WAR

Spiritual warfare is an ugly vicious thing and happens around us every second of the day. You are not always able to see exactly where the enemy is or where he may strike, yet you know that the fight is imminent. When you are working toward the will of God and are trying to follow his will, you will be attacked over and over again, sometimes the greatest act for God is standing your ground when you are being beaten in battle and not giving up faith or hope. God is mightier, God is greater, God will win. It can be so difficult to stand against all odds and keep fighting for your belief, that's why when this happens in the military, we call them heros. There is a reason that ones that stand when others run are called heros, it takes an insurmountable courage to stare fate in the face and not back down. It takes a great faith and hope in God to feel peace in the storm. When Peter looked out across the sea and the huge waves and looked at the lightning racing through the air and then seen what he thought was a ghost at first that looked like Jesus, it took great courage, faith, and perhaps a little craziness in the mix to say, "Jesus, if that's you, bid me to come to you" would you do it? We all know the story that Peter stepped out on water and started walking on it. We all know that he started taking his eyes off Jesus and started to sink. You see, the waves weren't anything for the creator, the lightning was just a song, and Faith overcame all.
     Don't be deceived, we are all in a battle of worlds so to speak, and sometimes complete victory is measured simply by not retreating. It's something like a poker game, bluff can play a huge part of winning or failing. Satan will bluff you straight to Hell if you let him. He would rather not fight, Satan is smart enough to know that he cannot beat God, He is also smart enough to not even try, that's why he convinces us humans who are dumb and encouragable, and easily misled to do his dirty work. He sits back and watches the battle with out a scratch while everyone else pays the price.  My point in this post is to simply keep your ground
Ephesians 6:14~Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness.

Frustration

Most of us know what it is to be frustrated in one form or another. For me, frustration is something that is really difficult to deal with and usually ends up putting me in a foul mood. There is something that puts all of us in a dark place and makes us who we aren't. Small things control our mood, our attitude, and our presentation of Christ both positively and negatively. Thing is, our environment directly affects our outlook. My Great Aunt always says, "happiness is a state of mind, if you aren't happy, change your mind" Point is, by simply changing your environment, you can completely change your outlook on life, on love, and on your spirituality.
   There have been times when my faith was under severe attack and it was so easy to slip back into the old way of doing things. It's so easy to fall back into a routine, but we simply do not realize a lot of times how dangerous doing that is. I have made it a point to surround myself with things that are positive because I, like a lot of people, struggle with being positive. I've been told, "you're always positive and upbeat and in a good mood." It's not because i'm just a happy go lucky guy, I've suffered a lot of pain in a lot of areas in my life, but thank God I'm forgiven and he loves me anyway. But, by simply surrounding myself in hope, and God's love, it is directly reflected to all who see me.

Romans 12:2 ESV

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Proverbs 17:22 ESV

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Transform yourself by transforming your mind and your attitude.

Proverbs 17:22 ESV

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

There are many verses in the Bible that reminds us to keep a positive attitude, let's remember to do just that. You never know who is searching high and low to see it.