Fighting the Good Fight of the Faith
Fighting the Good Fight of the Faith
As I wrote a few months ago, I always want the content of this email to be encouraging. If you stick with me until the final paragraph, I think we can navigate some hard realities and still find ourselves upbeat and strengthened for the work that God has called us to do. We are in the fight of our lives, but God designed us for this task!
Since I began making notes for this newsletter, war has broken out in Israel. We have been saddened and overwhelmed by the images of death and suffering. We are tempted to feel powerless. As a Christian, the fact that this conflict commenced on the 50th anniversary of Yom Kippur and in the land of Promise, makes this event take on a special significance.
This is not the only war happening, for I have Armenian sisters in Christ who have been crying out to God for Him to intervene in their native land. This conflict with Azerbaijan commenced in September yet has not received the media coverage of the war between Israel and Hamas. It is tragic and deplorable and too many in high places have turned their back on the plight of the Armenians.
On the Home Front
A week ago today, I joined thousands of other Pennsylvanians to March for Life around our state capitol in Harrisburg. This rally began with worship, then inspirational speakers, followed by a united march around the capitol building. While we know that thousands of people have died in the wars in Israel and Armenia, over 2,000 babies are brutally murdered each day in the United States alone.
As I ponder the staggering numbers of babies that have lost their life in their mother’s womb, I am almost overwhelmed. As we marched half way around the Capitol Building, we passed a beautiful fountain, except the water was pink. This image brought to mind the blood of babies. Instead of being overwhelmed it is at then that I need to get my eyes back on God and cry to Him for help. So I continue purposefully walking, praying, quoting Scripture, binding the strong man, and singing triumphant hymns of worship in faith.
God is Alive
We are in a war on all fronts. Yet I am not discouraged, for I can do something about it. I know that “the weapons of our warfare are not physical, but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds.” (2 Corinthians 10:4) I am also convinced that “greater is He that is in you(us), than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)
Recently I was asked about my response to the war in Israel. It is the same as my thoughts about the war in Armenia and the battle for the lives of millions of unborn babies, the only one who is happy with death is the devil who comes to steal, kill, and destroy. He is the ultimate enemy. It is not corrupt doctors or politicians it is the devil himself. Paul declares, “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)
Binding the Strong Man
The best thing we can do, is follow the strategy outlined by Jesus. “How can someone enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? Then indeed he may plunder/ransack his house.” (Matthew 12:29) He gave us a glimpse into the scope of the battle when He taught us, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:19)
Praying, believing, binding, and loosing is a hidden work. A vitally important work. It is the work of faith. “They said to Him, ‘What must we do, to be doing the works of God?’ Jesus answered them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in Him Whom He has sent.’” (John 6:28-29)
Praying as Never Before
We have an enemy and he needs to be resisted and bound. Regularly. Systematically. Intentionally. We must each “Fight the good fight of the faith” (1 Timothy 6:12) This past year God has led me to pray in new ways. At His leading, I am devoting time and energy twice each day to pray, ask, believe, and bind. I sense a renewed purpose and commitment to spiritual warfare. I believe I have been designed to be a worshipping warrior. The Spirit of God helps me to pray and believe each time we meet.
Whether I see an answer right away does not dissuade me. I am encouraged to keep at because each of my prayers of faith are being stored in a golden censer, “Another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a golden censer; and much incense was given to him, so that he might add it to the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel’s hand.” (Revelation 8:3-4)
Rise Up O Men of God
Not only has God led me to bind the devil and fight against the forces of hell, He has also led me to “Loose.” “Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 18:18).
Loosing is believing and asking God to have His kingdom come and His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. One particular prayer I pray is for God to restore men. I am convinced that it is God’s will for men to step up to the plate in a new and powerful way. The restoration of men begins with a turning of our hearts towards God and then towards our families. Only God can turn hearts, and I am asking Him to do just that based on Malachi 4:6, “he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children.”
Men not only play a key role in our homes, they impact all of creation. “The creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.” (Romans 8:19). The world, the flesh, and the devil are allied against Spirit-filled men of God. Nevertheless God is at work and He responds to the prayers of faith of His people.
For All God’s People
Whether man or woman, young or old, this passage applies to all of God’s children, “Let the high praises of God be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands, to execute vengeance on the nations and punishments on the peoples, to bind their kings with chains and their nobles with fetters of iron, to execute on them the judgment written! This honor have all His saints.” (Psalm 149:6-9)
If you are inclined “to pray and not lose heart“ (Luke 18:1) consider listening to podcasts #362-374 on Spiritual Warfare. I hope you will join me in this calling and quest.
Shifting Gears and Sharing a Helpful Resource
I met Lindsey in Texas this past summer. She is a committed homeschool mom and a talented artist. She creates pages with a Scripture verse for her children to color. I am posting one for John 10:14 below. What do you think? Would you like some more? If so reach out to Lindsey at thesacredmundane87@gmail.com.
Podcasts:
These are posted weekly here and on Facebook.
372 O Magnify the Lord
373 The Name of Jesus
374 Jesus, Our Merciful and Faithful High Priest
375 Faith, the Assurance and Conviction
376 God Oozes Faithfulness
377 The Power of Song
378 The Outpouring of the Spirit
379 Shalom
380 El Shaddai
Pressing On until every knee bows and every tongue confesses that Jesus is Lord!
Steve
