Allowing Jesus to deal with our temptation

We often hear about how Jesus deals with sin (which is good) but little about how He can deal with our temptation. It is easy to feel that we have to use our own strength to deal with it.
Temptation is a hard fight on our own. However, the good news is that Jesus wants to help us overcome our temptations. If we allow Him access He deals with them much better.  Simply  ask God and trust Him with them.  By letting Him know about them is enough ( He knows already). It brings the struggle into the light where it can be dealt with.  Let us not be ashamed in doing so. For in living like this we struggle less and live in freedom more.

Removing fear - knowing His presence, remaining honest with God

In hundreds of verses the people of God are instructed not to fear. The reason for this is usually given straight afterwards - because God is with us. It is the presence of God - an awareness that He is always present with us, always helping us, always loving us that removes fear.

However, the fantastic news is that God always meets us where we are. So if we still feel afraid in spite of these promises God will still help - He knows us inside out and will give us all the encouragement we need to do His will.

Judges 7:9-11 NIV

During that night the Lord said to Gideon, “Get up, go down against the camp, because I am going to give it into your hands. If you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah and listen to what they are saying. Afterward, you will be encouraged to attack the camp.” So he and Purah his servant went down to the outposts of the camp.

Gideon needed an extra help to remove fear. God knew and met Him where He was. All this is available to us as well as we are honest with Him and tell Him what we need. So whatever we are sensing God's purpose for our lives is, there is no need to fear. He is with us in everything He calls us to do and will provide the encouragement to conquer all of our fears.

Living in the Spirit - a definition

Living according to the Spirit brings much fruit. Galatians 5 states that living in this way produces love, peace, joy, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility and self-control. But what does it actually mean to live according to the Spirit?

Living connected to God, to His life strengthening Spirit.

It is living open to Him, listening to Him, trusting in Him and responding to Him.
An inner dialogue where His Spirit flows through us and inspires and empowers.

This is the life we are called to. A life constantly open to every prompt. A life of trust.