B.C. --> A.D.

Joshua Riley gave me a book to read a few weeks ago called The War Within, by Robert Daniels. Now, I've read a lot of books in my day -- even a lot of books about sexual purity, like this one. And, in all honesty, there's only two versions of the same book: there's the ultra-conservative version that, essentially, reads, "Masturbation is wrong, so don't do it;" then there's the version that, essentially, reads, "What's the real, internal problem? What's the condition of your heart? Here's how to deal with that."

The War Within is a pretty decent combination of both approaches, and, honestly, I've read it and heard it all before.

However, there was one particular section that I found very encouraging and I'd like to share it with you here, but in my own words so as to avoid plagiarism. Every entry will follow this outline:

B.C. (before Christ):
A.D. (after my spiritual death):
Scripture:

I am unworthy/unacceptable
I am accepted and deemed worthy
Psalm 139:13-24, Romans 15:7

I am a failure
I am victorious
2 Corinthians 3:5-6, Philippians 4:13

I am fearful
I am free from fear
Psalm 34:4, 2 Timothy 1:7, 1 Peter 5:7, 1 John 4:18

I am weak
I am strong in Christ
Psalms 37:34, Daniel 11:32, Philippians 4:19

I am in bondage
I am free
Psalm 32:7, John 8:36, 2 Corinthians 3:17

I'm not smart
I have God's wisdom
Proverbs 2:6-7, 1 Corinthians 1:30, James 1:5

I am unloved
I am loved
John 15:9, Romans 8:35-39, Ephesians 2:4, 5:1, 1 John 4:10-11

I am unwanted
I have been adopted by God
Romans 8:15-17, Galatians 4:5-7, Ephesians 1:5, 1 John 3:2

I am guilty
I am forgiven
Psalm 103:12, Ephesians 1:7, Colossians 1:14-20, Hebrews 10:17

I am depressed and hopeless
I am hopeful
Psalm 16:11, 27:13, 31:24, Romans 15:13

There is nothing special about me
I have been chosen
Psalm 139:1, 1 Corinthians 1:30, 6:11, Hebrews 10:10-14

I am not good enough
I am perfect in Christ
Colossians 2:13, Hebrews 10:14

I am defeated
I am victorious
Romans 8:37, 2 Corinthians 2:14, 1 John 5:4

I have no strength
I have God's power
Acts 1:8, Romans 8:9-11, Ephesians 1:19, 3:16

I feel condemned
I am blameless
John 3:18, Romans 8:1

I am alone
I am never alone
Romans 8:38-39, Hebrews 13:5

I have no one to care for me
I am protected and safe
Psalm 27:1-6, 32:7-11, 41

I can't reach God
I have access to God
Matthew 7:7-8, Ephesians 2:6, 1 Peter 2:5-9

I am afraid of Satan
I have authority over Satan
Colossians 1:13, 1 John 4:4, Revelation 12:7-11

I have no confidence
I am confident
Proverbs 3:26, 14:26, 28:1, Ephesians 3:12, Hebrews 10:19-22