Lent 2015: Week 3

Stay the Course...Week 3

Second Step:  Wage War
I've heard that when you show up for help most professionals affirm that the first step to defeating demons of any kind is to admit you have a problem! I believe on this Spiritual journey the second step is to wage war against the problem!

The second part of this year's focus scripture is Romans 3:24: "and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." If we really want to defeat the demons that we face, we must wage war against them.  The power comes when you realize that the fight is fixed! 

This week I challenge us to continue with Step 2: Stay the Course or Wage War!  Too often we become victims when we are really already victorious. The scripture affirms for us the fact that in spite of our "falling short" Jesus FREELY GIVES grace that justifies.  In order for us to truly "Turn Away From Sin," we must wage war against sin and STAY THE COURSE!

Let us spend this week focusing on tangible ways to wage war and stay the course. Christ has already gifted us the grace and access to forgiveness. So why not turn away and fight the urge to hate...fight the urge to lie...fight the urge to doubt...fight the urge to worry...fight sin of ALL KINDS!  Let's begin to work towards a solution through this week's challenge questions.

CHALLENGE QUESTIONS:

How can I daily decide to stay the course and wage war against the temptations of sin?
In what ways do I become a victim to sin when God intended for me to be victorious?

 CONSECRATION PRAYER:

Most Holy God, we thank You for strengthening us to observe Lent for three weeks. As we seek a closer walk with you and determine ourselves to be victorious, help us to stay the course and wage war against sin.  God we want to be pleasing in all that we say and do, and we do not want to become weary in doing well.  Inspire us daily by your Holy Spirit and keep us ever mindful of the grace that you have freely given us for redemption from sin and the ties of the enemy.  In Jesus' name, Amen.