a surrendered life

"So long self, well it's been fun but I have found Somebody else. So long self, there's just no room for two, so you are gonna have to have to move..."* These lyrics are so true. I can't form an alliance between my selfish nature and Christ's nature formed in me-- no, but this is the beauty of the gospel, how He changes me from inside out. Self battles for control of my mind, my heart, my will... perhaps this why the greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, and strength. I'm born into the world loving Self instead. Being born again in Christ means that now there's another nature in me that loves Him and wants to please Him. "But though You're love is in me, it doesn't always win me, when competing with my sin."* How I wish this wasn't true! I wish at the moment of conversion I lived for Him-- every thought, every action. But if that happened, then I wouldn't need Him, I wouldn't dep...

Ok God, I've got it from here. So often, after deep times of refreshing in His word, this is my sentiment. That was great, I'm good for today, or -- to my shame -- I'm good for the week. How wrong I am! Not even a few hours later and I'm back in some dark valley opposed on all sides with no weapon. How true the hymn states I need thee every hour...  every minute, every second. Really, is there ever a time when I don't need Him? Lord forbid I should think so. There's never a point when I can say I've got this, never a moment that I don't need the sustaining grace of Christ. Prone to wander, Lord I feel it.  I recognize how truly dependent and weak I am. In moments of incredible victory it's tempting to think I've accomplished it on my own, in some mysterious act of self will. But no, it's God who works in me. I need Him for life, not just pick-me-ups. My spirit needs Him like my body needs air. No breath, no life. However, daily respon...