for those tough days..

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

may i remember this on those days where i feel alone, and am surrounded by darkness. this war is eternal. may i strive for truth, strive for light, and not succumb to the pressures of becoming comfortable in my flesh and in this world. may i be bold in proclaiming His Goodness and care about those around me enough to share truth, love, and light with him.

late night thoughts.

things that stir my affections for Him:

1. being still and reflecting

2. journaling at crooked tree

3. coffee

4. early to bed and early to rise

5. phil wickham/bethany dillon/good music

6. sunrises and sunsets

7. long walks/runs outside

8. the bridge

things that pull me away:

1. the inability to say "no"

2. wasted hours of internet/tv

3. lack of sleep

4. trying to make a joke at the expense of something else

5. busyness/scheduling my life with too many "dates"

6. money/greed

may i saturate my life with the above and war with my flesh on the second list. may i know myself better than the enemy does: by looking at those nooks, those hidden places where i wish to forget about and view myself in a better light. may i be aware of my struggles, my flesh, my filth, and be uncomfortable with the presence of it in my life. may i stop seeking the approval of others and look to the One who truly matters. may the Lord guide my steps and speak through me on those rough days. may this body be fully dependent on Him, the author and perfecter of my life, whom breathed life into me and i was alive. praise Him. i am truly His.