Need Ammunition, Not a Ride!

When the USA offered to evacuate President Zelenskyy of Ukraine, his reply was "We need ammunition, not a ride!"  God doesn't want us to hide or be removed from trouble but rather has given us the ammunition, the divine power, to overcome the enemy and all his tactics.  God sees you the same way He spoke to Gideon when he was cowardly hiding from the Philistines, "You mighty man of valor!" 

There is a strong word in Psalm 149., "Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edge sword in their hand, to execute vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples, to bind their kings with chains and their nobles with fetters of iron, to execute on them the judgment written.  This is an honor for all His godly ones.  Praise the Lord!"  The ball is now in our court.  Clearly there is a spiritual battle of gigantic proportions going on with abortion, perversion, lust, greed, persecution, violence, drugs, murder, lies, etc.  The spiritual forces behind these actions are stronger than human nature and natural defenses. We must overcome using God's power and ammunition.  

Just as Jesus pointed out that He has not left us orphans but has equipped us with the Holy Spirit, we have His Word and weapons of divine power to overcome every attack of the enemy.  Praising God and declaring the Word bind and overcome the enemy that Jesus has already judged.  John 16:11 states that the ruler of this world (the devil) is judged. It is our honor or gifted position as His body and representatives of earth to execute that judgment. 

We are called to rule in this life, not hide from it.  Through Jesus living inside us, we are the light of the world that overcomes darkness.  Yes, sin, sickness, and death reign in this world, but notice the victory that Romans 5:17 declares, "For if by the one man's offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ."  Much more we reign.  Where sin abounds, grace abounds more.

Rather than just get disgusted and frustrated by what we see on the news and in the world, we are the watchmen God has set up to do something about it.  It is a day to build ourselves up in our most holy faith, pray in the spirit, put on the armor, of God and take authority of the power of darkness. Jesus in Luke 1019 told His disciples, "I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you."  God inhabits or is enthroned in His praises.  Praising God and giving thanks releases God's power.  Declaring the Word establishes life--life and death are in the power of the tongue.  Fight the good fight of faith. 

Stand in faith and prayer against the onslaught of the enemy and all that deceived, sinful man brags about against God.  And greater goal, in the process of exercising His power and authority in healing and deliverance, our hearts will grow in knowing Him and the power of His resurrection.  Yes, the ultimate goal is knowing and pleasing God.  Praise God forever! 

Are You Prepared for the Fight

As the Colrado Avalanche defeated the Las Vegas Knights in overtime, the crowd began chanting "We want the Cup!"

A worthy goal but certainly one requiring great physical battle yet to come.  Similar thoughts went through my head this morning as I read Joel 1 and 2, "Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of judgment of the Lord is coming" and "Blow the trumpet in Zion, set apart a fast, call a solemn assembly...let them say, 'Have pity and spare Your people, O Lord,"  As you know in the rest of the chapter, when all the people and priests cry out, God is moved with jelousy for His people and answers their prayer mightily. 

Likewise, in Luke 2, Simeon said to Mary, "Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through you own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."  To top off this thought, my reading in Psalm 2 talked about the kings of the earth casting off God's laws and mocking God.  It is given as a warning to them, that God has set His King on the throne and He laughs at their foolishness of thinking they could overthrow God.  But they will try. 

The point is that there is a spiritual battle going on, and as we draw near to the end time, it will only intensify.  Jesus is a sign that will be contradicted.  Christians will need to be prepared to stand in the armor and provision Jesus has given to see the Lord overcome (in and through us).  We will have to trust God when all else seems to be falling apart.  Persection is real in the world, and more people are losing their lives for the Lord Jesus today than at any other time in history.  However, nothing draws people closer together than laying down our lives to fight together and seeing God turn it all into victory.  Isaiah 60 speaks of the world covered by darkness and the peoples by thick darkness, yet God's light and glory are seen upon His people.  God's anointing and power will work in our lives beyond anything we have ever known, but it will be at a cost in the midst of a darkened world system that rebels against Him.    

God is faithful.  We will be led in triumph.  Nothing can separate us from the love of God, no power of darkness can take us out of God's hand.  These are more than sentimental verses, these are given as anchors of our soul which will keep us in faith and patience in the hard times.  We can count it joy when we walk through various trials, knowing God is using it all for good.  However, we do need to count the cost, to be prepared to fight the good fight of faith no matter what challenges lie ahead.  To whom much is given, much is required.  Through all trials God gives both the strength to endure and the way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13).

The Stanley Cup is the highest trophy in hockey.  We want the Cup, not the perishable one of the world, but the eternal crown of triumph uniting with the Lord Jesus over every power and attack of the devil and the fallen world.  Because of the joy set before Him, Jesus endured the cross.  God sets before us the ultimate Cup of knowing Him, knowing His mercy and glory forever.  It is worth the price.  Paul considered the suffering of this world nothing compared to the glory that will be revealed.  The church in the Acts, in the midst of trials, grew in the comfort of the Holy Spirit and the fear of the Lord.  

Walk in the comfort of the Holy Spirit and let the awesome awareness of His holiness in your life keep you from sin. Refuse to let go of the robe of righteousness and the garment of praise, no matter what the enemy is saying.  My prayer is that God continue to prepare us for every good work ahead, and that we don't lose heart in the season of heat and pressure.  The Lord bless you and keep you.