The War Against Darkness

"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. 

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. 

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints..."

                                                                         (Eph:12-18 KJV)

We are at war.  Whether we want to acknowledge it or not there is a war going on. The principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this world aim to make you subject to them and not to God. They will try and persecute you and you will utterly fail unless you recognize that it is not your neighbor that is battling you. It is the darkness that is trying to extinguish the light. 

You can not prevail standing on your own truth. The only truth that  ultimately prevails over evil is the Word of God who is Jesus the Christ. So before you begin your day arm yourself with the armor that God has provided you with. Take up the sword of the Spirit. Immerse yourself in the word of God. Get on your knees and pray. Communicate with God throughout the day for he is your strength and salvation. 

"The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies."

                                                                         (Psalm 18:2-3)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Empires Built On Sand Will Fall

And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.

And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock:

And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him.

Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.

David said moreover, The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the Lord be with thee.

And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail.

And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him.

And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.

And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came, and drew nigh to meet David, that David hastened, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.

And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.

                                                                        (1 Sam 17:33-39,48-49 KJV)

At the hand of the shepherd David, Goliath the giant Philistine fell! 

I do not recall what circumstances inspired my mother to say it; but, I do recall her pretty often saying: "The bigger they are the harder they fall." She was a very petite woman. She may have been five feet tall and I'm pretty sure she never weighed more than one hundred pounds. As petite as she was, she could be pretty feisty. She was never afraid to speak her mind regardless of the consequences. It was not always the most judicious thing to do but she spoke it anyway. She ended up in a few scraps. There were times when she lost the battle; but, not too often. 

It seems as though there will always be a battle to fight; a giant to take down. David had only one giant to slay. Today we face many giants. Most of us may not even be aware of who they are. But; be aware, they would control the world if they could. However, their empires are built on the shifting sand of lies and deceit; on corruption and greed. They will fall... eventually...

Jesus told this parable warning us to make sure that our houses are built on a rock and not sinking sand. That rock is Jesus the Christ. (1 Cor 10:4)

"Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 

And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:

And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

                                                                                     (Matt 7:24-27 KJV)

Do not despair! The bigger they are, the harder they will fall and how great will be the fall for those who have built their empires on sand. 

May God help you to always build and stand upon the rock who is Jesus the Christ.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Two Edged Sword

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Heb 4:12 KJV)

In battle, the two-edge sword is a tool of destruction. It can also bring about healing. When men were wounded, the sword was placed into a hot fire and then placed on the wound to close the wound by forming a scab. This would help the wound to heal. 

The word of God is like a two-edged sword. It will destroy any notion that we are above reproach even while it brings healing to our guilty consciences. The word of God wounds and then... it heals the wounded soul.

Do not fear the word of God no matter what it might expose in your life that needs to be changed; that needs to be healed. New life does not begin until there is a death to the old one. 

The word of God will bring healing and wholeness to your soul.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

The Battle

"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. 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."

                                                                       Eph 6:12-13 KJV

Life can definitely be a battle. All kinds of things come against us. There are periods of time when it seems like it's a daily struggle to stay afloat. In frustration and anger, we may want to strike back at the people that it appears to be coming from. But, there is a better way. 

We cannot overcome anything or anyone without the help of God. In order to do battle, we must put on the armor that God provides us with remembering that it is not flesh and blood that we battle with but spiritual forces in the dark realms who wish to undo you. 

The battle is real and we must engage or succumb to the enemy.

"Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints..."

                                                                                      Eph 6:14-18 KJV

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Birth of Warriors

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

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.

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.

                                                                                   (Eph 6:11-13 KJV)

On November 10, 1775 the Second Continental Congress established the Continental Marines. Last night we celebrated the birthday with other Marines and their families. We heard the Commandant's message and observed the cake cutting ceremony. It was overall a very informal and relaxed birthday party. 

Today, even as I honor the birth of the United States Marine Corps, I thank God for the birth of another mighty warrior: Martin Luther. His battle was against false teachings prevalent in the church at the time. There remains false teachings in the church on earth today. Let down your guard and the devil sneaks the lies right back in. The battle continues; the battle against forces that would dilute or change the word of God to the harm of all whom God has called; to the harm of all who unknowingly follow false teachers and prophets.

"A mighty fortress is our God,
a bulwark never failing;
our helper he amid the flood

of mortal ills prevailing.

For still our ancient foe

doth seek to work us woe;

his craft and power are great,

and armed with cruel hate,

on earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide,

our striving would be losing,

were not the right man on our side,

the man of God's own choosing.

Dost ask who that may be?

Christ Jesus, it is he;

Lord Sabaoth, his name,

from age to age the same,

and he must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled,

should threaten to undo us,

we will not fear, for God hath willed

his truth to triumph through us.

The Prince of Darkness grim,

we tremble not for him;

his rage we can endure,

for lo, his doom is sure;

one little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers,

no thanks to them, abideth;

the Spirit and the gifts are ours,

thru him who with us sideth.

Let goods and kindred go,

this mortal life also;

the body they may kill;

God's truth abideth still;

his kingdom is forever."

                        Martin Luther

It seems that it never ends. The battles for what is right and true; the battles to release people from bondage continue to be fought on air, land, sea, as well as in the spiritual realms. May God bless the warriors who fight for right and freedom. May God bless us all with the courage to stand on the Word.

Happy Birthday! 

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Do What Is Right

Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:8 NRSV)

Sometimes, a whole lot of things going on in the world around us do not seem the least bit honorable or just. It can be difficult to switch our focus to good things; to things worthy of praise when children are being attacked for political purposes; and, when elected representatives smile as they sign the bill to kill babies. And... there is much worse going on in the world. It seems the devil has taken way more than a foothold in this world. 

There is much good in the world. God has made it that way. But, the devil is working pretty hard at making it not so. Think on and focus on the good things and fight the good fight for the good of all people.  

Yes, it is most necessary for Christians to engage in the battle against evil speaking the truth for the good of all people. But, we must also always remember that our battle is not against flesh and blood. It is against the devil and his minions. The battle can be horrific. But, it must be fought. It will be fought with words and hopefully those words are based on the Word of God. If not, we will lose our part of the battle. We must trust Him to be with us throughout the battle. He will arm us so that we might do His will, doing what is honorable and just in the face of much adversity.   

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 

Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints.

                                                                                   (Eph 6:10-18)

The battle cannot be won without much prayer. Think and pray and act on those good things that please the Lord. Ask and we shall receive the wisdom, the strength, and the courage to proclaim the truth, act justly, to do what is pleasing in His sight so that He will be glorified and praised in all the world. It is not easy. But, it is right. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Armor of God

Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."  (Eph 6:11-12 NRSV)

 

Sometimes, we forget that the battle is not against each other; but, against the spiritual forces that attack every one of us. We forget and when we forget we forget to pray even for our enemies that they might change (repent) and receive the peace of the Lord so that we all might live in peace; so that we all might live in the joy of His presence.

 

Yes, the evil one does manifest himself in humankind and we do find ourselves in conflicts and wars. To protect those who cannot protect themselves there are times that we must engage in physical warfare. But, even in those times the spiritual warfare must be paramount. We can never forget to wear the armor that the Lord has provided for us. We are, at all times and in places, to wear the belt of truth, a breastplate of righteousness, shoes to help us to go out and proclaim the gospel of peace, the shield of faith so that the evil one's arrows will be thwarted, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit (which is the word of God). 

Even as we venture forth wearing this armor we should always and in all places remember to pray. (Eph 6:14-18) Pray in the Spirit that we do the Lord's will and not our own. Pray that God is with us so that the battle will be won and the devil have no power over us or any whom God loves. 

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Slow To Speak; Slow To Anger

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you." (James 1:19-21 NIV)

Slow to become angry or never become angry? James does not tell us that we should never become angry. There are times when we should be very displeased (angry) over events. Righteous anger will motivate us to seek a way to help in a bad situation; not make it worse. An example of righteous anger is when we see someone being bullied or assaulted or otherwise pushed down and we step up to befriend and help that person instead of only being angry at the bully. Righteous anger will stir us to help others; not harm anyone.

Anger tends to beget more anger and nothing fruitful comes out of people attacking each other. We ought, as James advises, to be very slow to speak and very slow to become angry. The words of angry lips can be like a sword in battle causing much damage to lives and to relationships. That damage that can be most permanent.

Rather than anger that seems so prevalent in this day; may the Word of God planted in you, fill you with his peace.

God's Peace - Pr. J  

Happy Birthday USMC & Martin Luther!

Marine Corps Birthday Party; Palm Coast, FL, 2016

Today, my husband and I celebrate two birthdays.

For 46 years, since my husband first joined the United States Marine Corps, we have been observing the birth of United States Marine Corps. Even though he is retired, we still continue to celebrate this birthday in some way with other Marines and their families.

Today, even as I honor my husband and the birth of the United States Marine Corps today, I thank God for the birth of another mighty warrior, Martin Luther. His battle was against the devil and all of Satan's minions.. It was against the false teachings that the devil had introduced to the church at the time. There remains false teachings in the church on earth today. Let down your guard and the devil sneaks them right back in. The battle continues; the battle against forces that would dilute or change the word of God to the harm of all whom God has called; to the harm of all who unknowingly follow false teachers and prophets.

There is a battle being waged in two kingdoms: in this world and in the spiritual realms. Although the battles are waged in different kingdoms and are waged in very different manners; they are not totally separate, for the devil has chosen to bring the spiritual battle to the world around us in order to destroy our love for and our faith in the one true God; in order to destroy our love for humankind. Each of us must choose his battle or if he or she will even fight. May God be with, protect, and bless each and every warrior.

Happy Birthday!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Armor of God

"Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."  Eph 6:11-12 NRSV

Sometimes we forget that the battle is not against each other; but, against the spiritual forces that attack every one of us. We forget and when we forget we forget to pray even for our enemies that they might change (repent) and receive the peace of the Lord so that we all might live in peace; so that we all might live in the joy of His presence.

Yes, the evil one does manifest himself in humankind and we do find ourselves in conflicts and wars. To protect those who cannot protect themselves there are times that we must engage in battle; in physical warfare. But, even in those times, the spiritual warfare must be paramount.

We can never forget to wear the armor that the Lord has provided us. We are, at all times and in places, to wear the belt of truth, a breastplate of righteousness, shoes to help us go out and proclaim the gospel of peace, the shield of faith so that the evil one's arrows will be thwarted, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit (which is the word of God). Even as we venture forth wearing this armor we should always and in all places remember to pray. (Eph 6:14-18) Pray in the Spirit that we do the Lord's will and not our own. Pray that God is with us; that, the battle might be won and that the devil have no power over us or any whom God loves. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Fight The Good Fight; The Right Fight

Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."  Eph 6:11-12 NRSV

 

Sometimes we forget that the battle is not against each other; but, against the spiritual forces that attack every one of us. We often fail to recognize that it is the devil's work to distract us and lead us down wrong paths so that we will not follow in The Way or help others in The Way. He will lead us to infighting to the direct result that we forget that he is the real enemy. He does not want us to live  in the Lord's peace and so we, the whole church on earth, is attacked from within. 

 

Yes, the evil one does manifest himself in humankind and we do find ourselves in conflicts and wars. To protect those who cannot protect themselves there are times that we must engage in physical warfare. But, even in those times the spiritual warfare must be paramount. We can never forget to wear the armor that the Lord has provided us. We are to at all times and in places wear the belt of truth, a breastplate of righteousness, shoes to help us go out and proclaim the gospel of peace, the shield of faith so that the evil one's arrows will be thwarted, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit (which is the word of God). Even as we venture forth wearing this armor we should always and in all places remember to pray. (Eph 6:14-18) Pray in the Spirit that we do the Lord's will and not our own. Pray that God is with us; that, the battle might be won and that the devil have no power over us or any one whom God loves. 

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Rule of Warfare

The officers shall say to the army: “Has anyone built a new house and not yet begun to live in it? Let him go home, or he may die in battle and someone else may begin to live in it. Has anyone planted a vineyard and not begun to enjoy it? Let him go home, or he may die in battle and someone else enjoy it. Has anyone become pledged to a woman and not married her? Let him go home, or he may die in battle and someone else marry her.” Then the officers shall add, “Is anyone afraid or fainthearted? Let him go home so that his fellow soldiers will not become disheartened too.” (Deut 20:5-8 NIV)

Rules of warfare...

Moses reminds the people that when preparing for a battle that anyone who might have a reason not to go into battle fully engaged, fully focused on the battle, is to stay home.  If their minds are going to be wandering back to the wife that they have not yet married or the brand new vineyard that they've planted, they should stay home.  If their hearts are full of fear, they should not go to battle.  Fear begets fear.  Men of faint hearts should not go to battle, because their fears might be passed on to the men who they will stand next to in battle and they both will die. 

I've recently had a lot of reminders that we too are engaged in battle.  It is not a physical battle against flesh and blood.  We are engaged in a spiritual battle against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.  (Eph 6:12)  We are engaged in battle whether we like it or not, but I fear that we are not always truly prepared to participate in that battle and so the enemy has had the advantage.  Our minds and hearts have been focused elsewhere.  They have been focused on more worldly battles with our neighbors rather than the spiritual forces that have caused dissensions and divisions among us. 

I should probably be using the word I rather than we - maybe you have been much more fully engaged in this battle than I am. It is not that I have given up on being engaged in this spiritual battle.  It is more like other things have caused me to focus my time and energy elsewhere and sadly, I have to admit, that I have not been as fully engaged as I should be. 

At my last congregation in Michigan, just about every time the lesson regarding the parable that Jesus tells of the great banquet that people refused to attend, the choir sang a song about being invited to the banquet and making excuses that goes something like this:  "I cannot come to the banquet.  Don't bother me now.  I have married a wife.  I have bought me a cow..."  When we cannot (do not) go to the banquet table that Jesus has prepared for us, when we do not hear his word regularly to be refreshed; renewed; empowered; how can we be prepared for spiritual battle?
  
Paul gave to the Ephesians (6:13-18) and us guidelines as to how we can be prepared for and enter into for spiritual battle: 

Therefore take up the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness.  As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace.  With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints. 

The next time you feel like you are in a war with your neighbor or maybe a family member, remember that there is more going on than meets the eye.  There is a spiritual battle being waged and if we allow ourselves to be engaged in the war that is before our eyes, we will be distracted from doing battle in the heavenly realms where the real battle is actually taking place.  What you see with your eyes may be only a symptom of the spiritual war taking place.

Put on the armor that God has given to you, keep alert and persevere in supplication for all the saints (whether you recognize them as saints or not!).  

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Lord Contends

But this is what the Lord says:

“Yes, captives will be taken from warriors,
    and plunder retrieved from the fierce;
I will contend with those who contend with you,
    and your children I will save.

Isaiah 49:25

Every morning I pray: "Contend with those who contend with me" and "Open the eyes and ears and hearts of all whom I love so that they will be saved." Like the persistent widow these requests have been lifted up daily for years. I am confident that my prayers are being answered. Even though it doesn't always appear to be so; even though others may think at times that the battle is lost; I know that the Lord hears my prayers and answers according to His good will for all people.

Yesterday, at our book study we discussed the "prayer of the forsaken." One of the biggest fears of many parents is to loose their children to the evil one. It is heart-breaking to watch them fall of the path and so we pray and then we pray some more for them to turn back to the One who can save them.

Last night as I was listening to various sermons on YouTube, one of the preachers spoke on this verse from Isaiah. He reconfirmed my belief that God is with all who believe for their and their family's good. He will contend with those who contend with us. We do not have to contend with them. Stand firm, yes. But, fall back, no. Stand firmly on His word confident that God will contend with the evil that threatens to destroy our families, all whom He loves.

May God help us to stand firmly on His word. He is no less for us, than He was for David, our rock, our fortress and our deliverer; our God is our rock, in whom we take refuge, our shield and the horn of our salvation. He is our stronghold, our refuge and savior - from violent people He saves us. (2 Sam 22:2-3)

God's Peace - Pr. J