My Spiritual War

The war goes on and on
It is part of the timeless conflict
I am a Spartan, a warrior, fighting darkness
The land is full of wolves and the sea with sharks
Wearing my Cross, I willingly face all danger
At work, lies and deceitful charges are hurled at me
I am tempted to return the fire
Instead, I turn the other cheek
At home, caring for my wife’s illness and aging parents weigh heavily upon me
I am tempted to serve my needs first and ignore theirs
Instead, I turn the other cheek.
Ego, pride, fear, like guided missiles, attack my heart
Prayer and worship attempt to shoot them down
Some get through and wound me
It has been a rough July
The daily battles are taking a toll
I have been weakened
I need rest
As I begin floating in a sea of despair, I hear an Angelic voice telling me:
“Continue the good fight”
“You are winning”
I smile, and prepare for the battle ahead by putting on the armor of God, fighting with the sword of the Holy Spirit and the shield of faith (Ephesians 6:13)
The war goes on and on


James
Toronto Ontario
August 6, 2007

Mind Weeds

Last Saturday, I spent 2 hours working in my garden: tilling the soil and removing weeds. I am amazed by the power of weeds. I remove them, yet like a wave they return. No matter what I do, in 3 weeks I will be removing them again.
Sweating under the hot sun, it occurred to me that weeds are like the evil thoughts that are unceasingly bombarding my mind, like a wave, seeking a place to inhabit. Some of these thoughts, related to pride, ego and lust, get planted and begin to grow.
I resolve, that as I remove the weeds from my garden on a tri weekly basis, I will remove the weeds in my mind on a daily basis, lest they overcome me.

James
Toronto Ontario
July 5, 2007