WAR
Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 9-10
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
An ancient war helmet on display at the museum in Corinth.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 10:3-4
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds…
A companion reading for consideration today would be Ephesians 6:10-17. Notice particularly Ephesians 6:12. On the human level, we are to make no defence and no offence. We are not to defend ourselves when people attack us with false accusations, nor are we to attack others with accusations which may even be true. The devil is the “accuser of the brethren” (Revelation 12:10). We recognize the source of slander and lies. Therefore, in the realm of spiritual warfare, we fight. Jesus is the best Example of this in His response to Satan. He quoted the Scriptures (Matthew 4:1-11). Jesus did not have to go and get His Bible; it would’ve taken a wagon to carry all the scrolls. He knew the Word of God as a result of reading the scrolls at the synagogue and listening to the Rabbi’s teachings. We have a distinct advantage in the Bible before us now, and in sitting faithfully under the preaching/teaching ministry of our Pastors. Spiritual warfare is one very important reason for this discipline of reading God’s Word and meditating on what God says to us. This blog, if read daily, helps to provide us with God’s protection and with the weapon with which we attack, “the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God” (Ephesians 6:17).
Chapter nine is more about giving to God’s cause. I’m impressed at the amount of time spent on the matter of our support for God’s work. No doubt, that is because “where your heart is, there will your treasure be also” (Matthew 6:21). The way we handle money may be the greatest indication as to what is really in our hearts.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I ask that by Your Spirit You will help me to be equipped with weapons which will destroy all attacks by the enemy of my soul. I’m attacking his so-called “strongholds” with Your Word right now as I read it and speak it. You are making me “more than a conqueror” (Romans 8:37). I pray this in and through the Person of Jesus, the One who is the ultimate Conqueror. Amen & Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I struggled for a long time with the concept of our supporters making pledges for future support of God’s work. I was well aware of the softer approach, which was called a “faith promise.” Both terms, pledge and faith promise, mean the same. Finally, after the first 15 years of TV ministry (’62 – ’77), where I did not even use the word “support” on TV, I learned that even the most godly people need to know about the need in order to respond. I also learned that Crossroads needed to know what I might expect in the giving of God’s people, so that I could give leadership in planning for the future. Jesus said that we are to count the cost first (Luke 14:28-30). I finally got the message that in order to “count the cost” I must know what to expect, not only on the expense side but also on the income side of the budget (from donations). I realized that Paul had no problem writing to the people of God these words, “Your bountiful gift which you had previously promised, that it may be ready as a matter of generosity, and not as a grudging obligation” (2 Corinthians 9:5b). For me, the Board of Directors would approve or not approve the policies and budgets that the Chief Financial Officer and I proposed, and as the Chief Executive Officer, I was then responsible to carry out those policies within the budgets approved. I look back over the decades and realize that God did marvelous works as a result of the beautiful co-operation between supporters of the ministry and the board and management of Crossroads Christian Communications Inc.
Yours for the work of God done in God’s way,
David
P.S. In the light of today’s reading, please pray for Crossroads and give as God prospers you. Amen and thank you, thank you and thank you!!! Click HERE to donate online.
Part of an ancient bronze statue on display at the Archaeological Museum in Pella, Greece.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
A plea:
“1 Just as I am, without one plea,
but that thy blood was shed for me,
and that thou bidd’st me come to thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
2 Just as I am, and waiting not
to rid my soul of one dark blot,
to thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
3 Just as I am, though tossed about
with many a conflict, many a doubt,
fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
4 Just as I am, thou wilt receive,
wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
because thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.”
Thanks Rob. I sang the song through. A great dedication song so often sung at Billy Graham crusades. The TV ministry and all that is involved to house and produce, took real dedication and prayer, I’m sure. So thankful for the ministry over so many years. Blessings all.
My favourite hymn,Rob.Thank you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFB-mxSt9Cc
Oh So Bright (4 Dr Graham )
You who have whispered eternity
To many,lost in shadows so dark,
In My name for infinity,
Have shown the path to embark.
You who have walked firmly in the light,
Whereby your example opened eyes,
For you are My friend of delight,
With the truth evil can not disguise.
You,who have walked on many oceans
Gathering the aimless waves to rest,
Have pleased me with your devotions;
You’ve loved beyond any test.
You,who’s heart is a vault of My love,
Have been a sower of these seeds,
A harvest that grows high above,
Separate from the demon’s weeds.
You,who I have walked with every day,
Have spoken my word of shinning light,
And never refused to obey:
You,who has shone oh so bright.
G W Marshall / 07-Nov-013
Lovely Tribute Poem, William.
Great Song, too…. ‘Just as I am…’