by James Todd
We must remember what and who we are fighting. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12). The enemy is in control of this earthly realm and he manipulates our thoughts and our actions. Quit giving in to propaganda, such that the media, movies, and music provide us. We must set ourselves apart and remember that we are on the side of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. We must challenge ourselves every day to overcome this world and to control our fleshly desires. Am I saying to not enjoy life? No. I am saying to rethink the way you enjoy life and learn what true joy is. Getting to experience college in modern society will allow anyone to experience worldly desires. I can remember late night parties, football games tailgating on Saturdays, and skipping class. I would be lying if I told you I did not enjoy all that. What I can tell you though, is through the midst of all my worldly fun I never found satisfaction in my life. I found myself sadder and more confused than ever. What made it interesting is that all my friends were just as sad and confused. Most of my good friends that were strong believers fell away because of what the world was teaching them. Continue reading
One of my coaches once taught me something that has been engraved in me ever since: Practice does not make perfect; perfect practice makes perfect. So practice making your practice perfect. In other words, challenge the way you think, the way you behave, and everything around you. Act 17:11 states, “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” When you change the way you think, you will change the way you view things, but we must be open to new interpretations. First Corinthians 13:12 reminds us, “For now we see through a glass, darkly.” Our culture and our way of living is making us view things the way the enemy wants us to view them. We must rely on God and His Word to guide us through the fog, just as we have faith when driving in a fog that we will make it home though we cannot see beyond our headlights. 
The Church of God International Springfield, Missouri 