Learning War

I don't have a lot to say today and I believe that when I don't feel moved to say anything to just be quiet.
So with that I am posting a very timely Gentle Shepherd snap and continue where I left off last week with that thread....

Love & prayers,
Judy


Reading: Joel 3:9



LEARNING WAR



The world is winding down to a climax—that of war. Sadly, the world does not know how to live in peace. Many who seek power and are aggressive, only learn how to war against others. These individuals rage against what they do not agree with or will serve their purpose. They may do it in the name of religion or great causes. However, such raging has nothing to do with what is right, but rather with these people trying to establish their own reality under the dark cloud of sin and delusion. Therefore, people wage war against those who will not comply with them according to their particular reality.

The God we serve is a God of peace, but when His holiness is being opposed and defiled by the sons of disobedience, these individuals will find themselves tasting of His judgment or wrath.

The question is what must we as God’s people prepare to do in this time? As His branch, we must be prepared for testing. Testing will serve as a means to prune us. The greatest test will be learning to stand when war rages. We need to stand for truth so that there will be a light that is able to bring contrast, direction and hope to those in darkness. We need to stand in confidence of who our God is so nothing will move us from our life in Him. We need to withstand the onslaught that may come against us in faith, according to the promises of God.

It is in such testing that the quality of the fruit of our lives will be made obvious. The taste we must leave in people’s lives must be distinct and recognizable. They must know that we are standing for that which is righteous and acceptable to the Lord.

As Christians, we are called to live at peace with others as much as it is within our means to do so, but we cannot compromise with darkness at any point. Therefore, we must learn what it means to fight the good fight of prayer, faith and hope.



Prayer: Lord, we must learn to stand in You, while others learn war. Lord, prepare me to stand on You, regardless of how great the battle or conflict may be. Amen.

©2008 Rayola Kelley, Gentle Shepherd Ministries. Permission is granted for
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