I love epic movies such as The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Braveheart and Elizabeth. Brave men and women engaged in a battle to the death.
Boldly confronting the evil of the day so others are freed from tyranny.
Saying no temporal rewards and yes to sacrificial living.
Heroism is deeply embedded in our DNA. As children we fearlessly question all assumptions. Trust in our ability to solve problems. Envision a world of endless possibilities.
Sadly, the day comes when many children begin imitating adults in their environment. No longer valuing heroism. They toss it into the trash with their other childhood toys.
Would you like to be heroic?
Be strong in the Lord. Be empowered through your union with Him. Draw your strength from Him. That strength which His boundless might provides.
Put on God’s whole armor— the armor of a heavily armed soldier. Which God supplies. That you may be able to successfully stand up against all the strategies and the deceits of the devil.
For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood. Contending only with physical opponents but against the despotisms. Against the powers. Against the master spirits who are the world rulers of this present darkness. Against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly supernatural sphere.
Therefore, put on God’s complete armor. That you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day of danger. Having done all the crisis demands. To stand firmly in your place.
Stand therefore. Hold your ground.
Having tightened the belt of truth around your loins.
Having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God.
Having shod your feet in preparation to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability. The promptness and the readiness produced by the good news of the Gospel of peace.
Lift up over all the covering shield of saving faith. Upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked one.
Take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields. Which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:10-17
God has provided the weapons, but you must learn how to use them. This is why the Lord allows trials and temptations into your life.
All talk and no action creates a spineless, weak and ineffectual believer!
Instead of complaining and being depressed, we are to rejoice in our afflictions. Because we know that affliction produces endurance. Endurance produces proven character. Proven character produces hope. Romans 5:3-4
You may be thinking, “Easier said than done!”
True, but you are not in this fight alone.
Do not be fearful as the disciples were. When they sensed their time with Jesus was drawing to a close.
Questioning, rather than trusting God.
Wondering what would become of them once Jesus was gone.
Who would answer their questions?
Who would tell them what God wanted them to do?
Who would save them from the storms of life?
Who would speak words of comfort and reassurance when they failed?
Sensing their fear and concern. Jesus lovingly reassured them.
“I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter. Counselor. Helper. Intercessor. Advocate. Strengthener. Standby.
That He may remain with you forever. The Spirit of truth whom the world cannot receive because it does not see Him or know and recognize Him. But you know and recognize Him for He lives with you constantly and will be in you.
I will not leave you as orphans. Comfortless. Desolate. Bereaved. Forlorn. Helpless.
I will come back to you.” John 14:16-18
Read that again.
You ARE NOT ALONE!
The Holy Spirit, God’s Spirit lives in all disciples of Christ.
How do you become a disciple of Christ?
It is necessary to pass through many troubles on our way into the Kingdom of God. Acts 14:22 Holman Christian Standard Bible
In many American churches today, God is frequently depicted as a doting grandparent. Giving you whatever you want if you simply ask Him in the right way.
As if our happiness is God’s primary concern. By the way— it is not.
God’s primary concern is His Kingdom and its manifestation here on earth. Doing whatever it takes to ensure this happens.
This includes strengthening your character through trials. So you can assist Him in His Kingdom building project. Using you as He did Nehemiah. Influencing and motivating others to return to God and His ways— His righteousness.
Although reared in Babylon, Nehemiah remained faithful to the Lord. The God of his Hebrew ancestors who had been taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar.
Nehemiah (Jehovah comforts) would restore Jerusalem and the hearts of her people. Beautifully illustrating the Holy Spirit’s role in the restoration of humanity.
So fear not! You do not have to wield a sword to be heroic. Within each disciple of Christ is the Holy Spirit.
Enabling disciples to live fearlessly.
Focusing on what needs to be done today.
Intentionally living a life of honor and service.
So you disciples of Christ. Arise every morning. Do something to save the world!
GO DEEPER
As important as it is to hear, read and meditate upon Scripture. Its application in your life is even more important. Until you “walk the talk”. Satan and your flesh will be an ever-present nemesis in the pursuit of your Kingdom destiny.
What tactic does satan continually use to distract you from your Kingdom destiny?
What desire of the flesh is a stumbling block in the pursuit of your Kingdom destiny?
(Excerpt from I AM The Paternal Friend)
I AM The Paternal Friend e-book
letsloveothers 