Most of us spend the bulk of our Christian lives engaged in battles we should never have had to struggle with. I'm talking about our thought lives...that is, what we allow Satan to tantalize us with...his schemes of temptations and drawing us away from God. Here's how it goes -- the Holy Spirit, who dwells within us, goes to work and brings conviction of what we've been thinking about (John 16:5-11)...then we repent...experience God's forgiveness (1 John 1:9)...and we go on to repeat the cycle over and over and over again. Our lives become perpetual cycles of conviction and repentance. What we should be doing is focusing on Jesus...on what He has done for us...of our position in Him...our gratitude...our daily worship of Him...our eternal destiny with Him. When we learn to do this, most of the needless battles we cycle ourselves through fade away.

It's time for us to discipline our “thought-lives” and seriously consider again what Jesus teaches His disciples in Matthew 5:3-10, but especially verses 3,6,8 (The Amplified Bible):

3 “Blessed [spiritually prosperous, happy, to be admired] are the poor in spirit [those devoid of spiritual arrogance, those who regard themselves as insignificant], for theirs is the kingdom of heaven [both now and forever].

6 “Blessed [joyful, nourished by God's goodness] are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness [those who actively seek right standing with God], for they will be [completely] satisfied.

8 “Blessed [anticipating God's presence, spiritually mature] are the pure in heart [those with integrity, moral courage, and godly character], for they will see God.

My prayer for you and me this day is this: Lord, this is our need...this is our prayer:
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it;
Prone to leave the God I love:
Take my heart, oh, take and seal it
With Thy Spirit from above.
Rescued thus from sin and danger,
Purchased by the Savior's blood,
May I walk on earth a stranger,
As a son and heir of God. Amen.

Walk with the King today and be a blessing.