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. The war is being won by our great Commander-in-Chief, the Lord Jesus!!!
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
We all have to fight the good fight in order to do our master’s will..Blessing to all…Pastor Mainse and Your family God bless
“God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.” Those words give me such hope and reassurance, this morning. Praise God and bless you, David and fellow saints in the Lord. Praying for those in wake of the storm and my friends in the British Virgin Islands. May God be protecting you with angels wings.
Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10 ESV
In The Presence of Angels – Roy Fields, with lyrics
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZoPGi8juP4
Worshipful song Beverlee…thank you.
Dorothy, a lady in her 80s is visiting family in St Martain in the Carribean. She struggles with walking issues.
Storm is headed that way.
Amen! Thank you Lord for your Word today and to you Pastor David for your blog and encouragement. Prayers for those facing hurricane Irma and for the world situation, specifically US and North Korea. Blessings all you saints today.
Yes pray North Korea , That level heads would prevail , we pray in the name of
our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…R….
Wow! This is an inspiring, encouraging message. I am attending a meeting today to help organize a “Prayer Breakfast” for our city.
Your insite makes it abundantly clear that God is leading us in the spiiritual battle for our city’s life and unity for His people.
Please pray for our son who has just had a hearing to see if his job will be reinstated. There have been mistruths and deceptions involved in this.The decision will be made about everything in October. Please pray that God will overrule all unfairness. I appreciate the message today as it fits injustice and the Good Fight of Faith. Thank you. Praying for you also and the other world concerns and your also Pastor David.
Amen, agreeing in prayer with you Elizabeth for your son’s situation!
Thank you so much. God Bless you.
“Victory in Jesus My Saviour forever, He sought me and bought me with His redeeming blood, He loved me ere I knew Him, and all my love is due Him, He plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood.” chorus from the song “Victory in Jesus”
Thank you Jesus You sought us and bought us with your redeeming blood!!
Bless you Pastor David for your constant and encouraging words of wisdom in and through this blog.
Bless you all bloggers for your input…blessings on your day, the Day the Lord has made.
Thank you Lord God for your armour provided for us to put on daily. For Your Great love for us!!! Amen.
to Elizabeth Baker:
Lord hear the prayers of this mother for her son! Lord we pray that Your Will be done in this situation! Lord we also know that whatever happens will be bigger and better than what was because You know everything that has happened and You have a GREAT plan for this young man.
as the song goes “Ain’t it just like the Lord to do what can’t be done’
“Ain’t is just like the Lord to make a way when there was none!
amen Lord, amen, in Jesus Name We pray.
Thank you very much. God Bless you.
Thank you Lord for all the blessings of this day! We ask that You would open the Heavens and let the rain pour down for a couple of days and put out the fires and clean up can begin!
Give faith and hope to those who will rebuild; may everyone come together in prayer and uphold each other in prayer daily! May the monies come flowing to all who need money to rebuild and restock their belongings!
Thank you Lord FOR ALL THE FIREFIGHTERS who have been working around the clock.
We pray forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us in Jesus Name AMEN!
Amen