By Pastor Doug

Even though I don’t know the exact day it happened in November of 1985, I do however remember the moment. I was on my knees at the side of my bed humbled and remorseful over my sin and brokenness. It had dawned on me that I was a sinner who needed a Savior, and my eyes had been opened to how I had been deceived by my religion. The Holy Spirit of adoption had also made me keenly aware that Jesus loved me. With His help I confessed Jesus as my Lord and Savior and something amazing happened. I became what the apostle Paul calls a new creation.

He says, “… if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17) This new creation is also called a new birth. John 3:3 describes it as born again. I received a brand new heart and it was wonderful.

Thankfully I was taught at that time the importance of renewing my mind. Even though I had a brand new heart, I still had to deal with my mind and my flesh. They weren’t made new like my spirit man was so to walk in newness of life I had to make the decision about who was going to rule my life. Romans 8:5-6 says, “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”

Yes, there is a spiritual struggle and battle going on for control in every Chrisitan including pastors and leaders. Sometimes I think the struggle is more intense for leaders, but the point is it is a winnable battle and that’s good news. It is winnable when set our mind on what the Word says about us and to us. It is winnable as we daily humble ourselves before the Lord and ask Him to fill us afresh with the Holy Spirit. It’s winnable when we tell our flesh it is not in control, so let’s go, fight, win in Jesus Name.