Scripture: "Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” Romans 8:12-13

Reflection: Friends, so long as our bodies remain this side of heaven, we can count on one thing. Flesh and spirit will always battle! The two are mutually exclusive and will always oppose one another. Galatians 5:17 tells us, "The desires of the flesh are again the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to prevent you from doing what you would." There is amazing news tucked into that verse though, did you catch it? The battle between flesh and spirit is there on purpose! It's knit into us by our Maker to help protect us! Want more good news? Christ has given us everything we need for victory. If you know how to operate from it, the Spirit will always prevail! We do that by walking WITH the Spirit. You may ask, "Sarah, what exactly does it mean to walk by the Spirit?" I believe it comes down to two things. You must be led by the spirit and you must bear the fruit of the Spirit. You allow the Lord to lead you by HIS power and strength by staying connected to the Source through the Word of God. Second, you know the Lord is leading and guiding you by His strength when you bear His fruit in your life. If you are bearing the fruit of fear, anxiety, irritability, food or substance abuse, or anything that opposes the Spirit, you can be certain you are being led by the flesh. To walk by the Spirit you allow the Lord to fill and fulfill you until you experience the peace He promises for your soul. Sometimes it takes grit to persevere until your heart is at rest, but He will give you strength and He won't leave you to do it alone. When your heart is at rest in the promises of God and your life is bearing Holy Spirit fruit you are uniquely equipped to battle anything the flesh tries to throw at you. When we are linked up to the source of all power and strength, things like temptation, anger, fear, worry, and over-indulgence submit to the Lord. It's like having a cease and desist order over your strugles straight from Jesus! How amazing is that? Friends, simply abide in the vine. Keep yourself secure and strong in Christ. Speak His word and His promises over your life until your heart rests in them today!

Prayer: Faithful Father, thank you for the way you love us and protect us. Thank you that sometimes even our battles are for our growth and good. Help us to live a life that is habitually lived by walking in the Spirit. Thank you for your many promises for our guaranteed victory in the living Christ. Lord, I trust you to give me victory in battle because your word promises (speak a verse from God's word as your declaration), in Jesus name, amen.

• (Psalm 18:17)
• (Exodus 14:14)
• (Isaiah 54:17)
• (Exodus 33:17)
• (2 Corinthians 12:9)
• (Psalm 20:7)
• (Philippians 4:13)
• (Ephesians 6:10)
• (Hebrews 12:2)