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
My biggest fear is to not reach my full potential according to God’s Word and His will. I believe full-heartedly that God’s will for each of us is to obey His commandments. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thy self” (Luke 10:27). I believe that there is a difference between knowing God and doing God’s will. My dad taught me that the difference between successful people and unsuccessful people is that successful people do what unsuccessful people do not want to do. I believe that to be the same as our walk with God. Some believers believe their salvation relies on believing in God’s only Son, Jesus; and for others their salvation relies on their testimony of Jesus and keeping God’s commandments. God’s commandments are not easy, and we as human’s cannot and will not keep them perfectly; yet it is the challenges that we face in trying to keep them that constantly remind us of who we are and what we are called to be. 
The Church of God International Springfield, Missouri 