Fight The Good Fight

When we think of spiritual warfare it is easy to think of grand images of us in our whole armor of God wrestling and swinging our sword at the dark forces with our prayers and songs. This is good, and certainly a part of what we may do. However, there is another aspect that is at least easy for me to overlook. Perhaps it is for you as well. It is what Paul addressed in his first letter to Timothy.

1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

There really is much to consider in this passage. For this writing, I only want to address first six words. Let me begin by saying these words have multiple meanings and shade of meanings, so there is likely more than one way to view them. This would make sense because our God is big enough to encompass them all. Let me present one that for me, as I studied it just now, has given me valuable insights for my own fight, and may well assist you in yours as well.

The first word fight has several possible meanings, one of which is to struggle as in contending for something. There is some opposition. The word good here can mean beautiful or morally good. The second fight can mean place of assembly or where the battle takes place. And the word faith can mean persuasion or conviction. Putting that all together we could get “Stay in the struggle in the beautiful assembly of persuasion and conviction.” For me that can mean be steadfast to keep believing the good.

God has very good things for us. But Paul told the Hebrews that we must believe that God not only is, but He is on the side of those that seek Him like the breath they breath. It reminds me of a story I once heard about a student that wanted the teacher to teach him how to achieve something. The teacher told him to meet him by the river. When they both walked into the river about chest deep the teacher told the student to turn around and take a breath. He then pushed the student under the water and held him there. The student assumed there was some meaning so he obediently stayed under the water until he needed more air. When he tried to get up, the teacher held him down. His lungs began to hurt so he tried harder to get up. The teacher held him under the water. Fear set in. The student began to flail as his lungs cried out for air. He was afraid his reflexes would kick in and he would suddenly drink into his lungs the cold river water. He fought harder and harder, all the while the teacher held him under. He was beginning to lose hope, his thoughts became cloudy, and with all his might he lunged upward, just as the teacher released him. He surfaced choking and gasping for breath.

“What were you doing?!” he shouted at the teacher. The teacher stood there quietly, smiled, and said words he would never forget.

“When you want to succeed as much as you just wanted that breath, you will not fail,” replied the teacher, turning to walk to the shore.

We must lay hold of our convictions, our faith, within ourselves. This is one of the hardest yet most important battles. If we can win this one (and God will help us win it), then we will be able to win most any battle with God on our side.

Prayer
Father, we praise You as the Most High King. Help us to learn to trust You, and live in Your ways. Help us to see Your works, hear Your words, and say and do them. It is really hard for us at times to understand all of this. Please give us Your wisdom and understanding. Help us to be what we need to be and become to bring Your kingdom to this earth. Help us to want that more than breath itself. In Jesus’ (Yeshua’s) name. Amen.

More Than Windmills

Believers face the challenge of fighting spiritual battles on several fronts. The existence of spiritual darkness as an opposing force is clearly documented in the scriptures. Jesus spoke of this in John.

John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Clearly Jesus is saying that there exists an opposing force. This is further addressed by Paul.

Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Paul makes this clear and names the source. However, there is another challenge we face. As we enter into these battles, the enemy is unseen. Most people only believe what they see. We have to fight an unseen enemy with trust that we have God on our side (also unseen), and we have to believe this while those around us look at us with looks of doubt, dismay, or even ridicule. Again, our perspective becomes important. Jesus spoke to Thomas about this.

John 20:29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

As to what is seen versus unseen, Paul addressed this in his letter to the Hebrews.

Hebrews 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

Paul states that things that are seen are made from things which are not seen. As a side note, this is a good description of quantum physics, and although we do not need science to prove that God or scripture are true, it is interesting that they are aligned. I guess this is the point to make.

We do not tilt at windmills, like the imagined foes of Don Quixote. We in fact fight a real unseen enemy. But most importantly we are backed by the ultimate source of the greatest power in the universe – our God. Let’s put on our armor today and prepare for battle!

Prayer
Father, we praise You as our King and Captain. You are the One Most High God. Please watch over us and keep us safe. Please come to our aid today, and to the aid of Your people everywhere. We need You today, and everyday. You alone are King. In Jesus’ (Yeshua’s) name. Amen.

Wisdom In The Battle

When in life we face challenges, we can find ourselves wondering at the prosperity of those that do things that we would believe God does not like. This same point was addressed by the psalmist in Psalms 49.

Psalms 49:16 Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased;
17 For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him.
18 Though while he lived he blessed his soul: and men will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself.
19 He shall go to the generation of his fathers; they shall never see light.
20 Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish.

Here we see that those that do well and have acquired many things may think it will go on forever, and men praise them in their wealth. However, it will not go on forever. In fact, we see in verse 20, that if we end up with great possession but lack understanding, then when we die we will be like the animals that die. We will perish without God and without a future. So what should be our battle cry? Should we cry out to God when we are in need, and to what end? The answer is found in many places in scripture. One I saw this morning was in Psalms 25.

Psalms 25:1 Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.
2 O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.

The first part of the answer comes in the first two verses. Yes we should ask God to battle on our behalf. This same theme continues throughout this Psalm. Toward the end of the verse we find what the psalmist said when he called out to God, and what his expectations were from God.

14 The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.
15 Mine eyes are ever toward the Lord; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.
16 Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted.
17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses.
18 Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins.
19 Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred.
20 O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.
21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.
22 Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.

In verse 14 the word “secret” means the close company, similar to the secret place of the Most High in Psalms 91. Here the psalmist keeps his eyes on and looking toward God for His deliverance. Deliverance from what? In the last verse we see it is all troubles – sickness, sorrow, poverty, and every manner of distress.

In verse 17 we see that the psalmist felt a great burden in his heart. Have you ever felt that from some problem? I know I have. He asked God in verse 18 to look at the specific problem, and then he asked forgiveness. This is key in our warfare. If we ask God to cleanse us, He does, and then we are once again in good standing with Him.

Nothing separates us from God if we seek His forgiveness. It is just a request away. Then the psalmist asks for God to look at the many points of attack he is feeling, his many enemies. He is asking for deliverance from them all. Again, this ties back to our covenant with God.

God promised His people great blessings when they served Him. The law was once external and required much doing. Even so, this psalmist knew that God would respond to a request for forgiveness, and knew God was the only source of deliverance. Today, the new covenant is written in our hearts. Today it is about being. We can follow this same path as the psalmist, and ask God for forgiveness, and for His deliverance from all our troubles. This would be great wisdom in our warfare against darkness.

Prayer
Father, we praise and exalt You as the Most High God. Father, we ask today that You look and see all of the many afflictions of Your people. Please forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Please help us to know the way we should go, and help us go that way, Your way. We have many troubles and are cast down, and we ask that You deliver us from all of these. In Jesus’ (Yeshua’s) name. Amen.

Fighting With Snowmen

We can spend a great deal of time wanting to battle against things that do not matter. When I was a boy of six living in the country, I loved the winter. Why? Because of the snow. My sister and I would play for hours in the snow. As I grew older and had to drive back and forth to work in the slippery conditions it brought, I began to dislike it. I began to make plans for the day I would move south where it was warm all year round. Many hours and years of winters were spent thinking about, wishing for, and imagining warm winters in warm climates. As I look back at that now I see that I spent a large part of life battling against the snow, at least in my mind.

I never did move south. Today I live near the Indiana-Michigan border. Here we get not only regular snow, but lake effect snow that can almost instantly magnify those conditions of bad weather and snow without warning. But there is a difference. I realize that the snow is just what God is doing here. Here is where God put me. Battling the snowmen is something I no longer waste my time doing. However, there is a battle that all believers are called to battle. Paul tells us of this battle.

Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

This winter, let’s not wrestle with the snowmen. Let us spend our time with God. We are in a battle against evil and darkness. Let’s spend our time in that battle, in the the whole armor of God, even if we have to put on heavy coats and boots for a season.

Prayer
Father, You alone are King. We praise and thank You for putting us where we are. Sometimes we may struggle with why we are where we are. Please help us today to enjoy where You have placed us. Please help us to battle the enemy, wearing the armor You have provided. Please reach out to Your people everywhere today and keep them safe, giving them the mercy, grace, provision, and healing they need today. In Yeshua’s (Jesus’) name. Amen.

With The Battle Comes The End And Reward

Recently I have struggled with patience. Perhaps you have the same experience. Praying and wanting deliverance from some attack by the enemy. Waiting. Waiting. Waiting. Sound familiar? I was just expressing to a friend and to my wife that I could not understand exactly what God was doing.

Today in the mail came some of the deliverance. It was unexpected from an unlikely source. Then I also received another piece of mail that holds great promise for deliverance from some very strong oppression. Both just when I was telling God, or asking, “What’s up?” Our God always defends us. If you need to, say that out loud to yourself until it sinks in deep.

Then patiently wait while you offer up prayer and thanksgiving to the Master and Creator!

Prayer
Father, we praise and thank You for being with us. It is good to fight at Your side, but it is also good to begin to taste victory. Thank You for Your deliverance. We ask today that You stand up today for Your people. Let them taste Your victory! In Yeshua’s (Jesus’) name. Amen.

Let Our Hearts Sing

Singing is a beautiful thing! I know what some of you are thinking. Some of you are like me and cannot carry a tune, or at least not very well. That is okay because God wants us to offer up the sacrifice of praise of our lips. In Paul’s letters to the Hebrews, he specifically spoke to his point.

Hebrews 13:12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.
13 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

Paul was telling us a way of being towards God. Jeremiah spoke of a time to come when God would stand up for His people, those that bring the sacrifice of praise.

Jeremiah 33:11 The voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, Praise the Lord of hosts: for the Lord is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: and of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the Lord. For I will cause to return the captivity of the land, as at the first, saith the Lord.

Today, let us defeat our enemies with our mouths by offering the sacrifice of praise!

Prayer
Father, I praise and thank You for being the Most High God. Thank You for rising up to defeat our enemies. Today, when You hear our sacrifice of praise, rise up and crush our enemies. In Jesus’ (Yeshua’s) name. Amen.

Bring The Reign

When we face the life that comes our way, we will need help. God is our help. He will rise up on our behalf to defeat the enemy. As it says in the Psalms,

Psalms 103:6 The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.

In January of 2012 my friend Kevin Plank and I wrote a song, “Bring the Reign” which was inspired by events in my life and the movie “Transformers”. For those interested, you can find it here on iTunes. But I think there may be people out there today that need to see some of the lyrics. It is a battle cry really. Here is the first chorus:

Life can be tough at times
Life can have its pain
But when the enemy comes
My God brings the reign.

Bring the reign!
Bring the reign!
God, You are my God!
Bring the reign!
Bring Your reign!

This is a song that I sing when it is time for battle. Toward the end of the song, we also address what happens when the enemy tries to shout in our ear to bring doubt, fear, and confusion.

O God, Let no man
Your name now disdain
When the enemy shouts in my ear
I shout, “Bring the reign!!!”

With our praise
Evil is contained
God, You are my God!
Jesus, send the reign!

Today, if the enemy is in your ear, shout as loud as you can to God, “Bring the Reign!”

Prayer
Father, we praise and exalt You as the Most High God. Father, today I ask that on behalf of all of Your people everywhere, Bring the Reign! Crush our enemies under Your feet. Deliver us today Father. Rise up in Your mercy toward us. Lift us from the ash heap. Deliver Your people today God. In Jesus’ (Yeshua’s) name. Amen.

Just Showing Up

When I was a young man and had only been with the Lord a few years, I was zealous and anxious to run into any spiritual battle. I was so certain that I could do so much. After all I had read the bible all the way through once, and it was a leather bound chain reference bible, and… blah, blah, blah. The truth is while zeal is a good thing, that was really in a large part pride. I wanted the recognition and the glory, oh, and of course I wanted God to get some, too. That was foolishness at its best. Today, I remain zealous, and only hope that in some small way I can somehow advance the kingdom of God each day.

Serving God in battle is not an experience of or for the glory. It will hopefully be because we feel the blessing of the freedom from the darkness that God has given unto us, and we just really want that for other people. Hopefully it is because we want to serve God and do His will. Hopefully it is because we daily, eagerly seek out what the Father is doing and saying that day, and we say and do that same thing. It can be as simple as just showing up. For example, there are people that come to this website, which is seen around the world, and sign up (they think) for reasons other than to be exposed to what God is doing. But the word of God does not go void. When people come to this site, because of the prayers of many, they are impacted by God. Whether that is immediate or long after I am gone, they will be impacted.

Let’s just show up, and let the battle be God’s!

Prayer
Father, what a beautiful day You have created today! We praise and exalt You as the Most High God. Please reign over the hearts and lives of people today, Father. Please raise the poor out of the ashes and sit them with the Princes. Please cast down every dark thing that attempts to attack Your people today Father. Grind to powder those dark forces that try to steal from Your people. In Yeshua’s (Jesus’) name. Amen.

Remembering In Times Of Struggle

This morning during my prayer time I had a sense of the enemy coming against me and my family. This was stronger than I can remember in recent days, and took me by surprise. As I prayed and read the scriptures, I remembered something I heard recently about the value of singing the scriptures. In prayer God had given me Psalms 103. I decided to sing it though out loud. It actually begins with what is a popular song,

Psalms 103:1Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

Actually, there are several songs that begin with this first verse or some modification. Singing it out loud, even though I sing poorly and there is no rhyme scheme or melody to it, really helped.

If you are fighting the good fight today and feel a struggle, ask God to give you a scripture, or just pick one, and sing it out loud to Him in faith as a sacrifice of thanksgiving. The blessing it brings is great, and God loves our praise!

Prayer
Father, we praise and exalt You. Thank You for standing up for us. I ask that You work mightily in each of our lives today. I ask that You break through any strongholds over people, their health, their finances, or any part of their well being. Smash the enemy today, Lord. In Yeshua’s (Jesus’) name. Amen.

An Old Trick

When it comes to spiritual warfare, there is something that I hear from believers frequently. In fact, I think it myself sometimes. When we are not in the best place with God, we may be tempted to think that we cannot ask God for help for something we need. Worse yet, we may think that we really cannot pray for someone else because of our condition. That, my friends, is a lie from the enemy. It’s his oldest trick.

From the garden of Eden to this very day the enemy is what he has always been – a deceiver. In this case, there may be no better time to call to God for help than when we are not in the best place with God. For any of us that have children, ask us if our kids have been really messing up, if they suddenly were in harm’s way and cried out to us, would we respond to deliver them from trouble? Of course we would! And we are merely humans. God is much greater than us. Of course He will respond. That is likely where we get it from. After all, we are made in His image.

The next time you need to pray for yourself or someone else and a thought comes to your mind to remind you of some fault in your life, just smile and say, “That’s right devil, thanks for reminding me! Father, I ask that You forgive me for that one too. And while You are at it, can You make the stupid devil just shut up?!” I think You will be surprised at how fast those thoughts leave!

Prayer
Father, we praise and thank You that You are always there, no matter how bad off we are. Please forgive us the things we have done wrong. Please forgive those that have done bad to us. Please Father, today, bring Your kingdom to earth, and help us and others in need. In Jesus’ (Yeshua’s) name. Amen.