A Time of War

 Ecc 3:8
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

Today we remember those who fought for our country and our freedom. Soldiers of war who gave their lives so that we may live our lives in freedom. It is sad that there has to be a time of war. A time when we have to stand up and fight for what is right. And in many cases, standing for what is right means giving up life. The fight between good over evil is seen in every society throughout history. Destroying life to save life seems contradictory, but we are surrounded by evil, and evil does not desire compromise. It seeks to destroy and oppress. It desires dominion and instills fear in others and the masses. This, unfortunately, is reality. Solomon recognized as long as evil was present in this world, that war would exist. Jesus some day will return to earth, set up His Kingdom, and all war will cease and peace will reign. But until then, kingdoms will rise above the kingdoms, and those who desire to rule and conquer will continue to force their will and threaten the freedoms of others. 
In our spiritual life, we also fight a war. This war is not against flesh and blood, but we wrestle (fight) “against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”(Eph 6:12) We fight for our spiritual freedom in Christ. Satan desires to bring us back into bondage to sin. God has promised to fight our battles for us. In time of war, we can put our trust in the One who will lead us to victory. “Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before! Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe; Forward into battle, see His banner go!“ Fight the good fight of faith!

Be Strong and Good Courage

 Joshua 1:9
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee wherever you go.

Joshua was given a great responsibility. He was asked to fill some pretty big shoes. Moses, a man chosen by God to bring Israel out of Egypt just died, and mourning of his death has come to an end. But, God was not done bringing a full deliverance to Israel. Joshua, a warrior, no stranger to battle was now in charge. His marching orders were to conquer the land before him. For such a time as this, Joshua was God’s vessel, the man He would work through to accomplish His will. Like Joshua, God has a work for each one of us to fill, it may seem difficult and impossible, but He has not left us to do it alone. He encourages us to be strong, don’t be discouraged, and fear what others may do or say. If God has spoken to your heart, He has promised to be with you. Obey the voice of God, step out in faith and believe that “He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. (Eph 3;20). Be strong and of good courage, we serve a mighty God who will not leave us or forsake us.