its a trap to take me off of God’s plan for me. I stay in prayer and speak the word over my heart and mind constantly!
sorry – but you always have such fun giveaways! :-)
I love Casting Crowns’ song “Voice of Truth” because sometimes I just need that reminder that what SEEMS true or what FEELS true ISN’T really my reality under our new covenant. The disconnect that you talk about happens all the time with me – I’m always working to be listening to the right voice!
PS – You
I’m In! Thank You :O)
I can totally relate…all those thoughts that try to steal my joy and take my sense of self-worth and flush it down the toilet…No more!!
I know I will be praying for you this weekend too Karen.
Thank you for sharing so honestly.
I’M IN!!!!
I think the battle of the mind is an ongoing thing for most of us. I have to keep reminding myself I am a child of God and his mercy is new everyday. Thanks for the devothional!
Perfect timing…I so often feel this way, Thank you for sharing!
I needed to read this today. I too have felt the same way. Anytime I rush and do not spend my quiet time with God daily my flesh surely wants to come in and start with the negatives. Thank you so much for sharing!
Enjoyed the conference call with you last night for Made to Crave. I have enjoyed your blog too. Thanks for being so honest about this weight loss struggle that a lot of us are in, and the enemy attacks whenever he sees a place to worm his way into our mind. We have to stay strong and run the God’s truth. Thanks for you encouragement and honesty.
My Fearfully & Wonderfully Made Sister Karen,
IM IN!!!! Being real with GOD & ourselves is the key! So often I struggle in many areas….especially the battles of the mind. I THANK YOU for the devotional! I will pray for you & please pray for me!
Love Your Sister In Christ
Keyia
I’m in. It feels like you are walking with me. good to know I am not alone in my stregths and stumbles. thanks for a great post I am sharing it monday at work.
It’s nice to know that other women go through the same battles as I do. Because I sure battle so much junk in my mind. I want Gods peace.
That is been on of my favorite Scripture ever since I read Franklin Graham’s Rebel with a Cause years ago. It speaks so much about my life. I want to do but it seems I don’t do, but with the Lord, I can do!
Trying my best to walk with Him.
Glad to know I’m not alone in this battle!! Thank you for sharing. I’ll be praying for you.
GREAT Truths!! I’m IN!!!!
Have a wonderful weekend!!
I completely identify with having the best intentions of doing right, in so many areas, and not following through…it’s so encouraging to be reminded that Paul, a giant of the faith, struggled with the exact.same.thing. Thanks for the uplifting words and the giveaway!
Wow, don’t I feel just like that!! Way more than I want to. Sometimes I let all that take me so far from my sweet Lord. Thanks for sharing Karen. And for the prayers. They will be coming right back at ya!!
I’m in!!!
Well it is nice to know I am not alone. I always remember that when I am doing this right that is when Satan attacks with the greatest fury. That is when I pull on God’s strength the most. I do my best not to waiver but Satan is very sneaky. He always seems to pull at my deepest hurts, insecurities and past failures. I am so great full God is so merciful and gracious that he never lets me go and never leaves me to fight the battle myself. Thank you for all of the encouragement ladies!!!! Let us be those beacons of light in this dark place and share the love!!
Karen Thanks for a great post. We have to choose to do what is good and right even when we do not feel like it. That is what God’s word can do. Thanks for the prayers…I too will be praying for you…God Bless…Kathy Mills
I’m in! And Thank You for this inspiring post!