" There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Romans 8:1

As a Princess, I would like to think I am practical, but really I think I am pampered and don't want to admit it. In previous posts I spoke of the duties of a royal. They are not easy things to do. Live by a strict code of discipline... and give my life for the King's agenda. I have covered the ground that as Christians, we are not our own... we are Christ's. These are not easy things to do. Last Friday, I told you my major weakness... it felt like after talking so much about responsibility, the Lord said "Okay, now let's see some from you"... Ugh... He's right. BUT... I don't know how! I mean, I know how to diet, and walk, and... etc., but I don't know how to stick to those things for a lifetime and make them work to sustain a proper weight. I always fail. Do you know the kind of guilt that causes for me? Have you ever failed at something you knew you were supposed be succeeding at? It's miserable because then the deceiver and accuser of the brethren (Satan) comes at you mercilessly, "You are SOME princess! What business do you have to even write this? You'll never figure out how to be successful! You're ugly!" Torment.

I want you to know that Jesus is stronger, and when I started laying it all at His feet (which I am still doing... I don't have all the answers) He has begun to feed me what I need to grow in this area. The verse above... Romans 8:1... I claim it. I am not condemned when Christ has given me his salvation. He has also given me the Spirit. If He expects me to walk in the spirit, then isn't it wonderful that He has given it to me? I am indwelt with the Holy Spirit!.. What a blessing. Which makes it all that much easier to turn from the flesh of over indulgent eating, etc.

Royalty, here on earth is sworn into a covenant relationship with their people... just as there is a covenant relationship between God and his children. Sometimes I forget I am not the princess of Cathy, but the princess of God. I made a promise and I must learn how to sacrifice my will daily to His. It is not easy to make the adjustments necessary to honor this covenant, but He has reminded me... #1, that I am not condemned... #2, that His Spirit is within me to help me... and #3, that He is right by my side...

I'm still working on the rest... more later. Just be encouraged by 1 - 3... We serve an awesome God!