OUR VICTORY IS IN CHRIST

Victory in the flesh is perishable, but victory in Christ is eternal.  To follow Christ is not an easy journey, it is filled with dark valley, trespasses, temptations, and evil; but when we pursue God’s purpose for us “to triumph over sin” we are given an imperishable crown "1 cor 9:24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the crown? Run in such a way as to get the crown. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."
 
When we receive self-control, His Word ministers to us His power, glory, joy, and peace.  We learn to appreciate our Spiritual investment in Christ and our faith when people see Him in us; as they follow us back to Him, so He can prepare them for victory too.  That’s the crown we should value overall, our victory in CHRIST “that is eternal” Matthew 6:19-21 19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Father, we thank You for saving us and helping our Fruit develop, the Fruit of the Spirit; that will renew our hearts and minds, and make us vessels for Your use.  Lord, we have seen Your glory, we have witness Your power of transformation; we have felt Your presence when we needed comfort.  Lord, we have seen You trample over our enemies, while You prepared our table before them.  Father, thank You for Your wisdom and the knowledge of how to be a servant to You and others. Lord, let Your light shine through us, for others to see and be lead by the Spirit to You.  Father, save our young people like You saved us, and forgive us for not training them in the way to go; so they would not have strayed so far from You.  Lord, thank You for not judging us as man does, but by our hearts in which You dwell.  Father, teach us how to pray and walk in Spirit so we will not desire the things of the flesh.  Lord, give us a Christ-like character that gives us self-control and discipline that we need to walk in victory with You, Amen