THE GOOD FIGHT
Suggested Reading: 1 Timothy 6
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
As King of Sardinia and victor over the Austrian army in Lombardy, Victor Emmanuel had become a symbol of the Risorgimento, the movement for a united Italy. After his army joined forces with Garibaldi and defeated the Papal army (believe it or not, the Pope had an army! - but from this point (1860) onward, the Pope was restricted to being ruler over Vatican City with no army), the Kingdom of Italy was proclaimed in 1861 with Victor Emmanuel as king. This is his monument in Rome.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: 1 Timothy 6:12
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
It’s obvious that the fight symbolized in today’s picture is VERY different from the fight of which Paul writes. By writing, posting, and reading this blog, we are “fighting the good fight of faith.” Our reading today identifies the enemies against which we fight. Arrayed against us are (1) “Disputes and arguments over words from which come envy, strife, reviling and evil suspicions” (verse 4). And (2) “Useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain” (verse 5). Could this mean the “prosperity teachings” so prevalent today? Perhaps as on the football field, we need to call a “time out,” withdrawing for a time from the fight for a renewal of our commitment to Jesus, who Himself often withdrew to a time of prayer, alone with His Father. Let us fall on our faces before God, letting the firepower of the enemy pass over us. Then, renewed in strength and purpose, let us rise up and “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness” (verse 11). These are our invincible weapons in the fight “against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12 – read once again Ephesians 6:10-20). On the human level, “no attack, no defence,” only love. But we need to move out with our testimony that “Jesus is Lord” into our workplaces, our neighbourhoods, and beyond. The 100 Huntley Street television ministry is doing just that this very day and night in the Name of Jesus and in the names of all who pray and support this outreach. Crossroads 360?engages in the fight using modern technology (like modern warfare) with seven channels around the world!!! Seven battle fronts are effectively gaining ground and winning battle after battle. The war is being won by our great Commander-in-Chief, the Lord Jesus!!! (click here for crossroads360).
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, Your Word says, “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal [human efforts] but are mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God” (2 Corinthians 10:4 and 5a). I pray that today and every day I will “fight the good fight of faith.” Jesus, in whose Name I pray, did this, and I believe that through Him, I can do this too! Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I’ve used far more than 100 words above so I’ll try to be brief here. I don’t believe that God is finished with the old churches which made many mistakes through the centuries (e.g. a Papal army). I believe that God is putting in place leaders who are true to His Word and His ways! There is a new humble desire to do God’s work as Jesus did God’s work. Let us pray fervently for the Bishop of Rome, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Patriarch of the eastern churches, and the leaders of the protestant reformation churches. Amazing new churches are being planted. God is a God of great variety, but the one constant is the Person of Jesus, who through His cross, His resurrection, His ascension, and His return will bring all His purposes to fulfillment with an unconditional surrender of all our enemies. He is the true “Victor Immanuel”…”God with us in total VICTORY!!!!!” Matthew 1:23 quotes the Hebrew prophet, found in Isaiah 7:14, “Behold a virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “GOD WITH US!”
Yours to encourage us all to “fight the good fight of faith,”
David
P.S. Just in case you missed yesterday’s 100 Huntley Street telecast, I want to invite you to check it out. A man called “Caleb” provides an exciting and unusual example of “fighting the good fight of faith” in the most unusual places (click here to find out all about it).
I believe the beginning of fighting the good fight of faith begins on our knees. Humbly confessing our wrongdoing and sin before our Holy God, we humbly ask for forgiveness and strength for the journey for which we are about to partake. As we’ve heard before, prayer changes things, and we must be in constant prayer and communion with our Lord for He is our life. The great 19th century preacher, Charles Spurgeon says it best when he states “Prayer girds human weakness with divine strength, turns human folly into heavenly wisdom, and gives to troubled mortals the peace of God. We know not what prayer can do.”
AMEN Scott!!!
Unfortunately, every denominational lineage of Christian faith has scars, not unlike a papal army. We move forward instead, guided by love and embrace the needs of others. If, at times, this world overwhelms our spirit, mind and body, we can draw close in the presense of our Lord, still time in each breath we take and clear restless thoughts. Philippians 4:6,7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Have a great day, to all!
There are times when one needs to assert ones views as there are times when one must take stand in defense. There are times when one must simply remain silent. In all times, we are guided by love … love for God, others and self.
Like Scott, I believe prayer is our powerhouse and while on our knees is difficult at times for some of us, position of reverence for our Holy God is most essential.
Thank you once again Pastor David for walking us through our blog, let each of us put on the whole armour every day and stand firm, knowing God is our commander and we can be assured He is with us. VICTORY in Jesus, my Saviour forever!!! Enjoy this day fellow saints.
Yes, Catherine. Here are the words to the 1st verse of that song.
I heard an old, old story, How a Saviour came from glory
How He gave His life on Calvary, To save a wretch like me
I heard about His groaning, Of His precious blood’s atoning
Then I repented of my sins And won the victory
O Victory in Jesus, My Saviour for ever,
He sought me and b’ot me With His redeeming bloood
He loved me ere I knew Him And all my love is due Him,
He plunged me to victory, Beneath the cleansing flood.
Thanks Ruby, I knew the words but was in a hurry today as this was a hospital day for me today. It’s a wonderful song, thanks for siting it all out for us.
P.s. writing it all out.
Yes David it times like these we need to do what Philippans 4:6-7 says and give
them to God as put on the full armor of God
Have a good day today
Lianne Hogg
Loved today’s comments, reading and message. Thank you, David–for baking us our daily bread on this blog! 🙂 Caleb’s ministry work abroad is a phenomenal inspiration! Praise God!!
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and we can taking nothing out of it.” 1 Tim: 6-7
Our waists are girded with truth. Our chests are covered with the breastplate of righteousness. Our feet are covered and prepared with the gospel of peace. Our shield of faith protects us from the fiery darts of the enemy. Our helmet is our salvation and our sword of the Spirit, the word of God. Our prayers are for all, and the work of our fellow saints. Eph 6:14-20
We put on the whole armor of God to keep running and winning the race for you, Jesus! Praying on bended knees! God bless you fellow saints!
Dear Rev. David . M
Rightiousness, Godliness , love, patience, gentleness, faithfulness. NO ATTACK NO DEFENCE , ONLY LOVE.
Thank you Jesus for putting in us through the Holy Spirit Your Love .Let us be your shining light against the power , ruler of darkness spiritual host of wickedness in heavenly places (who has already been defeated). I am so gratefull once more this morning for your precious 100 words and prayer.
Have a blessed day everyone.
xxxxCarole and Asha.
So much inspiration from God’s Word, ie. “Fight the good fight of faith…”, your blog David and from Caleb’s life. Thank God for young men like him who has taken up the challenge God had given him and God has given him protection there. God bless you fellow saints.
Dear David, I was so thrilled to see Dr Jay Rawlings on the blog today,it was a trip of lifetime for me ,to visit Israel in May of 2012, with Jay and Meridel as our hosts. What a blessed time we had,and your 100words blog seems like a continuation of that wonderful experience,I follow our reading with delight and thank you so much for all the pictures you include,I have been to many and they always bring great memories.Gods blessings to you and this personal blog you share with us daily,I so much appreciate you .love Eliz.
Some people use the word love to deceive. Did Jesus not rail against the pharisees; did He not turn over the tables in the temple and say they made His house of prayer into a den of theives? In Romans 17 Paul warns of people who work evil with flattering words. Also, Peter said that Paul is a man gifted by great wisdom from God but people with no understanding pervert his words and all the scripture and teach others their falseness. Pertaining to cult prostitutes, they harass christians everyday. Not just prostitutes. Cult prostitutes. Today, they were wearing black leotards in lennoxville. They were not wearing gold in their hair but many strange women in black stockings and no pants wandering around. I know it is a fashion but it was many wandering around in strange ways. Satan can’t harsass if he does not make people do strange and evil things. It is the antichrist cult. Strange men and women doing weird things for their reprobrate masters. Yes, the armour of God should be put on. Not just the word love spoken hypocritically but righteousness, faith, patience, truth and love. Yet, Jesus was not silent about evil and hypochrisy. That armour of God is tough to keep when feeling a need to not be silent.
Thank fellow-bloggers for your comments today!!!! God bless each one!!!!!
🙂