"A fight to the finish" Devotional for June - Week Three

We are in the middle of a war. This war is not quickly won, nor is it easy to endure.

It's a battle for the hearts and minds of people. They are key to building a foundation for generations to come.

Every moment of every day we live, there is the possibility of an attack. We stand behind a great force to protect us against this evil.

We are engaging in warfare, but the battles are not just fought in the middle east. The fight is brought home to us... constantly.

No matter your personal opinion on the war on terror in Iraq and Afghanistan, there are similarities between this war, and the one that faithful Christians fight with vigor and pride against the forces of evil that permeate our households, neighborhoods, schools, workplace, and yes, even our churches!

For every soldier that fights, there are civilians that support their efforts, but there are also many who are growing indifferent to the cause, as well as those who are already anti-war.

There are some churches and ministries that operate like a military base. They train soldiers hard by stressing physical, emotional, and spiritual discipline, obedience to your superiors, teamwork, and knowing how the enemy fights.

The soldiers protect our homeland, but also go forth into the world to fight the enemy there too. These "bases" are often locally supported by citizens that may not fight the frontlines of the battles, but support the soldiers in their words and deeds (personal care, financial support, or otherwise).

Then there are some other churches that are not as supportive. They are only worried about themselves and not fighting the enemy abroad. If the enemy comes at them first, they might strike back, but by then it's already too late.

Such churches foster a false "peace" that wishes to "unite" and not "divide". They wish to placate the enemy, rather than fight them. They give in to the whims and demands of the enemy, thinking that's how they'll continue to prosper, when in reality they have signed their surrender.

Ephesians 6 says,

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Like almost any other war (or a game of Risk), it's a war for control of territory. All one has to do is look at the Christian church in Europe and see where the Judeo-Christian culture has raised the white flag to secularism and radical muslims. We can look at the news today and see where our country is not far behind... that is, unless we do something about it!

But remember, that our fellow man is not our enemy. If they are not in the "Lord's army", they are merely prisoners of war that are brainwashed to fight for the devil's side. Our social liberal and homosexual neighbors (in addition to our Mormon and Jehovah Witness ones) are such an example of this. Our fight is not against them, but satan!

Lastly, unlike the war on terror, this war has already been won by Jesus Christ! But the battles are still raging! It is important to keep up the fight, because there are still many souls and territories to be won!

Pray that we can find more soldiers to enlist! (This includes you!)

Pray that we can win influence over those who are lukewarm in their support! (This may include you!)

Pray for our ministers that fight locally!

Pray for our leaders that fight nationally!

Pray for our missionaries and military that fight abroad!

Pray that we rightly fight back the forces of evil that come at us personally!

Amen!

Great devotion this week Brother Chris! This is a topic we all need to understand and be aware of. We are in precious moments during these current times and we all need to be praying for divine authority and victory for God's people.