Continuing Michael’s message
on Spiritual Battles, he asks: If someone calls you a Christian, will there be enough
evidence to convict you? If we’re not being rebuked, it’s not because we don’t
need it, it’s just because they think you can’t take it. The word of God is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, and
correction, for instruction in righteousness. We should thank God when our
brothers and sisters in Christ or even the World reproves and corrects us.
Trials and tribulations reveal who we are and what we really believe. For tribulation works patience and patience
experience, and experience hope, and hope makes not ashamed because the love of
God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given to us.
Our fight is not against
flesh and blood. It’s not against male and female, Republicans and
Democrats, Liberals and Conservatives, haves and have-nots. We’re in the midst
of a spiritual battle. Are we fearful about our finances? Are we fearful
about our relationships? Are we fearful about losing our material
possessions? The Word of God says, God
is our sufficiency. To rely on God, he says give of your finances and God
will bless you. According to Corinthians, give not of necessity, but
cheerfully for God loves a cheerful giver. The world will praise us
for doing the right thing. The World thinks that it’s exceptional to love
the unlovable, to turn the other cheek, to go the second mile, and to
recompense no man evil for evil. However, this is the norm for those who
are following after Christ.
Through the trial God will
ask, “no matter the outcome of this
situation, will you still purpose in your heart to love, honor and serve me.” Either
God is in control or He’s not. Jesus said, be not weary in well doing, for in due season you shall reap if you
faint not. Through pain and suffering the Apostle Paul came to
understand, “Thy strength is made perfect
in my weakness, thy grace is sufficient for me.”
According to 2
Timothy 2, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that
needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun
profane and vain babbling: for they will increase unto more
ungodliness. Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection
is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. Nevertheless, the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal, The
Lord knows them that are his. And let everyone that names the name of Christ
depart from iniquity.”
The spiritual warfare is a
gift to bear up under suffering in His power and not ours. By God’s grace He
has given us today to live in fellowship with Him, with our Lord Jesus Christ,
and one with another in the household of faith.
May we ever live to the
praise of the glory of His grace!
Your brother in Christ, Michael
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