Someone once said, "If you think life is easy, you've

either just been born or your memory has gone!"

Even those who are going in the wrong direction

don't always have it all their own way. For the

Christian though, there is a battle to fight - not with

other people, but within ourselves - a spiritual battle.

Turning to God places us firmly on the winning side,

but the Devil is not going to give up easily and will

Do his best to turn you aside. And it's no good sitting

in no-man's land - look at some pictures of the land between the trenches in the first World War! If you are on God's side you must fight. But look at the wonderful armoury God has given us! (See  Ephesians ch. 6 verses 10-18). In this issue we look at some of the battles and see how we might survive them. From the first heady days of making our commitment to the Lord, the Devil is ready. His tactics are numerous. He will try and overload you so that you fail; a loser and unworthy. Great! Of course you are unworthy! But that is why God has given himself for you. It's His life that he is offering in exchange for yours - and He has already won! Next, the Devil tries success. Pride is the enemy here, and pride always comes before a fall. But when we give God the glory, the Devil loses. So the Devil tries to paint everything as boring, and send you to sleep. But wake up, God is speaking still - your next exciting mission awaits. Ups and downs. But remember, the winner is the one who gets up one more time than he falls. Following Jesus is really exciting.

Lord Jesus, you know how life is full of ups and downs because you lived them. And just as you kept your eyes on your Father, may I keep my eyes on you always, so that I make be kept from despair when I fail; from pride when I succeed; from fear when things look dark; from temptation when I take my eyes off you, and from judging others when they are sorely tried. Lord, help me to praise you, bless you and thank you as I walk each day hand in hand with you.

Falling to temptation

Lord Jesus, somewhere inside I long to be holy and perfect as you were, but it seems so hard. Even when I think I know what you are asking I feel tired, hungry, or anxious and I look for a way out. Lord Jesus, your disciples struggled too. We are willing but the flesh is weak. You know ail this and yet you still love us! Lord, I claim the promise of your Holy Spirit today to overcome. I am determined! Thank you, dear Lord.

Forgiveness

Father God, I wonder at your love that is always ready to pick me up every time I fall. When I think how easily I forget you as I rush off into the day, it is no wonder I trip up; a harsh word; a missed opportunity; an unworthy thought or simply ignoring you and doing what I want. But Lord, as I seek your forgiveness and setting right, help me to see others as frail too -needing my forgiveness as much as I need yours.

Hurting others

Gentle Lord, no-one has been hurt as much as you, yet you still love us; even me! When others hurt me, it hurts you too; and when I hurt others, I hurt You, dear Lord. But Lord, although at times I cause pain deliberately because I am hurting,

more often it is quite unintentional; over- enthusiasm, ill chosen words, unnecessary comments all cause pain when I only want to help. Give me a gentle and understanding spirit, Lord.

Healing love

Healing, life-giving Lord, there is so much pain in the world today; physical, emotional, mental and spiritual, that it can appear overwhelming. But Lord, so it always has been, and yet you taught your disciples to reach out to the needs of others with your healing love wherever they met them, one-by-one. So Lord, guide my way as you call me to be a channel of your same healing love that others may bless your holy name. Thank you.

Failure to achieve

Life is full of things that need to be done; things that somebody ought to do! Lord, it isn't the little things that bother me but the big ones. Will it be too big? Will I get it wrong? Will others criticize me? Lord, forgive me for not trusting you to see through the things that you call me to do. Give me patience so that I can work with you. And if I do fail, lift me up and give me the courage to

say "Ready when you are!"

Success

Lord, it is wonderful when something goes right! I'm sure you are pleased too. But Lord, I admit, sometimes I do things simply for the praise of others. I'm sorry Lord. Give me the heart of love that seeks to do the lowly tasks; the unnoticed jobs; to work as you work for the poor, the helpless and the unloved so that my praise comes from you. (And Lord, thank you for just enough praise from the lips of others to encourage me.)

Remember those areas where  prayers are needed:

- my home

- my town

- my workplace

- shops & market

- pubs, B&B

- others who

   use The Link

Remember those for whom special prayers are needed today:

 - my family

- among friends

- the homeless

- my Church

- the government

- others who use

     The Link