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Time to Fight

My wife and I had a great fight last night. We had both been bristling a bit with each other and last night as we got into bed, you could have cut through the tension with a knife. I tried to playfully put myself in her way so she couldn’t lay down in bed (forcing her to engage with me) and so that she’d have to talk with me — and she tried her best to ignore me. But I want giving up that easily. Eventually, it erupted into the finger pointing, accusations, biting words, voiced frustrations, and tears that seem to be a rare but necessary part of our long-term wedded bliss. We voiced things that had been running around inside each of our individual heads, but that hasn’t been brought out into to light of our discussion together as one. Both of us were braced for the familiar tune of conflict — it starts out like the rumbling drums of an approaching storm, there are the pre-emptive sounds of the pokes and prods that test each other’s defense and mood, then the explosion of sound as the first bomb drops, the sound of active warfare and artillery fire as active warfare breaks out from both sides attacking, and at some point an olive branch is extended with a genuine and humble “What are some practical things that I can do to make that better for you?”

It isn’t said sarcastically, but acknowledges that I’m part of the problem and that I’m willing, able, and committed to resolving at least some of her complaints. The one statement doesn’t immediately cease all gunfire, but it begins to train the gunfire onto the issues we are encountering — rather than focusing on mutual annihilation. In the end, we are talking about the challenges, laughing at our misunderstandings, realizing that all of those whispers inside our heads accusing each other was just that enemy (the liar) trying to distract us from the love that we have for each other. We end up having one of our great discussions where things are brought into the light and we can address them as a unified team interested in battling the challenge, not just battling each other.

It things me that there is a need for warfare. There is a need for conflict and food good fights, because there is a battle — but it isn’t against each other — we learn to recognize and destroy the false arguments and distractions to see the real enemy:

‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭10:3‭-‬4‬ ‭NLT‬
[3] We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. [4] We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments.

https://bible.com/bible/116/2co.10.3.NLT

The Word of God even prescribes for us the armor that we should wear in order to victorious (not over each other but over the challenge):

‭Ephesians‬ ‭6:10‭-‬18‬ ‭NLT‬
[10] A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. [11] Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. [12] 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. [13] Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. [14] Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. [15] For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. [16] In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. [17] Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. [18] Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

https://bible.com/bible/116/eph.6.10.NLT

There is an enemy — but for the wife, it is not her husband — and for the husband, it is not his wife:

‭1 Peter‬ ‭5:8‭-‬9‬ ‭NLT‬
[8] Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. [9] Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.

https://bible.com/bible/116/1pe.5.8.NLT

The Word of God wisely reminds us of this battle that lies beneath what we see in front of us, so we cling to wisdom and praise our Teacher and Savior:

‭Psalms‬ ‭119:11‭-‬16‬ ‭NLT‬
[11] I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. [12] I praise you, O Lord; teach me your decrees. [13] I have recited aloud all the regulations you have given us. [14] I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches. [15] I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. [16] I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word.

https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.119.11.NLT

Thank you, Jesus, for your victory. Thank you for your example of winning the battle without even lifting a sword and by even healing any ears that have been cut off. You are our example, and we love how you are making us more like you. Amen.

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Giving Thoughtfully and with Purpose

It’s easy to ask others for a list of things they want and then buy it. Or it is easy to buy 10 things that were on sale knowing that “We can give these to everyone for Christmas!” I know this because this is how we most times approach giving birthday or Christmss gifts. Our loved ones end up with good gifts and things they wanted. We aren’t bad people for our pragmatic and readonable approach to gift giving.

But some people are clearly thoughtful and purposeful with their gift giving. One year at Christmas, the relatively new girlfriend of a family member bought and made us all such thoughtful and purposeful gifts that it was an amazing display of love. It wasn’t that she spent an enormous amount of money, but that she clearly thought about “What would be the most meaningful gift for each person?” It was such a lovely and touching gesture that I still remember it years later every time that I see her at family events.

As a Christian, this is how I know that I am called to give — not just of gifts at Christmas and birthdays — not just of an obligatory tithe — not just of occasional service to my church and community — but of my life every day purposefully and intentionally. And when I say it like that, it immediately sounds like a burden, an obligation, a heavy weight that I clearly have been failing to live up to. It begins to sound that “whatever we know to do and don’t do it is sin”. And yes, it is falling short of the mark of perfection that should clearly distinguish His people from the rest of the world. It is my weakness on display instead of His glory.

So how does this change? Do I just need to try harder?

That isn’t The Way.

The Way starts with remembering Jesus. Remembering His body broken and His blood shed for us. Remembering that we have so much to be grateful for. Remembering that we are not powerless in our weaknesses but strong in His spirit. Remembering that we are to cry out to our Abba Father, confess and repent from our shortcomings, surrender our lives, see Christ alive in us and through us each day.

This call reminds us that we need daily bread that comes from Him, and that steam of fresh living water to nourish us today. We need Him to do the miraculous work through us to change our child, stony hearts and replace them with hearts that truly live and truly love.

Lord help us to see Your Love, to believe the gospel close and personally, to know the power of your touch, and to love and give off ourselves purposefully, intentionally and joyfully. Amen.

‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭9:7‬ ‭AMP‬
[7] Let each one give [thoughtfully and with purpose] just as he has decided in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver [and delights in the one whose heart is in his gift].

https://bible.com/bible/1588/2co.9.7.AMP

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Let’s Be a Gift to Others Today

We each have a uniquely wonderful opportunity today to make the world a little bit better for those around us.

Whether you’re the janitor, the CEO, the office worker, the fork lift driver, the stay at home parent, the college student, the professor/teacher, the policeman, the struggling artist, the waitress, the government employee, the surgeon, the receptionist, or wherever your day will take you — there will be opportunity.

You may be talented at helping someone learn something new — then share wisdom with someone today.

You may be talented at remaining calm and consistent rather than being led around by your passions and desires — then be there alongside those who are struggling and hurting.

You may be someone who has been forgiven and who is good at forgiving — then be there alongside those who are overly critical, depressed and anxious.

We don’t have to “fix” others and there is rarely any help in “judging” others either — especially when we don’t know their whole story or situation. But we can serve and love everyone and anyone — with a high probability of positive impact.

Why would we do this — And how can we do this?

Pragmatically speaking, the world is always a better place when people love and care for each other rather than compete and war against each other for power and position. And positive change is not a single hero changing the world, it is a cascading avalanche or wild fire that builds larger and larger from initial small acts that are repeated and amplified.

We decide to turn and take one small step in the right direction. We are intentional and purposeful with our time, our words, our actions, and our resources. We chose to do something that is about others and not ourselves. Then we repeat this again and again as opportunities present themselves — because we are eagerly watching and waiting to see them appear in our day.

We cannot control whether or not they will be seen, appreciated, or inspiring. Our one act may not can a flame that spreads throughout our circle of influence, yet we have still made a difference. Or it may have a widespread impact as it stirs a chain of people to also “pay it forward”, yet we never know or recognize it. Still a difference has been made.

As a Christian, I do not live to be the face of some new movement or to take credit for starting the fire by some act of loving service. I look at the life example and teachings of Jesus Christ about selfless love — I see what He did for me through the cross — and I trust and believe in His resurrection and in His ensuring Kingdom both here in earth and in Heaven — and I follow Him. He not only inspires me through His life example, but He gives me strength to love and serve others through the Holy Spirit.

If you are struggling with the “why” and the “how” of knowing your purpose, seeing the opportunities, believing you can make a difference, or being strong enough to do it on your own — I encourage you to look to Jesus. Look to His promises. Speak with Him today in prayer. If you don’t know how to do this on your own, reach out to me and I will be happy to introduce you to my sweet friend Jesus. God bless you my friends! May your life today bring glory to God, and hope, love, peace and the fruit of blessing to those you encounter! Amen.

‭1 Peter‬ ‭4:10‬ ‭AMP‬
[10] Just as each one of you has received a special gift [a spiritual talent, an ability graciously given by God], employ it in serving one another as [is appropriate for] good stewards of God’s multi-faceted grace [faithfully using the diverse, varied gifts and abilities granted to Christians by God’s unmerited favor].

https://bible.com/bible/1588/1pe.4.10.AMP

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What are we battling against

If we are going to war in our prayer closets, what are we setting our sights on?  The things that we hate and fear,  or the things that are the enemies of God?

I see a lot of prayer requests about sickness or death – healing in the flesh – but much fewer requests about healing eternal in the spiritual areas of life that matter most. I see requests and seeking of physical prosperity – security by earthly means – but much fewer requests about strengthening faith in God to provide what He has already promised.

If we are going to war in our prayer closets,  shouldn’t we know the enemy whom we should be targeting? And do we believe the true enemy to be who our deceitful hearts tell us to wage war against, or do we look to God for His guidance regarding who our true enemies should be? If we serve the Lord, aren’t His enemies clearly our true enemies that are the real threat to us and our brothers and sisters?

Proverbs 6:16-19
There are six things that the Lord hates,
seven that are an abomination to him:
haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
and hands that shed innocent blood,
a heart that devises wicked plans,
feet that make haste to run to evil,
a false witness who breathes out lies,
and one who sows discord among brothers.

So clearly, these are big on the Lord’s hit list:

1) Pride
2) Deceit
3) Treachery
4) Wickedness
5) Gossip/False Testimony
6) Dissention/Division/Envy/Jealousy

1 John 2:15-17 ESV
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever

He again tells us not to love the world:

1) desires of the flesh
2) desires of the eyes
3) pride in possessions

Those things are passing away.

According to this, what many pray for as “blessings” are “not from the Father” but are “from the world”. So we might begin asking ourselves, who are they praying to if they are asking for those things to be given that are “from the world”? The Father has a name for this worldly, fleshly provider and it is mammon. These are not the “good gifts”, the “eternal gifts”, the “true riches” that God has stored up for His children.

If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?  And if you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own?  No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”
Luke 16:11-13 ESV
http://bible.com/59/luk.16.11-13.ESV

The “unrighteous wealth”, it is “that which is another’s” and we are tested in whether or not we are faithful with it –  being good stewards, using it for God’s glory,  bringing Him Honor and glory – or whether we are enticed by the desires of the flesh,  the desires of our eyes,  and the pride of possessions.

These enemies of God, are they our enemies as well? Are we doing battle against these enemies in our prayer closets?

And isn’t it clear that our enemies are not our brothers and sisters?

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:12 ESV
http://bible.com/59/eph.6.12.ESV

And what enemies are keeping our brothers and sisters from entering into the Kingdom of God?  Aren’t these clearly the enemies of God’s wish that none should perish? Shouldn’t these enemies be targeted in our prayer closets? How do we recognize when these enemies are at work in our lives and the lives of our brothers and sisters?

Galatians 5:19-21 ESV
Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Romans 8:7 ESV
For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot.

Evidence of the work of the enemy, evidence of sin,  of sickness leading to eternal spiritual death:
1) sexual immorality
2) impurity
3) sensuality
4) idolatry
5) sorcery
6) enmity
7) strife
8) jealousy
9) fits of anger
10) rivalries
11) dissensions
12) divisions
13) envy
14) drunkenness
15) orgies

Be on lookout for this evidence of the enemy, as if standing guard on a watch tower. And let your battle cries to heaven be heard for spiritual reinforcements, and let your gentle encouragement be a warning to those ensnared and in need of healing.

We and our brothers and sisters need to be delivered from these enemies of God,  and that is why we do battle against these giants with the stone of our prayers.

1 John 2:4-6 ESV
Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.

We want to see the captives set free so they will live and will “walk in the way He walked”.

Romans 8:13 ESV
For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

Yes, we seek lives freed from the bondage of these captors, so that we all are growing and becoming more like our teacher, with our minds set upon the higher things,  not things of the world or of the flesh. 

2 Peter 1:5-8 ESV
For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

So put on your armor,  Child of God,  it is time to do battle, now that the light has been sinned upon our true enemies.

A final word: 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. 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. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.  In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.  Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
Ephesians 6:10-18 NLT
http://bible.com/116/eph.6.10-18.NLT

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In battle, do we lift up our eyes, or just charge blindly?

When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord . Now I have come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my Lord say to his servant?”
Joshua 5:13-14 ESV
http://bible.com/59/jos.5.13-14.ESV

How often do we see the world as men and women of flesh and blood who are either for us or against us?  But the Bible tells us about our real enemies –

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:12 ESV
http://bible.com/59/eph.6.12.ESV

Joshua “lifted up his eyes and looked” and gained something very valuable for His battle. He didn’t charge blindly into battle because the enemy was nearby – he “lifted up his eyes and looked”.

This commander of heaven’s armies demonstrates to Joshua clearly that his loyalty is to God, not to a nation of people  – when Joshua asks a question expecting an A or B answer and instead gets a whole new answer outside his original frame of reference.

I lift up my eyes to the hills.
From where does my help come? 
My help comes from the Lord ,
who made heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1-2 ESV
http://bible.com/59/psa.121.1-2.ESV

You see,  sometimes our frame of reference reverts to this physical world and the ways that it operates and we don’t have the spiritual vision or awareness to understand what it means from that higher perspective. If this battle was just about one people against another, then men receive glory from each other for the victory. But Joshua was not called to receive glory for himself or even for Israel. He wasn’t called to be loyal to men but to God. The glory of the battle was meant to be for God.

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
Colossians 3:1-2 ESV
http://bible.com/59/col.3.1-2.ESV

When we lift our thoughts out of the distractions of this world and remember that we are not at battle against men of flesh and blood, but that we do battle against principalities and evil forces that work through those around us who are still in chains of bondage – we begin to realize that it’s about the Lord being glorified in our choices, our decisions,  our reactions.

Each moment of opposition felt from another person is actually an opportunity to show them love, mercy,  forgiveness, gentleness,  kindness, and self control in return. It is an opportunity to demonstrate that Christ has won yet another battle in our lives and that we are not simply walking in the flesh,  reacting the way that the world expects.

But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.  Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Matthew 9:12-13 ESV
http://bible.com/59/mat.9.12-13.ESV

When struck in the face by another, when accused unjustly, when shamed and spit upon by the world, the world reacts in kind – but Christ calls us out to be set apart as a peculiar people. He tells us to turn the other cheek. He tells us to give and love even to those who would steal from us. He tells us that lost souls in need of love are more valuable to win over as friends of Christ than to let die as enemies.

“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?  And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.  And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’  Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
Luke 15:4-7 ESV
http://bible.com/59/luk.15.4-7.ESV

Yes, He tells us to pick up our cross and bear it for one another. Not to bear it for those we think are deserving of His love and forgiveness,  because none of us, are deserving. Not me. Not you.

But we love because He first loved us.

Our battle is not against one another.

And our loyalty is not to self.

He is Lord, He is Savior, He is Redeemer, and He has won the victory!

To God be the Glory in our lives today.