THE GOOD FIGHT
Today’s 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 photo 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. Crossroads360.com engages in the fight using modern technology (like modern warfare)!!! 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.com).
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 Pope), 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.
Yours to encourage us all to “fight the good fight of faith,”
David
It is our 57th anniversary today! I will celebrate quietly and with joy knowing that my husband, who went to be with the Lord a few months ago, will meet me again just down the road. I do wonder “why” but not too much. I know “Who” called him home. God is ministering and – joy comes in the morning, the darkest hour is just before the dawn. Please pray for the thousands of people who have had to leave their homes. Some with very great loss in their lives.
Dear Doreen: Thinking of you especially today, may you have a peace in your heart knowing that your husband is in a better place. Reminder all the special things that you and he had during your 57 years of marriage. Much love Eleanor M. Hope all bloggers have a Blessed Lord’s Day.
Dear Doreen, You are an inspiration with your godly attitude, and wisdom knowing that you will be with your husband soon, and eternity with our Lord in heaven, is far better than anything this old earth can ever give us. God Bless you as you celebrate having had such a wonderful marriage!
have a blessed day!
There is such WORTH in what we do here! By writing and posting and reading this blog we are “fighting the fight of
good fight of faith! Thank you David! Abundant blessings to all!!!
Thank you for the message again today David and the information you shared. Samuel fame, I want to share with you that one of my mother’s cousins was a former Salvation Army minister in England and came out to visit us twice while Mother was living. I enjoyed the stories she shared about her work there with the Salvation Army and her work in Barnardos’ orphanage. However, when she got married, she could no longer be a minister in the Army, maybe because he was not a Salvation Army member or minister. Also when I was in Kenya, thirty percent of the missionaires were single women and went to places others did not go such as a German nurse, Margaret who went to the Turkana area. Thank you for your prayers saints for my speaking today. The Lord was with me; God bless you.
God bless you Ger!!
Pray for continued comfort and peace for you Doreen as you recall the years of “love and marriage” and the knowing you will be together for eternity. Jesus hold Doreen close in Your Arms. Amen!
Thank you Pastor David. Eph: 6:10-20 how important to claim this daily.
The Bible teacher who used to come to my school on Fridays, driving a black buggy and pulled by a black horse was called Miss Snowball! I never felt pulled to be like her, however, she used flannelgraph pieces to tell Bible stories and that was really good for me! That is still very vivid in my memory! That was the ticket that got me interested in the Bible stories and hearing about Jesus! She was single, a very beautiful lady who loved the Lord! I am so thankful for her coming to share the Gospel.
I have someone coming tomorrow to help me get the shed fixed up! I pray he knows what he is doing, and that it will cost under a $100 to get the job completed. Thank you.