SPIRITUAL WARFARE
Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 19-20
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).
In the ancient city of Corinth, a stone platform was constructed to support the Bema Seat (judgment seat) of the local officials. The seat was used to give out awards to athletes for their competitive performances (usually a crown wreath of leaves), but also to address legal charges brought against individuals. The Apostle Paul was quite familiar with this seat. This is where he was brought before Gallio, who was the proconsul of Achaia at the Bema seat (Acts 18:12). This Bema Seat was also used by Paul as a symbol of the “Judgment seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:9-11). In this context, Paul explains to us that this is where the Believer will receive an evaluation for works done in this life, whether good or bad.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Deuteronomy 20:3
And he shall say to them, “Hear, O Israel: Today you are on the verge of battle with your enemies. Do not let your heart faint, do not be afraid, and do not tremble or be terrified because of them…”
In today’s reading there are at least two points to make: (1) The rule of Law (illustrated by the above picture), and (2) God’s presence and protection. In our courts today, “manslaughter” is the charge that may be brought against someone who accidently kills another person. While we don’t have “cities of refuge” today, there is a strong tradition of taking refuge in a church building. In recent years there have been examples of this, particularly when immigration law requires a person to be deported back to their original country.
War is a sad commentary on the human condition. The most difficult moral decision is choosing the lesser of two evils. If we fail to choose the “lesser,” the “greater evil” will win. Had Israel not fought, the surrounding nations would have destroyed God’s people by attacking, killing all, or by converting them to false religion. In the context of our lives today, let us take heart from the promise found in our key verse. As followers of Jesus, our enemies, if they are people, are to be loved (read Matthew 5:38-48). Our most destructive enemy is sin. We are constantly in a state of war. Identify the enemy (read Galatians 5:16-21). Now, prepare for battle, equipped with the knowledge gained from our key verse, and we will win not only a battle but the war itself. Amen!!!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord Jesus, You are God’s Word made Flesh. You, as the Light of the world, illuminate truth to me. Please help me to always examine the written Word in the light of Your person and work. In Your brilliant light I see, I perceive, I understand, and I conquer evil in Your strong Name. Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
While a state may wage war (if I support a war, I must be convinced it is a just war. e.g. WW2 against Nazis who killed millions of Jewish people and many others), in my personal life I do not “fight…against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness” (Ephesians 6:12). I find that this fight can be downright scary. To counteract fear, I’ve just read Ephesians 6:10-18. I must learn this lesson over and over again. For emphasis I’ll type out Ephesians 6:18, the secret to winning the war: “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.” The dictionary definition of “supplication” is “humble prayer, entreaty or petition with pleading fervently.” Having done this, I will no longer fear, but I will truly be a brave heart in every circumstance of life. YES! SO BE IT!!!
Yours for winning each battle and eventually winning the war,
David
P.S. Here is an additional photo that Reynold took in the ancient ruins of Corinth. The feet of that great warrior, the Apostle Paul, likely walked this very street.
This is one of the main streets in ancient Corinth.
Thank You Lord for Your servant, Paul, whom once was a fierce enemy, named Saul. Look how You used him! Powerful teaching from David on today’s blog and photos from Reynold. Thank You Lord for Your Word and the heavenly realm, where we too, will face the judgement seat. We are ever reminded we are cleansed by the precious blood of Jesus, and gain our armour through Him. Wishing all saints a blessed day in the Lord.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” Luke 2:13-14 ESV
Peace Be Still (Lyrics) – The Belonging Co ft. Lauren Daigle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E38Pf7aOnyQ
Lord, we hold up HJR’s son to You, who is heartbroken at this time. We pray for Your peace and understanding to fill him, Lord. We pray for wisdom in his decision making process and that silent time by himself will help him to gain composure and clarity. Comfort him with a blanket of Your precious blood, Lord Jesus. In Your Name, we pray. Amen.
Amen. Praying for those who are struggling this season. To be separated from family at this time is very difficult and with loss of any kind, it is difficult. Jesus said, “I will NEVER LEAVE you”, how amazing is that?! Thank You Lord. You are our EVERYTHING! Blessings on all and our families today. Amen
Praying for HJR’s son and all who are hurting in any way. Christmas is such a wonderful time but it is also a very difficult time for those who are suffering with illness, loss of loved ones, family and financial issues, etc. As Doreen mentioned, this year there is the extra pain of not being able to get together with loved ones, due to the pandemic. Lord, we lift each and everyone to you, the one who is the mender of broken hearts. May Your presence be felt by them and bring them peace and comfort. Thank you for your loving kindness toward us.
Praying a blessing on each of you and your families!
Thank you Beverlee Kay, and Amen to your prayer for my son.
May God bless and keep you.
God bless you and your son, HJR.
Thanks Doreen, we must have hit the submit button at the same time, as I did not see your prayers for my son until I have posted thanks to Beverlee Kay.
All prayers are appreciated.
God bless each and every blogger that is praying.
Amen
Prayers for HJR’s son as well and for all who are hurting during this Christmas season. This is the first time I have been home alone on Christmas day as well as other members of the family mainly because of the pandemic. Blessings on all of you saints. Thank you for all the good music Beverlee.
God bless you, sister Ger. I was alone too, this Christmas, but I was fine with it; just spoke on phone and texted family/friends. Started my morning off with pumpkin pie, whip cream and coffee! 😊
Amen to above prayers.
Beverlee you made me smile at your breakfast selection. I’ve had that before. That’s what my daughters family has for Christmas breakfast. Yummmm good stuff .
I had a wonderful Christmas with my grown up kids and grandkids . My son and daughter in law hosted. We all pitched in with the food. Thank you God for the memories we made yesterday. Happy birthday, Jesus.
❤️