As we find ourselves in the midst of Lent, I have a dilemma I'd like to share--perhaps you can relate to it as well. As I work to prepare my heart and mind for the coming of Easter, reflecting on the ultimate meaning of Jesus' resurrection, temptation seems to rise up even stronger against my flesh. Because I am weak, many times I succumb to sin. OK, there, I said it. I am a sinner!

A guy stuck right in the middle of the contemporary age of 2011. Temptations abound! Culture invades me in ways that oppose my faith. Pleasure, pride, self-interest, and attraction to "bright shiny objects" are just a few of my weaknesses. But Jesus, through daily devotion speaks to me. His small voice says, "Brian, you know you can't do this on your own. You need to completely surrender to me. I know it's hard for you. I know your background. I knew you before you were born. Learn to seek me fully learn to die to yourself. Get out of your own way. Embrace my way."

I consider myself a "work in progress" and I know God has a beautiful plan for m. And it is by His grace, support from my Care Group, friends, loved ones, and my own willingness to get out of my own way daily that I will become the man God desires. The dilemma is: do I continue to struggle as I am, or will I fully surrender and get out of my own way?

Jesus said to his disciples, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me." For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it." Matthew 16:24-25