Inner Conflict

This poem illustrates the inner conflict that takes place between our spirit and flesh. It's actually a re-post from last year, but seemed fitting for this morning. Although the subject matter may not be your particular subject, I think you can relate to the battle. Sometimes the intensity of the battle can get so strong that you just want to give in and let it overtake you, but don't! God is with you, strengthening you, often carrying you. I have learned that its' in my greatest times of weakness that I can see His strength. Feel free to share this with anyone having a battle! 

Inner Conflict by Shun Strickland

I wonder why it’s so hard to understand

The most serious spiritual battles

Take place in the inner man

For the lover of God

There is no greater stress

Than the battles that transpire between Spirit & flesh

Resist the devil and he will flee

How exactly do I resist when he’s part of me?

If loving that man is wrong I don’t wanna be right

But I long to be pleasing in God’s sight

I’m struggling and it seems no one can see

I guess it’s because the conflict takes place inside of me

I go to church, read the Word and I pray

But when he calls me late at night I don’t always say

NO

But I want to oh so bad

Am I really saved or do I need to rededicate again?

Is there any escape from this life of sin?

Like Paul the very thing I hate to do

Is the very thing I do again

Dag! Somebody help me

Can anybody see

How in the world do I crucify

This part of me that’s fighting not to die

 They say “She really doesn’t love God”

But that’s not my reality

The truth is, it’s my love for Him

Keeping me from completely giving in

Hold on before you make a judgment

About my spirituality

I’d prefer you offer up some prayer

And some accountability

It may not be the lure of sex

That pulls you off your path

Could it be guilt from your abortion

That makes you over eat

Maybe you just talk too much

Do you ever lie or cheat

Whatever your secret battle

There’s only one way victory is won

Is life hidden in God’s only Son

Let His love constrain you

Let His Word re-train you

Don’t run from Him

Run to Him

It’s His power that sets you free from sin

Your own striving and struggling leads to failure again

Remember He is greater than any trap of sin

I may not be perfect but I’m better than before

The more I look at Jesus, the more I win the war

I don’t answer the late night calls

Near as often as I use to

I’m learning that if I resist him

He will flee

As long as I remember

That sin isn’t the real Me!

1.    You should love our God, Yahweh because He loves you. Even if you don't He loves you anyway. 


2.    Loving Yahweh doesn't exempt you from life's challenges, but the reality of His love for you will give you the strength to make it through.

3.     Family is important. Take the time to build relationships. 


4.    Good friends are hard to find, but priceless once discovered. 


5.    None of us make it alone! We are all building on the sacrifices of others. 


6.    Laughter adds years to your life. 
Laugh hard and often!

7.    Marriage is better when your spouse is your best friend. 


8.    Money is a great tool, but a bad god. Let it serve you, never serve it. 


9.    Wisdom is better than silver and gold cause a fool and his money soon separate. 


10. It is selfish to just want enough to take care of you. 
Being able to help others is the will of God.

11. Children are God's way to teach you to be selfless. 


12.  Kids are painfully honest. If you ever want to know the truth ask a kid. 


13. Sex IS better in the marriage bed (no guilt, fear or shame) 


14. Nothing is detrimental 


15. Prayer changes things. 


16. Love overcomes evil every time. 


17. Love always covers and never exposes. 


18. It is better to be thought a fool than speak and prove it's true. 


19. No one owes you anything...not even your parents. 
Play the hand you were dealt.

20. Sunrises are a gift. 


21. So are sunsets. 


22. Parents are still human. Most of the mistakes they made had nothing to do with the kid, they were working through their own issues. 


23. A guy and a girl can be very good friends and never cross the lines. 


24. You can build an amazing marriage if you are willing to grow, learn to love unconditionally and obey God. 


25. Forgiveness is for you!

26. Life is precious and shouldn't be taken for granted. 


27. Everyone deserves respect. 


28. Cursing shows ignorance even if it feels good to do it. 


29. Random acts of kindness do just as much for the giver as the receiver. 


30. Your environment is always working on you. 


31. You need to participate in your own rescue. 


32.  You shouldn't try to rescue people who aren't will to participate in their own rescue. 


33. Your life follows your words. Your life is the sum total of your most dominate thoughts. 
Don’t like your life, change your thinking.

34. Loving the right person can add to your life, loving the wrong person can destroy you. 
Love should make you better!

35.  Change ain't change until you change! 


36.  Jesus (Yeshua) is Lord to the glory of the Father whether we like it or agree.

37. You have a responsibility to take care of your body. Don’t love food more than you love your health.

38. Date your spouse. It keeps things HOT!

39.  You should never settle for good when great is available. Commit to excellence!

40.  Living your God given dreams, honor God, makes the world better and gives you personal satisfaction – so live your Dreams!