faith

Lukewarm Water

~ mercyfortheday ~ 1 Comment

I drink a quart of water first thing every morning. I know that if I don’t, I may not drink enough throughout the rest of the day. One quart down is a good way to start the day. At least in my opinion. I’m not sure why, but I prefer to drink it warm, or even a little past warm. The other morning, I wasn’t paying too much attention to what I was doing when I filled the quart jar. I took a solid drink and realized it was only lukewarm. It wasn’t very pleasant. I drank a little bit and then set the jar on the counter to finish filling my dog’s breakfast bowl.

When I returned to the water a few minutes later, I realized it had cooled down considerably. It was now almost cold. No. It obviously wasn’t ice cold. But it wasn’t even lukewarm any longer. I realized it didn’t take much time at all for the lukewarm water to cool off. If it had been hot or warm water, I could have taken more time to drink it without it becoming noticeably cool.

Oh sure. There are days when I almost scald myself, because I’ve gotten the water too hot. But those days seem to be rare. Thank goodness. I don’t need to burn myself in the wee hours of the morning. I just want to get an early start on meeting my water quota for the day.

Some may say that lukewarm water is the way to drink it if you’re not looking for ice water or hot tea. But lukewarm water is somewhat akin to complacency. It’s saying it doesn’t really want to make an effort. The problem is that lukewarm water looks like any other water. Someone could be easily fooled thinking they’re getting a nice glass of cold water. Obviously, they’ll know it isn’t ice water, because there’s no ice or condensation. And they’ll know it isn’t hot water because there’s no steam or heat. But will they think it’s lukewarm? Not really. I mean. After all. Who drinks lukewarm water? Besides me on accident.

What is the purpose of lukewarm water?

Lukewarm Christians look like any other Christian. They play the part well. They know the right words to say. They know the right things to do. They know to go to church. They know to treat others well. They most likely know the ten commandments. Do they live by each of them? Only they and God know.

Have lukewarm Christians ever been on fire for God? Have their hearts burned to know more about the God who created them? Have they ever made an effort to spend time with God on a regular basis? Do they pray? Do they attend church? Is their Christianity on the outside, but never made its way inward? Is that even Christianity? When a person calls themselves a Christian, shouldn’t there be evidence that they’re growing in their faith?

The Lord says: “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught.” Isaiah 29:13

I have to ask how easy is it to spot a lukewarm Christian? Do they look any different from Christians who are wholeheartedly serving the Lord? Can you spot one easily in a crowded room? Can God even work in a lukewarm Christian? After all, they aren’t really committed to Christ. If God doesn’t work through lukewarm churches, how can he work through a lukewarm Christian? He says we are either hot or cold. Otherwise, like lukewarm water, he will spit us out of his mouth.

I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! Revelation 3:15-16

What is the purpose of a lukewarm Christian?

It’s assumed that cold Christians aren’t Christians. They don’t claim to be Christians. They don’t feel the nudge of the Holy Spirit in their lives. But those who are lukewarm call themselves Christians, yet there’s no fruit or growth. So, how can they sense the Holy Spirit’s leading? Pretending to be something you’re not is basically living a lie. As the old saying goes. You can fool all the people some of the time. And you can fool some of the people all the time. But you can’t fool all the people all the time. And you can never fool God. He sees right through our lukewarmness. It’s better to be cold and not pretend to be what you’re not.

If left untouched, lukewarm water always turns cold. And it only takes a matter of minutes to lose any heat it had. Left to its own devices, it will never turn hot. The same goes for lukewarm Christians. They will soon lose what warmth they had if there’s no attempts to be reheated.

Two people set out for home walking the dusty road back to Emmaus. Discussing the disheartening events of the weekend, they suddenly found a stranger walking with them. He acted so innocent when they discussed the troubling scene they had witnessed in Jerusalem. The one they hoped to be the Promised Messiah had been unceremoniously killed. Hanged on a cross. And now on the third day since his death, his body was missing. They couldn’t explain it. And they couldn’t understand how this lone traveler had somehow missed out on all the happenings. How could he have not heard what was happening in their holy city?

But then. When he opened his mouth, he explained the Old Testament in a way they had never heard. He explained all the Scriptures that explained his life. Yet they knew him not. They had no idea the Promised Messiah was walking that seven mile stretch with them from Jerusalem to Emmaus. But when he sat down to break bread with them, the Holy Spirit opened their eyes and their hearts. Suddenly, they were aware the Son of God was sitting with them. They realized why the man who had been hanging on that cross was missing from his tomb. He was sitting in their home. And just as quickly as he appeared to them on the road, he disappeared.

They asked each other. Did not our hearts burn within us as he talked with us and opened the Scriptures to us? They who had been lukewarm in their faith. They who did not fully understand the Scriptures suddenly believed the story of the Messiah. Oh. These two believed in God. They were, after all, practicing Jews. But they didn’t fully believe that the One who had been preaching and teaching and performing miracles was truly the Messiah. They hadn’t accepted him as their Savior. Sure. They wanted him to be the One, but they weren’t yet convinced. And what did it take to convince them? A face to face and a heart to heart conversation. A digging in of the Scriptures. Then they believed.

Read about the walk to Emmaus in Luke 24:13-34.

How can we who hear the story of the resurrection of our Savior have such calloused, cold hearts? How can we go about our days as if the world was our oyster? Aren’t our hearts burning to understand the teachings of our Lord and Savior? What will it take to soften our hearts today and cause us to be on fire for the One who died for our sins?

Oh, ye of little faith. We must either fully trust God and live for him, or deny him altogether. And who of us who call ourselves Christians want to deny him? But then. Why are we so hesitant to fully trust him? What would it cost us? And yet, if we don’t trust him fully, it will cost us our soul. Eternity in hell is a huge price to pay to be lukewarm. Especially when we don’t realize we’re lukewarm.

If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. Romans 10:9-10

No Smell of Smoke

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

Daniel’s three friends were in trouble. They had been invited to a celebration of sorts. The king had built an idol and expected his government leaders to bow down to it. And these three said No. They would not bow. They didn’t even have a second thought about changing their minds. Even when given a second chance, they stood strong on the grounds that it would defile their relationship with God. And there was no way they would let anything come between them and God. There was no hesitation or pause in their response. They had made that decision ahead of time, and they were sticking to it.

So here they were standing in front of a blazing furnace. And the king was so enraged that he had the furnace turned up several degrees hotter. And he had his mighty military men bind these three hand and foot before throwing them in the furnace. The fire was so hot that it killed the soldiers who shoved them into the furnace. As they fell down into the flames, the binding around their arms and feet fell away. They were free to move about freely. No. They didn’t burn up. They didn’t die. They were walking around in that big furnace. And suddenly the king shrieked! He saw a fourth one in the fire. I’m sure he was suddenly fearful. How did a fourth person get in the fire? Who was this and how did he get in there? And the king claimed he looked like the son of a god.

Oh. Deep down he knew, but he didn’t want to admit it. The king knew who was in the fire with these three faithful followers of God Almighty. This king, Nebuchadnezzar, had already had a run-in with this God, and God proved his might. Now, once again, here is God showing up to save the lives of three men who faithfully stood strong in their faith against a self-infatuated king. You see. Just before tossing these men in the fire, the king had dared to ask them just what god would be able to save them. And guess who showed the king. God himself.

So the king did the only thing he could do. He called to the men in the furnace to come out. So out of the furnace the three men walked. Not a hair on their heads was singed. Their clothes weren’t scorched. And they didn’t even smell of smoke. It was a miracle indeed.

You can read the full story in Daniel 3.

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Psalms 46:1-2

Imagine a time when you are called on to bow to a false god or a false ideology that goes against your faith in God. As you stand with the crowd, there are watchers. They are looking for those who refuse to bow to the demand. And the decision must be made in an instant. To bow or not to bow. What would you choose? Oh. If you’ve already made the decision ahead of time that nothing, and I mean nothing, comes between you and God, then you don’t hesitate. Making that decision in advance is key to not bowing to pressure. But if the decision hasn’t been made, then the split second you have will be very telling. If you haven’t thought out what you would do when a very difficult decision that tests your faith stands before you, you could easily bow to a demand you don’t support. And then. There you are.

Let’s say you decide to stand for God’s truth. You buck the trend and choose to share the reason you can’t comply with what is being demanded of you. And then you’re challenged even further with loss of job or worse. Do you still stand strong in your convictions? Or, does your courage begin to fray? Do you go against the grain and maintain your personal faith in the face of any and all threats? Let’s say that you do.

Then the true test comes. You lose your beloved job and no one will hire you. After all, you’re not one who can be counted on to support current cultural trends. So you’re blacklisted. Loss of income. Loss of respect in your field of expertise. You’re an outcast. During that time of testing, do you feel the fourth person in the fire with you? Do you sense God’s sweet presence walking with you through that burning furnace? Just because you alone stood for your faith when others bowed to pressure doesn’t mean you’re standing alone.

Then, by God’s grace and provision, you land on your feet. You find a job and you’re saved from homelessness and embarrassment. You can once again pay your bills and provide for your family. You know that it is through the hand of God that you have gotten through the difficulty, and you’re so very thankful. You know that God is truly the source of your strength, and your faith is stronger than ever.

But do others see that stronger faith and courage in you? Did you walk out of the fire without any smoke damage? Was your hair singed? Were you clothes scorched? Do you smell like the smoke of testing? Did you walk out with a bitter attitude? Do you grumble and complain because life isn’t fair? Do you carry the smell of smoke or the aroma of Christ?

We’ve all been through deep trials in our lives. Some are walking through the fire of testing at this moment. Others feel they’re about to be burned. They are standing strong in their faith, but some days are more difficult than others. They wonder if standing strong is really worth it. They wonder if giving up and giving in to the pressures they’re facing is the best thing to do. Is it better to cave to pressure or burn in the fire?

When we are in the fiery trials, we can know that God is with us. We know his goodness exists even when life doesn’t feel good. We can sense his nearness as we walk through the fiery trials of life. We don’t know if the three men in the furnace knew there was a fourth person in the fire with them. So, we may not always be aware of God’s presence with us as we face trials and tests in our lives. Can we accept the trials knowing that God has allowed them, even if we don’t sense his presence?

We must walk worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ regardless of the cost. We must stand for what is biblical. We must also decide that the things we believe, the biblical values we hold near and dear to us, will impact the way we live our lives. It is time for Christians to be courageous.

Just Say No

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

These three young men said no. No. They wouldn’t bow to the image the king had made. They wouldn’t bow to a god that was manmade. They would risk their lives and their livelihoods in order to remain faithful to the One True God. And so they didn’t bend their knee just to puff up the king’s ego. Oh. It’s most likely that they knew in advance what they would be asked to do so. How could they not know the king was having a huge image built outside the city limits? I’m sure it was the talk of the town. I can imagine people passing each other on the street and checking to see what progress had been made. I’m sure it was a curiosity of sorts. And what exactly was it for?

Then suddenly anyone who was anyone was asked to bow to this monstrosity. As the king and his top officials sat and watched, the crowd was instructed to bow when they heard the orchestra begin to play. I’m sure it was a large crowd. After all, anyone with a title and leadership role from far and wide had been invited to this celebration. And they were expected to attend. To refuse would have been a career breaker. To say the least. So all invitees were in attendance on that day.

But back to these three young men. Most likely, they were still teenagers. They had been taken captive by the Babylonians when King Nebuchadnezzar had seized the city of Jerusalem. They and many other young men of nobility had been whisked away to a foreign land to live as exiles. They had no choice but to go. And then they were sent to a re-education school where they learned exactly what their new employer, the king, wanted them to know. His plan was to erase their allegiance to God and insert allegiance to his many gods. His plan was a failure, at least when it came to these three guys. But they had become acquainted with the king, so he knew who they were. They weren’t total strangers to the king, much as all the other attendees in the crowd were. The king could identify these three young men, because they were close friends of one of his top officials named Daniel.

As they heard the news that a celebration was being planned for the new image being built, these three men set in their hearts to stand true to the God of their people, the Israelites. They would not bow to this new idol, regardless of the cost. And so, when the music played announcing it was time to bow, they stood tall. They refused to bow. They refused to obey the king’s orders. And, of course, their act of disobedience was noticed. When everyone is bowing, it’s easy to see who isn’t. So they didn’t go unnoticed on that day, and their act of alleged treason was reported to the king.

At first, the king gave them a second chance. There must have been enormous pressure on these young men to just bow. Just do it. As they say. Perhaps they didn’t understand the instructions to bow. Or perhaps, they were sidetracked by gawking at all the other attendees. But no. They knew exactly what they were doing when they didn’t bow. And they even said so in no uncertain terms to the king. They would not bow to this idol. Of course, the king changed his mood from kindness to anger very quickly. He lashed out at them and demanded that they be thrown into a fiery furnace. He wanted to see them die.

You can read the full story of these brave young men in Daniel 3.

Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever. 1 John 2:15-17

I wonder. What would I have done? If I was told ahead of time that my employer was planning to require all employees to bow to an idol they had made, what would I do? Perhaps I could call in sick for the day. But I’m sure that would be noticed. Could I half bow? Would that appease them? Or. I could make the tough decision to stand firm in my faith and not let fear of the unknown weaken my stance. If I knew ahead of time that this idol worship was to be required of me, I could prepare my defense. I could begin praying and asking my friends to pray with me and for me. I could surround myself with prayer warriors who would stand in the gap if my faith began to waver.

People today are being called on to go against their faith. Some are asked to add pronouns to their work email signatures. Some are asked to appease men who want to participate in women’s sports. We’re asked to applaud and affirm social agendas that go directly against our faith. We’re asked to support events and speakers who stand against those who present a biblical worldview.

And just for the record. When we’re asked to go against our faith, we must refuse. We must make the decision beforehand that there is a line we won’t cross. We must decide that we will be willing to defend our faith when the moment comes. Do or die. We must be ready, willing and prepared to die on the hill that stands before us. If we’re asked to do or say anything that would defile our relationship with God, we must be courageous and stand strong in our faith. If God doesn’t approve of it, this his followers mustn’t either. If we contradict God, we’re placing our relationship with him in grave danger. 

Perhaps our step of courage will be the start of a movement that gives others the same courage to stand for their faith. Let’s never underestimate the power of God working in us and through us. Children of God, we are not in this fight alone. God is on our side. Let’s make it known that we’re on God’s side. No hesitation. No doubt. No denial.

If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Romans 8:31

But all it takes is the courage of one in the face of opposition for others to follow.

Unknown

We Need A Savior

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

It’s Easter. And most people celebrating the holiday are focusing on the eggs dyed to match spring colors. Or the baskets filled with sugar coated candy and other useless trinkets. Or they’re focusing on the ham and scalloped potatoes. And the family members who will be sharing the meal. Most of these people won’t give a thought about the true meaning of the holiday. Yes. It is a religious holiday. It’s not meant for the Easter bunny or Easter eggs or Easter baskets or bonnets or new church dresses.

Easter is a celebration of the Savior who had died on a cross two days earlier, and is now risen from the dead. The Savior is Jesus Christ. He is the Son of God who came to earth in human form. He lived on earth for thirty three years in a human body, but was fully God at the same time. He came to fulfill the promise of being the Savior of the world. His crucifixion, death and resurrection fulfilled that promise. Yet many people don’t know or care that they even need a Savior.

Why do we think we don’t need a Savior? We look for instant gratification. We want whatever we want whenever we want it. And that’s usually right now. We’re looking for something, but we don’t necessarily know what we’re looking for. We have deep longings. We look for love in all the wrong places. And still can’t find it.

Perhaps it’s important to note that if someone doesn’t accept the fact that they need a Savior, they will see him as a threat. He’s a threat to their independence. Their self reliance. Their identity. Their lifestyle. Their habits. Their dreams. Their goals. He’s a threat to the god they worship without realizing they’re worshiping a hollow god. They’re worshiping a god that can’t do anything for them.

Is it true that we think we don’t need a Savior because we’re too self sufficient? We don’t want to be told what to do. We want to do things our way. We want to make our own decisions. We don’t want to be told no. But with all of our self sufficiency, who do we trust when life gives us lemons? Who is going to hold our hand when we’ve lost our last friend? Who will guide us when we’ve lost our way?

But regardless of what we think we know. Regardless of what we do. Regardless of what others tell us. We really do need a Savior. And we need him right now.

“But you are my witnesses, O Israel!” says the Lord . “You are my servant. You have been chosen to know me, believe in me, and understand that I alone am God. There is no other God— there never has been, and there never will be. I, yes I, am the Lord, and there is no other Savior. Isaiah 43:10-11

Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:1-10

We need a Savior, otherwise we will think the truth of the gospel is foolish and foolishness is gospel. We don’t know the truth, because we aren’t looking for it. We look for our truth instead of the truth. We want to hear only feedback that makes us feel good, not words that may convict us.

Oh. We’re all looking for a savior of some sort. We all need God. We know we need something more than what we have. We have an emptiness. A hole in our life that needs filled. And instead of filling it with God, we fill it with anything and everything else. Until we can no longer fathom the need for God, we continue an unending search. Because the idea of God in our lives is too foreign to comprehend. No one is looking to find God. After all, why would we need God in our lives? We’re told in so many ways that we’re enough on our own. So who needs God? Who needs a Savior? What do we need to be saved from?

As the Scriptures say, “No one is righteous— not even one. No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God. All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one.” Romans 3:10-12

We need a Savior because we are sinners. We need a Savior because we need forgiveness. Without a Savior, sin controls our lives. It separates us from God. So Jesus bridges the chasm between us and God. Oh. We may say we’re good people. Sure. There are many good people in this world. But being good isn’t good enough. Good people are sinners and need to repent of their sins.

There is still time today to repent of your sins and become a child of God. You can pray that initial prayer acknowledging your sin and asking for forgiveness. God will forgive your sins and wipe the slate clean. Do it now. While there’s still time.

If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. Romans 10:9-10

Giants in the Land

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

The Israelites were moving closer and closer to the land of Canaan. There must have been loads of excitement in the air. They were almost home. They could feel a sense of relief and accomplishment. God had provided for them, but they had complained. Soon they wouldn’t have much to complain about. They would root out the people who were living there, according to God’s command. He had told them to clean house and move in. So Moses sent out a reconnaisance team to scout the land. They wanted to know what the area looked like and get a feel for their new homeland.

Imagine being the twelve who were chosen to scout the land. Imagine walking the roads and byways. Watching the people. Were there many or few? Were they large or small? Were they well-fed or hungry? What was the lay of the land? This was going to be home, and the energy among the scouts must have been electric.

The scouts reported that the country was very bountiful. Lots of food was available. They even carried back a sampling from a massive grapevine. There was plenty of land for everyone to settle into. But the people who lived there. It was hard not to notice them. They seemed to be giants. And ten of the scouts were deathly afraid of them.

They said they saw giants. And they were afraid. They were afraid the people who were bigger than them were bigger than the God who had rescued them from the Egyptians. Didn’t they realize these giants were much smaller than the God who had parted the sea so they could walk right through it. Didn’t they realize these giants were much less powerful than the God who provided for all of their needs. Didn’t they realize that these giants would be handed over to them by God? They forgot all that God had done for them. They forgot all that God had promised them. So frozen in a moment of fear, they lied.

These ten men who were afraid of the giants were part of a group of twelve who had been sent out to spy on the neighboring country. God’s plan was that they would eventually conquer the land and take it back as their very own. You see. The land of Canaan was the birthplace of their ancestors who had moved to Egypt due to a famine over four hundred years earlier. And now that they had been freed from slavery in Egypt, God was giving their homeland back to them. It was a time for celebration and victory. But their fear and lack of faith turned one of the best times of their life into forty years of the worst. It was a forty year sentence for them. And for most, it was a death sentence.

After exploring the land for forty days, the men returned to Moses, Aaron, and the whole community of Israel at Kadesh in the wilderness of Paran. They reported to the whole community what they had seen and showed them the fruit they had taken from the land. This was their report to Moses: “We entered the land you sent us to explore, and it is indeed a bountiful country—a land flowing with milk and honey. Here is the kind of fruit it produces. But the people living there are powerful, and their towns are large and fortified. We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak!” Numbers 13:25-28

So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you. Deuteronomy 31:6

It should have been a rather uneventful journey. The twelve spies set out on a short trip to check out the land the Lord had given to them. Oh. They weren’t sure what they would find, but they were pleasantly surprised. The reconnaisance mission was deemed a success by all twelve until ten of the men spoke their fear and doubt out loud. Those doubtful words caused the people of Israel to go mad. How dare Moses lead them out of Egypt where all their needs, except for freedom, were fulfilled. How dare Moses lead them to a land, although flowing with milk and honey, that housed giants. How dare Moses expect them to move into the land to conquer it and remove the giants. How dare he. But really. What they were saying was….how dare God. How dare God expect them to fight to take back the land that was rightfully theirs. How dare God expect anything of them when he had promised to always be with them. When he had handpicked them out of all the people on the earth to be his chosen people. How dare he.

These twelve men weren’t the runts of the litter. They weren’t the weaklings. They were leaders in each of their tribes. They weren’t nobodies. They were respected men. And their faith fell weak when they ran into people bigger than themselves. Oh. When we run into problems that are bigger than us, we can’t just get scared and run the other way. That’s the moment we step into our faith and live it out loud. We don’t let fear hold us back from obeying God. We walk by faith.

We weren’t meant to slay giants on our own. God will handle the giants in our lives. Our job is to trust and obey him. For there’s no other way to live in Christ except in full surrender. Even when we’re faced with giants. Many times the only thing we see standing before us is the giant. We don’t see all the blessings and abundance that surrounds us. We see the one thing that could cause problems, and we focus only on it. We obsess and grumble. We moan and groan, because we have no idea how we’re going to overcome this one thing. And all around us lies the answer. God has already given us the land. We have to trust him to make the way of provision. In his timing and in his own way, God is faithful to provide the victory for us. But we must step out in faith. God will work through us.

But the fear and doubt put the joy and happiness of nation of Israel on a back burner. Because of their disobedience, God punished them by making them live forty years across the river from their promised homeland. Forty years. And everyone aged twenty and above would not be allowed to enter that new land. They would die before the nation moved forward. So for forty years, they saw every one of the adults live and die in their temporary homes. The promised freedom was just within reach. The fulfillment of God’s promise was just within sight. But because of their lack of trust and respect for God’s command, they paid a huge price.

Let’s not make that same mistake with our lives. Oh. The price for us may not be forty years of living in the wilderness. It may not be forty years of eating manna. We don’t know what we miss out on when we defy God. We just know that when we’re not living in submission to Him, we’re not living in God’s abundance. And abundance doesn’t necessarily mean health and wealth. It’s peace of mind. Joy and contentment. Fulfillment in the will of God. Let’s live abundantly in God’s grace and not our own fear and cowardice. Let’s take the land God has given us.

And those giants. They may not take the fight lying down. But with God on our side, nothing is impossible. Those giants will be cast aside with our hand in God’s. The fight may get dirty, but God will be the victor. Let’s never forget that. He will not fail us or abandon us. God never loses the battles he fights.

Not What We’d Expect

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He was young and good looking. Smart. Well educated. He was trained to be a leader. He was acquainted with the king. Perhaps he was the heir apparent to the throne. But then he was taken captive by the enemy. He and a group of other young men of nobility were led to a distant country to serve at the pleasure of the enemy king. Their lives changed in a moment. Their city had been overrun by an army that destroyed their temple. This temple built by King Solomon had stood for three hundred years. It was a magnificent piece of architecture. And it was plundered. Not only were the sacred temple items stolen, but so were the royal citizens who lived in the palace. The sworn enemy took the best of the best in this invasion. Of course. This enemy king took the young men who were already familiar with palace living.

“Select only strong, healthy, and good-looking young men,” he said. “Make sure they are well versed in every branch of learning, are gifted with knowledge and good judgment, and are suited to serve in the royal palace. Train these young men in the language and literature of Babylon. ” Daniel 1:4

Daniel and his three friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah were now captives in a foreign land. They were no longer their own. Scripture tells us that the prophet Isaiah had warned King Hezekiah that family members would be taken captive to Babylon and these young men would be made into eunuchs. So based on that Scripture, we know that Daniel and his friends would not marry and have families. These young men were emasculated. They were subjects of the king. But not one word is written that they complained or fought against this evil act performed on their bodies. This single act robbed them of the ability to father children. They would have been opposed to such barbaric acts, but they knew that God was in control. They chose to stand strong in their faith in God with each trial and testing placed in their path. They would not surrender their faith, even if it meant death or mutilation of their bodies.

Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Listen to this message from the Lord : The time is coming when everything in your palace—all the treasures stored up by your ancestors until now—will be carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left, says the Lord . Some of your very own sons will be taken away into exile. They will become eunuchs who will serve in the palace of Babylon’s king.” 2 Kings 20:16-18

King Nebuchadnezzar had made sure that these young men who were from families of prestige and wealth were rendered helpless. When it came to the next generation, perhaps one of one of these four men was the heir apparent to the Judean throne. We don’t know if Hezekiah was the father of any of these young men or if their fathers worked in the royal courts. But we do know that these young men knew what royal life was all about. They had been trained in royal living. They knew the palatial lifestyle, the wealth, and the opulence of living under a successful king. They were surrounded with delicious food, beauty at its finest and endless luxury. Anything they wanted was at their disposal. They were accustomed to an opulent lifestyle, but now they found themselves living in the palace of their enemy. And oh. How the tables have turned. They were not the ones to give commands or issue decrees. They were the ones who were being told what to do. When. Where. And how. They were told what their names would be. They were told what kind of food they had to eat. They were forced into a three year re-education program.

This king was trying to undo all their Jewish knowledge and ways and beliefs. I’m sure there may have been other young exiles who were happy to shed their Jewish customs. Because after all, they were in this mess because their nation had forsaken God. Their nation, as a whole, had rejected God’s commands. So the land of Judah was being punished. And yes, God had warned many times over the years that this exile would occur. They just didn’t know the timing of it.

In this invasion, young men of varying degrees of loyalty to their Jewish faith were most likely taken. So perhaps not every one of these young men held firmly to the Jewish customs, traditions, and observances. Perhaps they were eager to mix with the Babylonians. Didn’t they realize the price for mixing with the enemy? Perhaps they were glad they didn’t have to pray certain times of the day or eat a restricted diet. Perhaps they were glad they didn’t have to offer sacrifices for their sins. I’m speculating here, but we know that the land of Judah had forsaken God. It’s likely that not all of the Jewish exiles held to their Jewish faith. As the nation goes, so goes the people.

But these four young men were determined not to lose the heritage of their faith. They were determined to be faithful to their God, the only God. They knew the ways of God. And they knew the words of God. They were spiritually prepared to fight the battles ahead of them. But there were changes they had to contend with during this challenging time. They agreed to change their names. They agreed to attend this three year re-education program. In the three years that they were being indoctrinated with the Babylonian ways, customs, and traditions, they were able to learn the heart and mind of the king. They learned to live as Babylonians without becoming Babylonians. Impossible? Not if God is with you.

My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. John 17:15-16

But when they were offered the diet of a lifetime, the opportunity to eat the king’s food, they put their foot down. They said no. We cannot eat that food. Now there are a few different reasons why they chose not to eat the king’s food. It could be because they were Jewish. After all, Jews eat kosher and the Babylonian diet was not kosher. The Babylonians ate a rich diet and they were proud of it. And so when this rich plate of food was placed in front of them, they were appalled. Their refusal to partake could have been because these foods were off limits to people of the Jewish faith. They could have said no to the food because it had been sacrificed to idols, which was inappropriate in their faith tradition. The third reason could be that this was the king’s food. And even though they were now subject to him, it didn’t mean that they agreed with everything he did and said. And they perhaps knew that by eating his food meant that they were in agreement with him. And they were not. So they refused. We don’t know for sure what the reason was that they refused this food, but we know that they stood firm in their faith and said no.

And when Daniel approached the chief of staff to ask for a different plate of food, the man was afraid for his own life. He knew that by allowing these young exiles to reject the king’s food, the king could demand his head. So Daniel asked for a trial run on his requested diet. And the chief of staff agreed, because God had given him both respect and favor for Daniel. The gauntlet had been thrown. If these four young men looked unhealthy by the end of the week, they would eat the king’s forbidden food. Otherwise, they would remain on their Jewish diet. And at the end of that week, those four young men were sharper and healthier than any of the other young men. They were allowed to continue with their diet.

What we know is that eating the king’s food would have defiled their relationship with God. Their refusal to eat it kept their faith with God in good standing. And that was their ultimate goal. Nothing else mattered. They stood strong in their faith, and they complied with the king’s orders when doing so wouldn’t compromise their faith. Changing their name and attending the three-year indoctrination program didn’t weaken their faith, so they agreed to those demands.

When the three years of training had been completed, the king tested each young man. God had given these four particular young men an unusual aptitude for understanding every aspect of literature and wisdom. He also gave Daniel the ability to interpret the meaning of visions and dreams. No one impressed the king more than these four young men. They had been given favor by God and won a place in the king’s service.

When we compare our lives to this time in Daniel’s life, it’s easy to wonder how this story of Daniel and his three friends applies to our lives today.

Considering everything that’s happening in our culture today, we see so many false ideologies being taught in schools for children to bow down to. We see the evil that world leaders are pursuing. We see the casual way lies are spoken as truth, the cover ups, the destruction of lives and livelihoods, of families being torn apart, of wars and rumors of wars. As believers in Jesus Christ, we need to stand strong in our faith. We need to know where to draw the line on what will defile our relationship with God. And that is where we say no. We need to know where to draw the line so we don’t compromise our faith. For each of us, it may be a different place. It may be a different social scenario or work expectation where we realize we can’t cross the line. We may not know today what that line is. But we better know it when it comes at us.

Just as these young men had been raised to know the Jewish faith and how God had delivered his people many times, and how he had provided for them many times, so too, we believers must know biblical truths. Because it is from those biblical truths where we will draw our strength when we are forced to take a stand. Daniel and his friends knew God’s faithfulness in their previous lives. And they knew God would be faithful in their new life, as long as they were faithful to Him. We too must draw on God’s faithfulness in our times of testing.

These four young men chose to stand strong in their faith in God regardless of what happened to them. So today, let’s let that be the lesson for us that we can stand strong in our faith when others are mandating certain behaviors from us. When we know that a certain act or word will defile our faith, let’s say no to it. Let’s stand strong in the Word of God. But that means that we need to know the Word of God. We need to read and study the Word of God. We must spend time daily in prayer. We need to be faithful in building our relationship with God and making sure that it is strong so that it will stand the test of time. No matter the test we’re facing, with God all things are possible.

Perhaps in our time of testing and maneuvering through the potholes in today’s culture, we will be found faithful and excellent in our service. Perhaps we need to trust God to show us mercy and favor as we live for him in situations where living for God isn’t popular or desired. We must stand ready to engage in today’s culture and customs, even when they are in direct opposition to the Word of God. If we don’t know today’s culture, how can we actively engage to share the love of God?

We can’t live in our own spiritual vacuum and win the world to Jesus. We can’t retreat and hide from the world. We can’t shelter in place. How will we learn to be in the world if we don’t live in it? We can’t hide away and live in our own personal exile. We can’t retreat when we haven’t even fought for our faith. We must stand and be accountable for our convictions. Let’s not even consider compromising, if it would cost us our faith. Eternity lasts forever.

Too Good for This World

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

Some people are just too good to be true. I think we all might know one person who could have that said about them. And perhaps we’re just a little green with envy when we speak those words about that certain someone. Perhaps we would love to hear that phrase used to describe ourselves. But has it ever been said that you’re just too good to be true? And are you? Is anyone?

What exactly does that phrase even mean? Exactly what type of person is too good to be true? After all. We’re human. None of us. Not one of us is perfect. So how is it even possible for those five words to describe any of us? It’s not. And we know it. But we like to pretend.

Some people think they’re too good for others. They think they’re a notch above the crowd and can’t be bothered with the little people. They’re better than anyone else they meet. In their minds. And they’re not afraid to let others know it. Oh. They may not say those words. But their actions say it all. We all know at least one.

Some people believe the walk with God will bring health and wealth. If you’re not healthy and wealthy, then your faith isn’t strong enough. That’s what they say. But others know that the walk with God will more than likely lead to hardship and persecution. Which walk sounds easier? Which one sounds a life you would choose?

Everyone who has walked this earth has come face to face with evil. Sure. There are plenty of people who do evil and aren’t bothered by it. But there are some who recognize it and work to avoid it at all costs. Still others work to remove it. At all costs. Even to the cost of their lives or livelihoods. Their faith has sustained them in even the most trying of times. They have battled elements one could only imagine and some elements unimaginable.

How much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. Women received their loved ones back again from death. But others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection. Some were jeered at, and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in prisons. Some died by stoning, some were sawed in half, and others were killed with the sword. Some went about wearing skins of sheep and goats, destitute and oppressed and mistreated. They were too good for this world, wandering over deserts and mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground. All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. For God had something better in mind for us, so that they would not reach perfection without us.
Hebrews 11:32‭-‬40

Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things. 2 Timothy 2:3-7

There are those who didn’t abandon their faith when the world turned against them. When their world was turned upside down. When they faced life threatening circumstances, they stood strong in their faith. In the midst of turmoil and threats, their faith did not waver. They forged ahead with the work laid before them. They did not turn back or recant their faith. They faced the persecution head on and with their heads held high. When they were mistreated, they continued on. They refused to turn from God in order to lessen their persecution. The world was not worthy of them.

Some may think it’s awfully arrogant to say that there are those who are too good for this world.  But when you take a look at what they’ve endured in the name of Jesus Christ, what does this world have to offer them? What peace and contentment can this world give to those who have only eternity in mind? 

God has something far better in mind for those who suffer for him. And there are those in the midst of persecution and suffering who keep their eye on the prize. Regardless of their perspective on life, their faith stands strong.

There are many names mentioned in the Bible who stood strong in the face of persecution. Their faith could move mountains. Today, there are many who are facing insurmountable pressure to cave to the ways of the secular culture. There are those who have not turned their back on their faith even when it has cost them their livelihood. In the midst of the most horrific situations, young girls have stood their ground and not recanted their faith. Even when their future was bleak.

Jack Phillips has withstood multiple attempts to demolish his bakery business because of his stance on biblical issues. Barronelle Stutzman has fought the good fight when others of a different persuasion and belief have come against her business. Lorie Smith is also fighting for her business because of her biblical stand for freedom of speech. As a missionary to Turkey, Andrew Brunson was imprisoned for two years on false charges. Even young Christian girls in Nigeria stood strong in their faith when held captive for three years by a terrorist group.

Christians are under attack today in an attempt to stifle religious freedom and freedom of speech. We must stand together and hold fast to our biblical values. Satan will not stop fighting us. So we must not stop fighting him. Will we be counted among the faithful when our moment comes? Will we be noted on the list of those too good for this world? Oh. We may not feel worthy of heaven. Or of God’s forgiveness and love, but thankfully it’s not our feelings that matter. In the long run, it’s the running of the race that counts. Will we be found faithful?

Persecuting Jesus

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

Saul and his crew were on their way to Damascus. After all, he had received written permission from the high priest authorizing him to hunt and arrest anyone who believed the message of Jesus Christ. As he traveled down the road in midday, a light brighter than the sun shone all around him. He was instantly blinded. Suddenly, he heard a voice from heaven. Jesus, the Son of God, asked Saul why he was persecuting him.

Saul was not searching for Jesus when Jesus called his name. He was searching for those who believed in Jesus. Oh. Saul knew what he was doing. He was persecuting those who believed that Jesus, the promised Messiah had come to earth to deliver his people from their sins. And Saul didn’t believe that. He was stuck in the traditional Jewish beliefs and traditions. He didn’t believe the prophecy about God’s Son had actually been fulfilled. So when Jesus called his name, Saul asked who was calling. And he then realized this Jesus was the one he had been denying.

Saul, Saul.  Why do you persecute me? 

Every believer that Saul persecuted was taking the place of Jesus Christ.  For all intents and purposes, Saul was persecuting Jesus Christ everywhere he went.  When he arrested and imprisoned those who accepted the Good News of Jesus’ birth, death and resurrection, he was arresting and imprisoning Jesus himself. With every capture and arrest Saul made, he thought he was honoring God. He thought he was following God’s will. But instead, he was persecuting God’s son. He was fighting God, not obeying him. How could he have gotten it so wrong? 

What Saul didn’t realize was that he couldn’t hold back the Son of God from doing the work he was commissioned to do. Sure. The Son of God had returned to heaven, but his followers on earth were now doing his work. And nothing Saul could do could stop what God had started.

I used to believe that I ought to do everything I could to oppose the very name of Jesus the Nazarene. Indeed, I did just that in Jerusalem. Authorized by the leading priests, I caused many believers there to be sent to prison. And I cast my vote against them when they were condemned to death. Many times I had them punished in the synagogues to get them to curse Jesus. I was so violently opposed to them that I even chased them down in foreign cities. Acts 26:9-11

Saul was a learned man of his times. He had studied under the well respected Jewish scholar, Gamaliel. Saul knew the Scriptures. He was determined to punish anyone who dared to believe differently from the traditions. And yet, God had to bring him to his knees and blind him before he was willing to admit the truth that Jesus was the Son of God, born and died for every last one of Saul’s many sins.

To read the full story of Saul’s conversion, read Acts 9 and Acts 26.

Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Colossians 3:16

Soul, soul.  Why do you persecute me? 

What if my name was in front of that sentence.  Why do I persecute God?  Why do I challenge him and run from his ways?  Why don’t I automatically fall on my knees and worship him in adoration?  Why don’t I automatically choose to obey God? I who know the Scripture and have been taught from an early age to love and honor God. Why am I so careless with my faith?

Do we not do the same as Saul did?  Every time we act selfishly and sinfully, we are acting against God. When we reject Christ and his will for our lives, we’re persecuting him. Do we even realize what we’re doing? Do we take God’s knock on the door of our hearts seriously and open up to him?

What will God have to resort to to bring us to our knees in humble acknowledgment and repentance? Why do we run from him?  Why do we think our ways are higher than his ways? We who’ve been taught the Bible know the truth, yet we deny what we’ve been taught. We ignore the Scripture teaching us how to live an authentic Christian life. We do our own thing. We don’t look for God’s guidance. We become complacent. It’s all about us, we think. Not about God.

I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! Revelation 3:15-16

Anytime we sin, we’re nailing Jesus to the cross all over again. Our decision to deny Jesus and please ourselves puts him right back on that cross. Each time we disobey, the weight of our sins becomes heavier for Jesus to bear as he hung on that cross, causing him more pain and suffering. If we continue to run from God and disobey him when he’s calling our name, we’re persecuting him. Is that what we want?

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Romans 3:23

If we are the body of Christ, let’s wear the name in humility. We must consciously hear and obey God’s words. Let’s act on the promptings of the Holy Spirit and live in obedience. let’s listen well and listen thoroughly when God calls our name. Let’s not be surprised when God calls our name to follow and obey him. Let’s follow willingly.

An Invincible Faith

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The conversation went something like this. She said she didn’t see the point of going on. What was it all for? Was it really worth it to continue? Perhaps she’s in a dead end job and no longer finds joy in her work. Perhaps she’s bored with life. Maybe she’s depressed and doesn’t realize it. Or perhaps she needs a Savior.

Oh. But she said she was a believer. I wonder though. Does she believe in God? If not, where is her hope? Where is her joy?

It’s one thing to be hopeless and not have faith in God. But someone who says they’re hopeless and are a believer, well….that opens the door to some questions. Does she not know that those who have placed their hope and trust in God have access to his invincible power? Doesn’t she know that her faith is worth holding onto during life’s momentary troubles?

But perhaps she isn’t aware of how to be invincible in her faith. Perhaps she’s never taken a deep dive into how faith and growth occur for followers of Jesus Christ. It doesn’t just happen. It takes time and effort. But the results are life changing and life eternal. As believers, we shouldn’t scare easily. God is on our side.

So what does invincible mean for a Christian? Being invincible isn’t automatic. It takes faith. Self denial. Obedience. Trust. We must put on the full armor of God each day. There’s the belt of truth that goes around the waist. Then the breastplate of righteousness. These are followed by the gospel of peace. The shield of faith. The helmet of salvation. And finally we carry the sword of the Spirit. We’re fully dressed for battle.

I think of the three Hebrew men who were thrown into a fiery furnace, because they wouldn’t bow to a godless king. And when the the king looked into the furnace, he saw a fourth person with them. During the worst moment of their life, God stood with them in the fire. He saved their lives with his invincible power. If he can save them, can’t he save us during our most difficult days? If he can stand with them, won’t he stand with us in our fiery trials?

Paul was given a thorn in his flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment him and keep him from being proud. Three times he begged the Lord to take it away. Each time the Lord said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

It may be safe to say that we all have a thorn in our flesh. We have something that can cause us to be proud or tempted to sin. But God’s grace is all we need. Let’s claim God’s power in our weakest moments, because that’s when his power works best.

Remain in me, and I will remain in you. John 15:4

In 2 Kings 6:15-17, Elisha’s servant is afraid when the king of Syria sends a great army with chariots and horses. He asks Elisha what they should do. Elisha tells him not to be afraid. He said “there are more on our side than on theirs.” And the Lord opened his servants eyes, and he saw the hillside surrounding them filled with horses and chariots of fire. He then realized that the army of the Lord was on their side and would fight for them.

So often, we don’t stop to think of the army fighting for us. They are invisible. But yet, they are invincible. They do their job very, very well. In other words, they don’t lose.

Please be warned. When I use the word invincible, it is not a substitution for the word perfection. I know as believers in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, we will not ever be perfect on this earth. So that is not what I’m saying. My purpose for calling believers invincible is the fact that our faith is grounded in Jesus Christ. We buckle on the armor of God every day. Every single piece of the armor. We’re faithful to read God’s word. We’re prayer warriors. We obey God at all costs. We allow God’s will to work as the primary source of our lives. We are God’s children, and we live like it. We grasp on to God’s mercy. We hold tight to his grace. We ask for his forgiveness. We relax in his love. He is the main source of our comfort. Our identity is not found in something or someone other than God, our heavenly Father.

And when we put him in first place in our lives. Above all else. Our faith is invincible. Our faith will not come crashing down when life throws us a curveball. Our faith will not be weakened when we’re tempted by momentary pleasures. Our faith will not be at risk when we lose the joy of performing our daily tasks and duties and taking our responsibilities seriously. Our joy comes from the Lord. Our strength is from God’s strength. Because of that, we are invincible. God is the Lord of heaven’s armies, and he fights for us. He leads us into battle. When we’re up against Satan’s armies. The enemy of our soul. When we don’t realize that the pleasant thing that’s been offered to us is a trap of Satan’s. God is fighting for us.

We need to have that armor on. And the fresh sweet aroma of Christ needs to be so strong that any type of temptation will be weakened by the aroma of Christ in us. If we sense that our faith is not invincible, then we realize we must fall on our knees and pray and ask God to give us his strength and power. We can claim that as our own any time of the day. Let’s not forget. Let’s be bold. Because we know this one fact. The kingdom of God still stands. And it always will.

Enemies Abound

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Our culture teaches us to avoid trouble. We’re supposed to be kind and good. We should treat others in the way we want to be treated. Be honest, but don’t hurt the other person’s feelings. We want an easy life, so we try to blend in. Don’t make waves. We’re told that we’ll get further in life if we agree with what we’re told. And just keep quiet. Don’t cause trouble. These days, we haven’t developed the toughness we need when hard times come. We aren’t prepared for adversity or struggles.

But where does that get us? Oh sure. We should avoid trouble if it’s uncalled for. But sometimes trouble comes looking for us. Sometimes trouble is the instigator, and we’re the target. Do we stand still and let it overtake us? Or do we push back? Which is better? Fight or flight?

Jesus told us that we would have trouble in this world. He said we would have many trials and sorrows. It should be of no surprise to God’s children when we face hurdles and obstacles. We will face seasons of unrest and instability. We may be the target of attempts to discredit or defame us. The enemy is a monster who wants our souls. And when we are facing battles, we must commit them to God. Our confidence must be in his power. Not our own. We must know that, as children of God, his presence and power are with us.

Some nations boast of their chariots and horses, but we boast in the name of the Lord our God. Psalms 20:7

As followers of Christ, we must live strong. We must put on the armor of God each day before we meet our adversaries. Oh. You may think you don’t have enemies, but most likely your enemies aren’t visible. We do fight against principalities. Against unseen powers of the darkness. We are not fighting flesh and blood. We are in spiritual warfare in this world.

For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12

Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. Ephesians 6:10-11

And God tells us that we should not be afraid when we fight our enemies. He doesn’t say if we fight our enemies. Oh no. He says when we fight. We will fight. There will be warfare. And we’re not to be afraid, because he is with us. He will fight for us. He will give us victory.

We also must realize that the army we fight may be bigger than us. So we must commit our situation to God. Because he also said that he has overcome the world. Our confidence must be in God and God alone. Oh. He says he will fight for us, but there’s no doubt that we must prepare for battle. We can’t go in without plans and preparation. God fights for us and through us.

We must surround ourselves with likeminded people.  Brave people. People who will stand for the cause of Christ.  People who will do hard things and fight for truth and liberty. We need friends who will encourage us and pray for us.  If we spend too much time with weak, frightened people, we will become like them.  We must know our enemy. Because he masquerades as an angel of light looking for someone to devour. He makes good look evil and evil look good. It’s easy to be tricked if we don’t know what he’s capable of.

When you go out to fight your enemies and you face horses and chariots and an army greater than your own, do not be afraid. The Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you! When you prepare for battle, the priest must come forward to speak to the troops. He will say to them, ‘Listen to me, all you men of Israel! Do not be afraid as you go out to fight your enemies today! Do not lose heart or panic or tremble before them. For the Lord your God is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies, and he will give you victory!’ Deuteronomy 20:1-4