Wednesday, June 24, 2020

So You Don't Know How To Fight?

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"And let us not grow weary in doing good for in due season we will reap if we do not give up... I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." .."  --- Galations 6:9, 2 Timothy 4:7


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Last Friday? For the first time in nearly 3 months I sat at 'my' 1950's Formica table at our local cafe. 

Wow. With a coffee and raspberry scone I pretended to read my book while dream-gazing out the huge windows to the river, trees, flowers and the many-storied hotel across the street. How incredible, this return to a partial normalcy. (Amy is allowed to open her shop just 2 days per week.) 

Yet knowing that I helped fight to keep this tiny, independent cafe open--oh, how wonderful that felt, as well.

During those virus months whenever Amy offered take-out? I bought baked goods. Always handed over extra money. Spoke words of encouragement. Hope.

Whenever something you love is threatened, you fight for its survival! If your heart still cares, that is. And in this post I'll make two very controversial statements, this being the first--

Lately I've wondered how many Christians actually love our Country and appreciate their freedoms. How many are awake to what we're losing?

I'm curious because I spy so few fighting for truth, speaking aloud (while we still can), pushing back the darkness. Yet many just silently watching our country burn, being destroyed and run by mobs--and our personal freedoms vanishing.

Yes, I'm also hearing this: "I don't know how to fight! Or what to do or say or where to go or ---." And I'll confess: it's horribly hard not to roll my eyes. This sounds way too much like all the 50, 60 and 70-year-olds I've heard say, "I can't figure out my gifts or callings. God skipped over me when He handed them out. I don't know why I'm here. I don't have specific help to give"

Gah. 

But now? Let's move on to courage and decisiveness and a preparedness-for-battle spirit! For, if not when our Country is being destroyed, taken over, then when? 

Here, below, are some ideas, ways to fight so that when God later asks us, "What did you do during that huge, historic opportunity to overcome evil and show My power?" we won't have to whine, "Uhm,  I had no clue what to do, so I stayed home, hid actually, but I did pray and hoped it would all go away."

Heaven forbid! 

How about let's be 'bold as a lion' as God says we're to be and step out and ---


Use our online platforms to:

Expose evil and lies masquerading as truth,
Share powerful Bible verses,
Encourage folks battling on the front lines (even if they seem famous, we all grow weary and need uplifting words),
Warn, teach, instruct in all things practical.
Keep-up with what's happening so we know how to pray and what to warn against,
Share inspiring words, videos, books which encouraged our own hearts,
Vocally stand-up for heroes who are being maligned,
Discuss what's happening, break out of fear and silence,
Blog, share the words God asked us to, ones He gave us to speak.

Use our money to:

Support businesses which support families and keep our town running smoothly,
Bless people, families struggling,
Buy groceries for neighbors, others,
Donate to public food pantries,
Boycott businesses which push agendas contrary to your beliefs,
Support the front-line fighters.


Use our hands, eyes, mouths and feet to:

Vote,
Smile at the weary (tho' it's hard when we're wrapped-up in a stupid, useless mask),
Write emails or letters to our local government,
Wave to neighbors who're probably having a rough time,
Prepare our family in all physical, mental and financial ways. Learn survival skills,
March peaceably for what we believe,
Do a prayer walk around our neighborhoods,
Give our children hope,
Grow a Victory Garden. Share our bounty.
Thank police officers for keeping us safe,
Read the histories of socialist countries (and learn what not to do),
Start a prayer group in our home.
We can repent for our own sins, receive forgiveness and then do better.



Is this all? Of course not. I'm just one blogger, and these are only a few ideas God gave me.

No one is meant to do it all. No one is called to speak out against every single evil, donate to every worthy cause, battle against every thing gone badly. God places specific burdens upon specific people so that everything will, in turn, be covered. 

Individually, we'll only be held responsible for what God specifically asked us to do.

But uh-oh. Already people tell me they're battle-weary. Tired of fighting and are just gonna wait it out. But, I say, this is only the start! And that brings me to that second controversial statement:

Every Christian had the opportunity for battle preparation. God knew what lay ahead and daily we had the choice to obey Him right up into that preparedness of a strong heart.

Basically, we are left without excuses. 

If we were in the Word, we were warned. In the spirit, we were led, made ready for what we knew not. But in the flesh, we dilly-dallied and are now found wanting.

But in our merciful God? We can find a second chance, at least while we still have breath, and may we make the most of that before it's too late.

For only those who fought will someday receive a reward for the battle victories won or those sought, but lost, but not through hiding. Through godly, consistent obedience we win either way.





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And because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end, he shall be saved.—Matthew 24:12-13


"The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate."   ---Proverbs 8:13







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Someone battling on the front lines? Glenn Beck. Personally, I see the spirit of Elijah all over him in this video--




Dennis Prager is another front line fighter who I respect so very much. Here is his latest article--

America's Jews and Christians Are Failing The Test of Their Lives


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"When you feel like you are losing hope, find boldness. It will fill the empty space and open doors you never thought possible." --- @mitchellvii


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"For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." ... Matthew 6:14,15

5 comments:

Betsy said...

I think I would be one you would be rolling your eyes at today Debra. I had to take a break over the past week from almost all social media except blogs. I would just get on facebook to check quickly on relatives who are in poor health and maybe read a little bit. I needed a break. My blood pressure needed a break and so did my heart and mind. Now I'm back into the fray but realize that on FB I will never change anyone's mind. Our pastor reminded us of that last week in his message. It's through personal witness and testimony that hearts will be changed.
I truly believe that we are in the last days and the earth is in unheaval. I'm praying fervently and some days that's the most that I can do. But truly? It IS the MOST I can do. I believe that my words are carried up directly unto the Lord's ears and it gives the angels power to fight on the believers behalf. It may seem cowardly to say I pray, but I believe it is the most crucial thing to do.
Wishing you a most blessed day my friend. Take care and keep on fighting the good fight.
Blessings and hugs,
Betsy

Debra said...

Uh-oh, Betsy! I'm thinking we have some big differences. Did you notice the meme I posted?--

"For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."

The word of God is incredibly powerful and we can certainly share that at Facebook, believing in faith that it will do exactly what God intended it to! His word can change hearts and minds in a moment, especially when God asked us to give it and we did. Oh the anointing upon our obedience to God.

So there's that.

Also, our 'testimony' can be shared online and it doesn't just mean about how we came to know Jesus, oh my no! But rather it's about the years and decades we've walked with Him and all He's taught us; the truths, the lessons, the details--it's endless! It would take a lifetime to share it all if we've been saved for decades. Or it should, anyway.

The godly boldness and courage we use to speak (or write)--that shines through plainly online and touches peoples hearts with conviction. The Bible says it's the anointing that breaks the bondages, the 'yoke'. When we share under the influence of the Holy Spirit that anointing is right there to change hearts and minds and lives--yes, even at Facebook!

God is only limited by our doubt, our unbelief that He can do anything!

I've seen all the changes happen, have had it happen to me, have had it happen through me. It is endless all the ripples that go out and change the world by way of using the powerful words God gives us. The power of life and death are in the tongue and we will reap from it either life or death so may we keep sharing life with others and not hold back in doubt or fear! May our boldness plainly shine! May God's words and love through us make others hunger for more of God.

And may we believe in planting seeds in other's hearts so that they'll grow into trees of righteousness. Maybe we never be doubt filled by what we see with our eyes, but rather, walk by faith, not by sight.

Yes, even online these supernatural changes are happening, but only to and through those with open, believing, courageous hearts anointed by God, Himself. If we're not sharing, then others aren't hearing--and that will come back on us.

May our faith remain strong and may it move us to act, for without works, faith is dead, after all. And may we believe that God's words will never return to Him void, but that they will accomplish His good pleasure.

Just saying.....smile.... Thanks for commenting! Blessings, Debra

Pam said...

Lately my bible reading has been in Exodus. When I read about how God provided everything the Israelites needed yet they still complained and their faith faltered, I couldn't help but think how little human nature changes. Sometimes I wonder if God grows weary trying to teach us. These are strange times, but I believe God always does the heavy lifting for us. He will teach us and enable us to live for him and that always includes loving others. If we say "yes" to God, he'll help us help others. Debra, I am so glad your neighborhood cafe survived the past few months. May God bless the owner and patrons! I'll bet the owner deeply appreciates your support!

Pam said...

Betsy, I believe you are actively impacting many lives. When you make baby blankets, mittens, socks, etc, for others, your love and prayers for the recipients will make a difference. May God bless your hands and your heart!

Debra said...

Thanks, Pam! Yes, the Israelites are wonderful for Life lessons, like, lots of what not to do lessons...smile... Joyce Meyer often uses their example in her teachings and the comparisons between those folks from long ago and us today is astounding! It really is true that God equips us with everything we need to follow Him in the specific ways He designed for us--and that's so very encouraging, right? Blessings, Debra