Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – March 21, 2016
To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. Revelation 3:21
Soldiers are my heroes—those who fight for freedom and assure domestic tranquility. Some are newly enlisted on their way to book camp, a few are enrolled in officer’s school, others provide technical support or manage administrative details—and then there are the fighters on the frontline—daily putting their life on the line. Some live, some die—but all sacrifice. War is ugly, messy and hellish in its fierce engagements. The best battles are fought to better the world and to rid civilization of evil forces. Wars can be won by unified forces and by the favor of God.
John describes a scene in heaven where the final battle has been fought, weapons cease to exist, weary bodies are in repose, minds are not churning with activity and emotions are at ease. Because Jesus fought the good fight while He lived on earth, He now reigns with His Father in heaven. Christ overcame the devil’s temptations so we might overcome the devil’s temptations. He conquered evil with good, so we can conquer evil with good. He endured suffering that we might endure suffering. Jesus lived, died and came to life—so we can live, die and come to life!
“Fight the good fight of the faith [in the conflict with evil]; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and [for which] you made the good confession [of faith] in the presence of many witnesses” (1 Timothy 6:12, AMP).
Is fighting for a relationship a battlefront that you need to reengage? It may be for your marriage, a child, a parent or friend. Relational passivity is not optional—because love initiates. So, learn to fight fair for the one you love—but fight! Quiet resentment is as bad or worse than screeching demands. Do not shock them like an emotional stealth bomber or blow them away with a verbal machine gun. Rather fight for their affection by serving and loving them in ways that make them feel valued. You fight a good fight when you feel their heart—you assume the best.
So, how do you know if you are engaged in fighting the good fight with God? On your knees in prayer is the weapon your enemy fears the most. Prayer can go places you may be unable to go: school, political arenas, business trips, mission fields, hospitals, retirement homes and hearts. Prayer aligns your heart of love with the Lord’s heart of love, your heart of humility with His heart of humility. Love gives strength from above and humility gives unlimited access to His grace. Fight with God’s weapons, not with the world’s defeated arsenal. With Jesus you reign!
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Exodus 14:14).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I rely on Your weapons of warfare: humility, grace and love in prayer.Application
Who do I need to love where they are and trust God to lead them where they need to be?Related Reading
Numbers 32:27; 1 Samuel 25:28; John 18:36; Acts 5:39; 2 Timothy 4:7Post/Tweet today
Relational passivity is not optional—because love initiates. #WisdomHunters #fightwellWorship Resource
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