Showing posts with label fighting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fighting. Show all posts

Thursday, August 4, 2016

Advance!

When Caesar crossed the English Channel from Gaul and was preparing to go ashore he knew that the odds were against his winning the battle. After thinking about the seriousness of the situation he did a strange thing.
Prior to the invasion, he ordered his men to get off of the ships and gather around him. He then commanded all but a few to move forward and not look back. Then, he ordered the remaining few to stay with him. At his command they were to set fire to all of the ships.
After the first party made their way forward he issued the order to set the ships ablaze. When the ships were blazing he then gave another command for the men to turn around and see the burning ships.
The men were stunned as they looked at the burning vessels. They realized that they were now stranded in enemy territory and could not retreat to safety. There was nothing that they could do but advance and fight. And they did. With every ounce of strength they possessed they fought their way forward and were victorious!
When we are faced with overwhelming challenges and difficult decisions, we must look to God and ask Him what is the best way to advance and win the battle. He knows what we should do. However, we must trust in Him, follow His advice and trust His strength to be victorious.
Prayer: Each day, Lord, we face tasks that are trying and problems that are perplexing. May we look to You for Your insight and wisdom as we advance. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Proverbs 3:5, 6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Who Is The Enemy?

In 1959 the English and French were at war in colonial Canada. Admiral Phipps was in charge of the British fleet. He was ordered to anchor outside of the city of Quebec on the Saint Lawrence River. He was to await the arrival of the British infantry and then assist the land forces in the attack.

The admiral was known to be a nonconformist and became annoyed at all of the statues of the saints that adorned the roof and towers of the Catholic church. To pass the time he began shooting at the saints with the guns that were aboard his ship. Finally, when the infantry arrived and the signal was given for the attack, Admiral Phipps was out of ammunition and he could not participate in the battle. He used all of his ammunition shooting out the saints.

Peter wrote about “shooting out the saints” when he said, “Finally…live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult.”

So often we church members waste our time and energy fighting among ourselves over the insignificant and trivial. We would rather destroy those who differ with us than to build up and encourage each other to become Christlike. We must focus on fighting the enemy – Satan.

Prayer: Help us, Lord, to recognize who the real enemy is and direct our attack at him and his forces who would destroy us. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Scripture for Today: 1 Peter 3:8-9