Mike, you wrote:

When the effort to change eventually fails, we subsequently feel powerless, defeated, and depressed. The perception of another great opportunity to change ourselves lost, we resign ourselves and sink deeper into the pit of self-condemnation. Defeated, they cry, “It’s useless, I’ll never change!” The devil couldn’t be happier than when people, especially believers, become entrapped in a life of failure and futility!!

Brother, felt like you had bugged my camper, wow!

I have a goal to be debt free and then bought a couple of dvd's yesterday I didn't need. I felt defeated. I tithe and give and want to give more and pay off more and found out some folks don't have heat or jobs and I didn't need these dvds even if they are used. 

I got into condemnation. and then just read this and know what?...it isn't futile, I am going to change and find my fulfillment in other things or more things. 

I had a great time with my friend having breakfast outdoors in 21 degree weather and firepit warmth and it didn't cost a thing but a bit of wood and food. We laughed and prayed and had unbelievers for breakfast who bowed their heads as well. Life has to get more simple for me and I won't give up. If I stumble, I will pick myself up and glorify God for another chance. 

It actually lines up with today's verse: Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.

How timely because since I responded last time in this same blog, less than four hours ago, I blew it with my mom. She thinks it is a mistake to get a repeat colonoscopy. I wouldn't have told her but was trying to work out the logistics of a ride to the hospital because I will be sedated, can't drive myself. She told me they will just find something wrong with me so they can operate and make money. This is an opinion I had heard a thousand times and I know that isn't true but in my frustration, I yelled and told her I was in pain and last time I had precancerous polyps and I started crying and left. I can't even call her as their phone is on the blink and I am now a half hour away. 

I got my nephew lined up to take me but now I have to fix it because of my tearful exit. I know she doesn't need that at age 72 and I need tougher skin. She hasn't been to the doctor except once in 43 years. For a new year starting on a positive note, I have already blown it and the day isn't over. Lord please forgive me and help me to run to you when I do.

I know folks speak of having tears in their eyes when they write. I am seriously sobbing and saying it only because I know there are others who are as well for one reason or another. I told Stu-prince in a private message, I feel small to lose it over something so small since he just lost his nephew. ( Carrie Ann just lost Jeff and Restore her brother in law and Miz Joey her Aunt...on and on) but I am giving the honest report here. Sometimes I am fragile with the small stuff. I want to be always strong but I am going to give it to Him once again and try again tomorrow. 

Mike, you truly minister to me in your comments. I got a break on my camper rent from 132.50 to 105.00 weekly so that is about a hundred bucks to apply to credit cards.

I will enjoy my cookies and ask God for the strength to be faithful in my finances. Mom and I will be pals again soon. Just tense right now due to chronic pain for one thing. 

Mike, Mike, Mike....  you are a nut....'cept you've been shelled. 
I hug you!

Happy New Year Mike!

You wrote:

"The devil annually uses the ruse of New Years Day to entrap and discourage believers and non-believers alike. Every year millions optimistically list the bad habits they intend to cease, and the good practices they intend to start, as of New Years Day. When the effort to change eventually fails, we subsequently feel powerless, defeated, and depressed. The perception of another great opportunity to change ourselves lost, we resign ourselves and sink deeper into the pit of self-condemnation. Defeated, they cry, “It’s useless, I’ll never change!” The devil couldn’t be happier than when people, especially believers, become entrapped in a life of failure and futility!!"

The person we were in "Adam" cannot be changed or reformed...that's why we were put to death in Christ.  The miracle is: God transferred us out of Adam and put us into Christ!  So that we can actually say that we were executed with him and have been raised a new creation with and in Him.  God will do nothing with the Old Man except put him to death (all in Adam must die).  Abiding "in Christ" means, among other things, that we believe that we have become partakers of the Divine Nature through Christ and that He himself is now our life.  Christ does not sin and if we abide in him neither will we.  Learning to do that is the great adventure!

The above quoted "commitment" or "resolution" is exactly the same thing as law.  It is an appeal to self dependence to change the nature of "the flesh."  The flesh cannot and never will change...its deeds are put to death by walking by the Spirit.  As it is written, if we walk by the Spirit we will not "carry out" the desires of the flesh.  That is the only way out!  It is a change of identity and a change of expectation!  We do not expect "self" to be good, but we expect Christ in us to be good.  If we are ignorant of the realities of who we are "in Christ" (what things we are dead to in him and what things we are alive to in him) then we will live as mere men and Paul would call us "carnal" or fleshly Christians (1 Corinthians).

This adventure is made more difficult by the fact that most Christian teaching speaks to trying to reform the flesh rather than walk by the Spirit: letting the One who is good live through us.  He was and is the only one who can actually live the Christian life.  If we could live it (like following an algorithm or set of instructions) then we would end up having something to boast about...but "let him who boasts, boast in the Lord!"

Best regards,
Craig