Greetings in the majestic name of Jesus! October was a good month. The Impact America Crusade in Beaufort, South Carolina, was a great success, with over 50 decisions for Jesus. God touched so many lives.
The spiritual and physical warfare we faced was intense; however, our God delivered us out of them all. God spoke over the Marines who attended—both newly graduated and combat veterans. Those who serve our country are worthy of special blessings from our God. They put their civilian lives to the side, offering themselves to the service of our great nation to assure the United States of America remains free. These servicemen and women endure hardships, incuding being away from family and coping with the scars of war. According to our Lord, Jesus:
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. —John 15:13
These men and women are dedicated to the cause; how much more should we be committed to the purpose of Jesus Christ? He gave His life for us and called us out of the darkness into His kingdom of light. He has enlisted us in His army, and it is our responsibility to answer the call. You may not realize it, but if you are alive and breathing on this earth, you are in a war. Satan is the adversary, and there are no civilians in this conflict. If you do not apply the blood of Jesus to your life, you are, by default, a member of the army of darkness and an enemy of God.
Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. —Ephesians 2:2-3
The Apostle Paul states, “You walked according to the course of this world.” This means that the world can dictate your path: “Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God” (James 4:4). As a Christian, you came out of darkness, but if you are not vigilant, you may find yourself stepping back into it, becoming a double agent. This creates a conflicting situation.
Salvation may offer some benefits to a double agent for a while, but when you flirt with the enemy, death of some sort will surely come. These consequences could manifest as lack, illness, confusion, fear, or, at worst, spiritual separation from God (blaspheming the Holy Spirit).
For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. —James 1:7-8
War is not easy, and if you do not recognize that you are in a battle, you can get hurt severely. When we come to understand that we were bought at a price (1 Cor. 6:20), and that no one could afford to pay except Jesus, we should realize we have a responsibility.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. —Romans 12:1-2
This is our reasonable service, and the One we serve, serves alongside of us. Jesus provides us with His power to help us accomplish our tasks. He stands alongside us, shoulder to shoulder, yoked together by the Holy Spirit, making our burdens light:
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. —Matthew 11:28-30
These are perilous times, and evil men and seducers are growing worse and worse (2 Tim. 3:13). We must listen to the commands from the Captain of our Salvation and work on hearing His voice above all others. This requires focus on Jesus, which can be difficult in today’s world:
You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. —2 Timothy 2:3-4
To be overcomers and have the abundant life that Jesus died for, we must let go of our preconceived notions about what our lives should be and discover His purpose as revealed in His Word. The formula for overcoming is found in the book of Revelation. It lies in Jesus’ sacrifice, sharing our testimonies of what He has done for us, and embracing a crucial aspect that many overlook: not being in love with this life.
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. —Revelation 12:11
The life we can lead by walking in Jesus’ Word and guided by His Spirit is far superior to anything we can achieve on our own. It offers complete peace, but it often requires us to let go of things we may be reluctant to part with. It can mean being uncomfortable and unsure in our flesh. If we wish to please Him, who has enlisted us in His army, it will take faith! Such faith is a substance that comes only from hearing the Word of God (Rom. 10:17). We must activate the substance of faith by believing and doing (James 2:26).
Each of us is responsible for our relationship with God. It is the most important relationship you have in these End Times. Building and cultivating that relationship is our reasonable service as a soldier of God. By seeking the Commander’s instructions and guidance in the newness of life in Christ Jesus, all that you need will be added unto you (Matt. 6:33).
Thank you to all the veterans who have served our great nation. We are so thankful for your service. May you receive all the blessings and rewards due you. And thank you to all who serve in the Army of the Lord. May the Commander-in-Chief, Jesus, bind up your wounds, heal your hurts, and prosper you spirit, soul, and body as you seek His kingdom.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you . . . Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. —1 Thessalonians 5:16-22
We are praying for you and thankful for your prayers and financial support. Until next time, remember . . . Jesus is coming soon! Be ready!
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