There is a battle that rages inside of me to the deepest parts of my soul, and this war will not end this side of heaven. Satan is after me, and the world is enticing and my lower nature constantly desires evil things that are in direct conflict to the Word of God. In which camp do I reside? To whom does my loyalty extend? There cannot be a dozen choices, rather only two: the path that Jesus Christ purchased for me or the path that I wish to purchase for myself.

Odd to live an entire life in honor and glory to someone else. Strange that I would not come first in my own life. Curious that by dying to my self-sustaining wants and desires that I would find life, and a life that is complete and joyous and eternal at that. But, such is the way of my Lord. He gave His life that I may live my life through Him and in doing so bring glory to His holy name. This makes no sense outside of the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ enlightening me to the mysteries of God and His majestic ways. Personally, I would have thought up a different way to reach my children and this is precisely the reason I need a Savior, for my ways are selfish and cheap, but God's ways are lovely and come at an extreme cost. Nothing is wasted and in loss there is gain.

So, since my loyalty is aligned with Jesus Christ, and in His camp I reside then I must fight, and this fighting will be bloody and violent, and I will be injured frequently and yet victory is assured. May I always stay close to Him, and though I be wounded and tired may the joy of the Lord be my strength and may my sword never seize to kill those things that oppose my Savior and His righteousness. To my last breath may I glorify the Lord and magnify His holy, holy, holy name.

Godspeed.