I was thinking this morning as I was preparing my thought today that if we are to win the battle of renewing our minds as I shared yesterday; we also have to win the war with Satan. How do win the daily battles so we can be on track with God? Think about when nations decide to end a conflict, their leaders sign treaties that allow for the restoration of peaceful relations between them. Christ's death and resurrection defeated Satan fairly and squarely. Then Christ the victor '...ascended up on high, [and] He led captivity captive...' (Ephesians 4:8 KJV) He was welcomed back in Heaven as conqueror. But here on earth, no treaty was ever signed between Satan and God's people. You are still his target. He continues to be a thief who comes to '...steal, kill and destroy...' (John 10:10 TLB) He still '...prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.' (1 Peter 5:8 NIV) But Christ's victory on the cross has positioned you to walk in daily triumph over Satan. However, winning your personal war with the Accuser isn't a matter of brains or brawn; it's a spiritual battle and you can only win it by employing God's strategies for victory. Kind of like the formula I was sharing in Romans 12:1-2 "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God--this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will." For the next few days let's look at some ways to renew yourself: 'Be self-controlled and alert...' (1 Peter 5:8 NIV) Being 'self-controlled' implies staying in charge of your emotions, thoughts, words, decisions and actions. It requires taking responsibility for your own life; not allowing people, circumstances or the devil to take the steering wheel from your hands and usurp your Power of Attorney to gain control. Being 'alert' means being conscious of your weaknesses and Satan's corresponding ploys. You can't afford to coast, run on autopilot, or go with the flow. Being alert exposes Satan's well laid strategies, enabling you to stop him dead in his tracks. You are loved...
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