by James Todd

We must remember what and who we are fighting. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12). The enemy is in control of this earthly realm and he manipulates our thoughts and our actions. Quit giving in to propaganda, such that the media, movies, and music provide us. We must set ourselves apart and remember that we are on the side of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. We must challenge ourselves every day to overcome this world and to control our fleshly desires. Am I saying to not enjoy life? No. I am saying to rethink the way you enjoy life and learn what true joy is. Getting to experience college in modern society will allow anyone to experience worldly desires. I can remember late night parties, football games tailgating on Saturdays, and skipping class. I would be lying if I told you I did not enjoy all that. What I can tell you though, is through the midst of all my worldly fun I never found satisfaction in my life. I found myself sadder and more confused than ever. What made it interesting is that all my friends were just as sad and confused. Most of my good friends that were strong believers fell away because of what the world was teaching them.

We must stand together as a community of believers, holding each other accountable for what is right and true. Without having a community of fellow believers we will fall short of the glory of God! I believe there are three things a successful community must follow:

First, your belief must be stronger than others doubts. There will be many times that we will be in the world and we will hear over and over again about how people think we are crazy for believing in God and keeping His commandments.

Second, we must speak the same language. I do not mean English or Spanish; I mean the way we talk and the way we think.

Third, we must execute this belief and the plan that God has set before us. A person who is 90 percent committed is 100 percent uncommitted. We are either committed or we are not committed. We must choose today whom we serve. As for me and my house we will serve the Lord!

It is a scary thing not reaching our full potential; it reminds me of the parable that Jesus told, in Matthew 25:14-30, of the servants receiving five talents, two talents, and one talent. The ones that had five and two talents doubled their share and pleased their master, but the one that was given one talent buried his share until his master came home, and his master was disgusted at him because he did not invest his talents. We all have different gifts that we have received. I challenge everyone to strengthen your talents and to use them for the glory of God!

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people will not feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone, and as we let our light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” — Marianne Williamson

Do not count the cost; keep your eyes on the prize!

God Bless!