Excerpts from Battle Cry Good vs Evil
Chapter 1: Spirituality
Spirituality is an ongoing, life-changing transformation. We must transform from less of who we are to more of who God wants us to be. Paul says in Ephesians 4:22–23 (NLT), “Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.”
Author’s comments: Paul is teaching us, the Spirit has the ability to actively renew our thoughts and attitude, inspiring us to make more good choices. It will give us the courage to make fewer bad choices, influenced by our own personal desires, and the desires of Satan.
Chapter 8: War Wounds and Battle Scars
Galatians 5:17 (NLT) says, “The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.”
Author’s comments: Spiritual warfare is about fighting for the freedom to carry out our good intentions.
Galatians 5:19–26 (NLT) says, “When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.”
Author’s comments: Go back and review the results of following the desires of our sinful nature, and Satan’s lead. Now, review the results when we don’t follow the desires of our sinful nature, and instead follow the Spirit’s lead. When considering the spiritual condition of the world, whose lead are we following? Considering the spiritual condition of your life, whose lead are you following? If you’re not sure what the answer is, then consider this. Is your sinful nature and evil ways being camouflaged and concealed by what has become the accepted and normal behavior of the world today?
If you would like help on your spiritual journey, please don’t hesitate to reach out. To contact Bruce personally, go to the website: battlecrygoodvsevil.com. To get the weekly blogs, be sure to “like” and “follow” Battle Cry on Facebook. Battle Cry Good vs. Evil is available in paperback or eBook through the website, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iTunes.