I'm very grateful to God for my friends and the shared experiences I have gotten to have with different people.
I'm reading John chapter 6 this morning and watching Jesus weed out His acquaintances. He had no middle ground. You were either for Him or against Him.
"When many of his disciples heard it, they said, 'This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?'
But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were grumbling about this, said to them, 'Do you take offense at this? Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But there are some of you who do not believe.' (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.) And he said, 'This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.'
After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him." - John 6:60-66 ESV
Ouch.
"So Jesus said to the Twelve, 'Do you want to go away as well?'
Simon Peter answered him, 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.'
Jesus answered them, 'Did I not choose you, the Twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.' He spoke of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the Twelve, was going to betray him." - John 6:67-71 ESV
Wow. Before this Jesus was talking about the need to 'eat His flesh and drink His blood' and He phrased it the way He did to purposely make trouble.
He wasn't tiptoeing around.
I love what Peter says. Peter is friend who was given by God the Father. Peter was eating and drinking the substance of who Christ was with open eyes. I think He was as offended by the thought of cannibalism as any of the people who left but Peter valued Christ in a way that caused Him to hold on anyways.
We don't have to be friends with everyone.
We make a choice to be a friend to people and it is a good choice to make but not everyone is our friend and that is fine. God is our friend.
"A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." - Proverbs 18:24 ESV
He isn't going to leave us. He also isn't afraid to tell us how it is as needed in situations. This love lack sentimentality but has tenderness, care and ironclad commitment.
--
Friday, May 29, 2015
Thursday, May 28, 2015
Identifying The People
Ok. Who are the people involved in the following passage?
"Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs. When I came to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ, even though a door was opened for me in the Lord, my spirit was not at rest because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I took leave of them and went on to Macedonia. But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?" - 2 Corinthians 2:10-16 ESV
Paul is the writer. Then we have the people of Troas and Macedonia. Titus is mentioned. We also have Jesus (spoken of using His title as anointed Messiah) and we also have Satan.
We can visualize the groups and make sketch in our minds then draw arrows linking these people and places. We can visualize Paul (who has been given an open door) in Troas. He is preaching but he is missing Titus. He understands the dynamic of fellowship in ministry. He longs for Spirit filled comradery.
'I wish I had fellowship here.' He says, 'Wouldn't it be great if Titus was here.'
So Paul leaves Troas and goes to Macedonia and the aroma of Christ follows Paul to the next place. Fellowship has this unique smell. The message has a certain sound. Jesus is traveling with Paul. Jesus is also with Titus in a different place at the same time.
People is these place are smelling the procession. It is one smell but some get a whiff and say deep inside themselves, 'Death. That smells like my death.' and others smell life. It is like a song that they remember from long ago awakening memories and feelings that register on a barely conscious level.
Paul knows that Satan has techniques designed to hinder and destroy. Unforgiveness is one. Isolation. Doing for doing's sake is another. He is aware that there is an invisible warfare going on around him and the people he visits.
Now back to us.
Who are the people we will face today? There are ones we know about and ones we hope will show up. Satan has devices and without magnifying them we live in awareness of them.
Jesus Is here. Hallelujah! (Wow. I want to take a moment to savor that reality.)
.. Hallelujah!
... We worship You. Jesus. Our Jesus. King Jesus. The Alpha and Omega. Our Jesus.
He is here as we read. He here here as we get ready. He Is with us all day long and won't leave us. Because of that our life has a unique smell that others will respond to on an unconscious level and we are aware of that also.
Forgiveness is a big part of today's plan. Being lead and taught by God is going to happen.
We can have a prayerful preparation before we go into the day. Then we can roll with the surprises as they come. {smile}
--
"Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs. When I came to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ, even though a door was opened for me in the Lord, my spirit was not at rest because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I took leave of them and went on to Macedonia. But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?" - 2 Corinthians 2:10-16 ESV
Paul is the writer. Then we have the people of Troas and Macedonia. Titus is mentioned. We also have Jesus (spoken of using His title as anointed Messiah) and we also have Satan.
We can visualize the groups and make sketch in our minds then draw arrows linking these people and places. We can visualize Paul (who has been given an open door) in Troas. He is preaching but he is missing Titus. He understands the dynamic of fellowship in ministry. He longs for Spirit filled comradery.
'I wish I had fellowship here.' He says, 'Wouldn't it be great if Titus was here.'
So Paul leaves Troas and goes to Macedonia and the aroma of Christ follows Paul to the next place. Fellowship has this unique smell. The message has a certain sound. Jesus is traveling with Paul. Jesus is also with Titus in a different place at the same time.
People is these place are smelling the procession. It is one smell but some get a whiff and say deep inside themselves, 'Death. That smells like my death.' and others smell life. It is like a song that they remember from long ago awakening memories and feelings that register on a barely conscious level.
Paul knows that Satan has techniques designed to hinder and destroy. Unforgiveness is one. Isolation. Doing for doing's sake is another. He is aware that there is an invisible warfare going on around him and the people he visits.
Now back to us.
Who are the people we will face today? There are ones we know about and ones we hope will show up. Satan has devices and without magnifying them we live in awareness of them.
Jesus Is here. Hallelujah! (Wow. I want to take a moment to savor that reality.)
.. Hallelujah!
... We worship You. Jesus. Our Jesus. King Jesus. The Alpha and Omega. Our Jesus.
He is here as we read. He here here as we get ready. He Is with us all day long and won't leave us. Because of that our life has a unique smell that others will respond to on an unconscious level and we are aware of that also.
Forgiveness is a big part of today's plan. Being lead and taught by God is going to happen.
We can have a prayerful preparation before we go into the day. Then we can roll with the surprises as they come. {smile}
--
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Leviathan Is A Fresh Water Creature
"You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." - Matthew 5:13-16 ESV
I often think of this concept that there is a world system that has been declared as the enemy of the believer.
"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world - the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life - is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever." - 1 John 2:15-17 ESV
"Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory." - Matthew 4:8 ESV
"As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful." - Matthew 13:22 ESV
"And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness." - 1 John 5:19 KJV
It is almost like a plot out of a science fiction film. The idea that humanity exudes or is swimming in something diabolical and does not even know it. The last verse in 1 John makes the claim that we know that the world is like this. Someone who has faith in Christ looks around and realizes quickly that the culture they are in is much darker than the faith they have.
Can we rid ourselves from this 'world' that the Bible speaks of? People try. They try to pass or establish Biblically based laws and impose structure that is anti-world. America was formed by people who left Europe and many of them had this idea and wove it into the fabric of the national cloth. Salty people with a salty world view made for an incredible success story.
"Can you draw out Leviathan with a fishhook or press down his tongue with a cord? Can you put a rope in his nose or pierce his jaw with a hook? Will he make many pleas to you? Will he speak to you soft words?... Lay your hands on him; remember the battle - you will not do it again!" - Job 41:1-3, 8 ESV
But, The world isn't passive and cords can't bind leviathan. The cords won't bind him for long. In His element he is the master.
I just want to quote the first verse again because I think it holds the answer for us.
"You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." - Matthew 5:13-16 ESV
Salt and light are the answer. The cosmos (world) does not function well in salt and light. Leviathan is a fresh water creature.
"Whoever diligently seeks good seeks favor, but evil comes to him who searches for it. Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf. Whoever troubles his own household will inherit the wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart. The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise." - Proverbs 11:27-30 ESV
Changing rules must always be secondary to the great cause of changing hearts and minds. If people with changed minds can get a foothold in society they will change the rules as protection against the darkness they used to know but now disdain.
This principle is true for the individual also. More and stricter rules will not transform me. Salt and light will preserve and change me. Spending time with salty people will make me saltier. Exposure to the light of grace teaching and practical compassion will cause my values to change.
Don't we want to enter the bland situation and bring the presence of God into it? It won't be our personality that accomplishes that. It will be us co-laboring with God that does it.
I want to live salty and die salty.
--
I often think of this concept that there is a world system that has been declared as the enemy of the believer.
"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world - the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life - is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever." - 1 John 2:15-17 ESV
"Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory." - Matthew 4:8 ESV
"As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful." - Matthew 13:22 ESV
"And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness." - 1 John 5:19 KJV
It is almost like a plot out of a science fiction film. The idea that humanity exudes or is swimming in something diabolical and does not even know it. The last verse in 1 John makes the claim that we know that the world is like this. Someone who has faith in Christ looks around and realizes quickly that the culture they are in is much darker than the faith they have.
Can we rid ourselves from this 'world' that the Bible speaks of? People try. They try to pass or establish Biblically based laws and impose structure that is anti-world. America was formed by people who left Europe and many of them had this idea and wove it into the fabric of the national cloth. Salty people with a salty world view made for an incredible success story.
"Can you draw out Leviathan with a fishhook or press down his tongue with a cord? Can you put a rope in his nose or pierce his jaw with a hook? Will he make many pleas to you? Will he speak to you soft words?... Lay your hands on him; remember the battle - you will not do it again!" - Job 41:1-3, 8 ESV
But, The world isn't passive and cords can't bind leviathan. The cords won't bind him for long. In His element he is the master.
I just want to quote the first verse again because I think it holds the answer for us.
"You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." - Matthew 5:13-16 ESV
Salt and light are the answer. The cosmos (world) does not function well in salt and light. Leviathan is a fresh water creature.
"Whoever diligently seeks good seeks favor, but evil comes to him who searches for it. Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf. Whoever troubles his own household will inherit the wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart. The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise." - Proverbs 11:27-30 ESV
Changing rules must always be secondary to the great cause of changing hearts and minds. If people with changed minds can get a foothold in society they will change the rules as protection against the darkness they used to know but now disdain.
This principle is true for the individual also. More and stricter rules will not transform me. Salt and light will preserve and change me. Spending time with salty people will make me saltier. Exposure to the light of grace teaching and practical compassion will cause my values to change.
Don't we want to enter the bland situation and bring the presence of God into it? It won't be our personality that accomplishes that. It will be us co-laboring with God that does it.
I want to live salty and die salty.
--
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
The Work Of The Lord And Our Labors Of Love
Let the finished work of Christ overflow in your life.
"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." - 1 Corinthians 15:57-58 ESV
The Greek word there for abounding is Perisseuo (Strong's G4052) and it speaks of an overflow. It isn't an overflow of what we have done in some kind of Christian service. It is the overflow of what Christ has done. Jesus' victory has an overflow.
The phrase 'the work of the Lord' uses the word Ergon (G2041) and this is the work of a business. A business is there to make a profit. That is why it exists. Jesus' victory is a profitable one. It has an overflowing pay out.
The 'labor' spoken of that is not in vain uses Kopos (G2873) and this speaks of an emotionally involved labor that is the result of trouble of some kind. It isn't profitable. It is hoping to minimize loss. It is the labor of stacking up sand bang so that an area won't be flooded or of driving all night to be with someone in trouble and help them.
I love that the person who Is laboring must remain steadfast and immovable. They won't leave the spot where Jesus died, was buried and rose again. They live and have power because He Is risen and seated at the right hand of His Father.
Oh, That helps me put things in perspective. I can worship God because the victory has already been won! I have lists of things to do this week that need to be done but I am not doing them to gain something. I have a victory that overflows that I can be steadfast in. I go to work so that I can put gas in my car so that I can drive all night and stack sand bags. I labor so that I can be in front of people to tell them about Jesus to recover something that could be lost.
We can start the day thanking God and then refuse to let trouble move us away from that thankful state of mind. If we begin to stray we can return. That is the place of power and overflow. We are victorious ones when we won't be moved from Christ's victory.
--
"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." - 1 Corinthians 15:57-58 ESV
The Greek word there for abounding is Perisseuo (Strong's G4052) and it speaks of an overflow. It isn't an overflow of what we have done in some kind of Christian service. It is the overflow of what Christ has done. Jesus' victory has an overflow.
The phrase 'the work of the Lord' uses the word Ergon (G2041) and this is the work of a business. A business is there to make a profit. That is why it exists. Jesus' victory is a profitable one. It has an overflowing pay out.
The 'labor' spoken of that is not in vain uses Kopos (G2873) and this speaks of an emotionally involved labor that is the result of trouble of some kind. It isn't profitable. It is hoping to minimize loss. It is the labor of stacking up sand bang so that an area won't be flooded or of driving all night to be with someone in trouble and help them.
I love that the person who Is laboring must remain steadfast and immovable. They won't leave the spot where Jesus died, was buried and rose again. They live and have power because He Is risen and seated at the right hand of His Father.
Oh, That helps me put things in perspective. I can worship God because the victory has already been won! I have lists of things to do this week that need to be done but I am not doing them to gain something. I have a victory that overflows that I can be steadfast in. I go to work so that I can put gas in my car so that I can drive all night and stack sand bags. I labor so that I can be in front of people to tell them about Jesus to recover something that could be lost.
We can start the day thanking God and then refuse to let trouble move us away from that thankful state of mind. If we begin to stray we can return. That is the place of power and overflow. We are victorious ones when we won't be moved from Christ's victory.
--
Monday, May 25, 2015
A Day To Remember
Today is day of memory. Today is a day to honor.
"Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy." - Exodus 20:8 KJV
One of the ten commandments is a mandate to remember something. God didn't just set aside a day for man to rest. We are to remember rest on the other six days as well.
Today we remember the fallen soldiers that served the military of the United States of America. Soldiers who left their homes to serve and paid the ultimate price.
Memory is funny. The last few years quickly becomes our frame of reference. If they have been hard then life seems hard. If they have been happy then life seems happy. If you have lost someone recently than perhaps the wound is painful. Life is more then what has happened recently. We have more then is visible to the naked eye.
Today is a day to look back and remember those who we have no way of seeing in person and honor them and it stretches us beyond what has happened recently into the courage and grit of what has gone before. We do not honor just one person. We honor many people. The wound turns to admiration. Our loss has a purpose and we remember that.
God, Make us a courageous generation that mirrors the valor of those who have paid the price for our current freedom.
God bless America.
--
"Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy." - Exodus 20:8 KJV
One of the ten commandments is a mandate to remember something. God didn't just set aside a day for man to rest. We are to remember rest on the other six days as well.
Today we remember the fallen soldiers that served the military of the United States of America. Soldiers who left their homes to serve and paid the ultimate price.
Memory is funny. The last few years quickly becomes our frame of reference. If they have been hard then life seems hard. If they have been happy then life seems happy. If you have lost someone recently than perhaps the wound is painful. Life is more then what has happened recently. We have more then is visible to the naked eye.
Today is a day to look back and remember those who we have no way of seeing in person and honor them and it stretches us beyond what has happened recently into the courage and grit of what has gone before. We do not honor just one person. We honor many people. The wound turns to admiration. Our loss has a purpose and we remember that.
God, Make us a courageous generation that mirrors the valor of those who have paid the price for our current freedom.
God bless America.
--
Friday, May 22, 2015
A Verse For A Friday
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone" - Galatians 6:9-10a ESV
Well, This Is a nice verse to end the work week on.
Today is another day to live in hope!
--
Well, This Is a nice verse to end the work week on.
Today is another day to live in hope!
--
Thursday, May 21, 2015
A Clean Victory
There are issues that we face and the only true offense we can take against them is to praise God. On one level this sounds crazy. Shouldn't we be like action heroes and grab what is on hand and face the enemy with all we have in us. So what if the odds are against us. That is what we have been taught but is there a better way?
"Did you not, our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel, and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? And they have lived in it and have built for you in it a sanctuary for your name, saying, 'If disaster comes upon us, the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we will stand before this house and before you - for your name is in this house - and cry out to you in our affliction, and you will hear and save.' And now behold, the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir, whom you would not let Israel invade when they came from the land of Egypt, and whom they avoided and did not destroy - behold, they reward us by coming to drive us out of your possession, which you have given us to inherit. O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.'" - 2 Chronicles 20:7-12 ESV
In this case God had held them back from dealing with these people groups and there are things and people we can't deal with head on also. Something prevents us from doing it.
If you have a family you have faced these kinds of things haven't you? If you have had a job?
"And they rose early in the morning and went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. And when they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, 'Hear me, Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be established; believe his prophets, and you will succeed.' And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the LORD and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say, 'Give thanks to the LORD, for his steadfast love endures forever.' And when they began to sing and praise, the LORD set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed. For the men of Ammon and Moab rose against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, devoting them to destruction, and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, they all helped to destroy one another. When Judah came to the watchtower of the wilderness, they looked toward the horde, and behold, there were dead bodies lying on the ground; none had escaped. When Jehoshaphat and his people came to take their spoil, they found among them, in great numbers, goods, clothing, and precious things, which they took for themselves until they could carry no more. They were three days in taking the spoil, it was so much." - 2 Chronicles 20:20-25 ESV
We worship and our enemies destroy each other. We are left with a treasure and no blood on our hands. Perhaps there is a mess to clean up but we have not been the ones to cause the mess.
"They came to Jerusalem with harps and lyres and trumpets, to the house of the LORD. And the fear of God came on all the kingdoms of the countries when they heard that the LORD had fought against the enemies of Israel." - 2 Chronicles 20:28-29 ESV
"Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." - Matthew 10:16 KJV
"That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;" - Philippians 2:15 KJV
Instead of putting our weapons out on the table and loading them with ammunition to assess our strength we have the great privilege of taking out our musical instruments and tuning them for a day of worship.
There is a balance. Israel used the sword to take the land in the first place and there are times we must fight and we would be fools not to but that should be the exception and not the rule.
Worship may be the last thing we feel like doing in some situations but when our hands are tied it is the only way we can get a true clean victory.
--
"Did you not, our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel, and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? And they have lived in it and have built for you in it a sanctuary for your name, saying, 'If disaster comes upon us, the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we will stand before this house and before you - for your name is in this house - and cry out to you in our affliction, and you will hear and save.' And now behold, the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir, whom you would not let Israel invade when they came from the land of Egypt, and whom they avoided and did not destroy - behold, they reward us by coming to drive us out of your possession, which you have given us to inherit. O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.'" - 2 Chronicles 20:7-12 ESV
In this case God had held them back from dealing with these people groups and there are things and people we can't deal with head on also. Something prevents us from doing it.
If you have a family you have faced these kinds of things haven't you? If you have had a job?
"And they rose early in the morning and went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. And when they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, 'Hear me, Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be established; believe his prophets, and you will succeed.' And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the LORD and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say, 'Give thanks to the LORD, for his steadfast love endures forever.' And when they began to sing and praise, the LORD set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed. For the men of Ammon and Moab rose against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, devoting them to destruction, and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, they all helped to destroy one another. When Judah came to the watchtower of the wilderness, they looked toward the horde, and behold, there were dead bodies lying on the ground; none had escaped. When Jehoshaphat and his people came to take their spoil, they found among them, in great numbers, goods, clothing, and precious things, which they took for themselves until they could carry no more. They were three days in taking the spoil, it was so much." - 2 Chronicles 20:20-25 ESV
We worship and our enemies destroy each other. We are left with a treasure and no blood on our hands. Perhaps there is a mess to clean up but we have not been the ones to cause the mess.
"They came to Jerusalem with harps and lyres and trumpets, to the house of the LORD. And the fear of God came on all the kingdoms of the countries when they heard that the LORD had fought against the enemies of Israel." - 2 Chronicles 20:28-29 ESV
"Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." - Matthew 10:16 KJV
"That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;" - Philippians 2:15 KJV
Instead of putting our weapons out on the table and loading them with ammunition to assess our strength we have the great privilege of taking out our musical instruments and tuning them for a day of worship.
There is a balance. Israel used the sword to take the land in the first place and there are times we must fight and we would be fools not to but that should be the exception and not the rule.
Worship may be the last thing we feel like doing in some situations but when our hands are tied it is the only way we can get a true clean victory.
--
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