20/05/2017 - MEN OF WAR

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And he placed troops in all the fortified cities of Judah, and set garrisons in the land of Judah and in the cities of Ephraim which Asa his father had taken. 2 Chronicles 17:2

In countries at war, children learn to defend themselves at a tender age. If we take this fact as an example, we will conclude we have not been following the Lord’s recommendations concerning the Gospel. Many do nothing because they say that they have reached their rest.  It is worthy to remember that the Bible declares “There remains therefore a rest for the people of God.” (Hebrews 4:9) This is why we should not cross our arms because according to the Word we have to fight against the forces of evil.

We must not ignore any of Jesus’ instructions who said in a very clear manner that He did not come to bring peace, but a sword (Matthew 10:34). He also affirmed: “I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!” (Luke 12:49). This fire was lit when the Holy Spirit descended during Pentecost. Today, the central focus on the message of the Lord is: his miracles and prosperity, but this is a by-product. Our greater mission and purpose must be to open the eyes of the lost to their salvation.

This is all about a spiritual battle which we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but 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). Know that the enemy never sleeps and is always leading someone to sin. Divorces are increasing in number which means that the devil of adultery is prowling free. In the struggle of faith whoever is not victorious is a loser.

Jehoshaphat had the example of Rehoboam, his great-great- grandfather, who had not prepared his heart to serve the Lord and was a sorry king. If he had been will with God, he would not have made decisions that were harmful to him. In like fashion, if people are taught that each one must be a soldier during 24 hours per day, seven days a week, all will fight with excellence and there will be no failure among them.

We must place God’s promises – men of war – in all areas of our lives. You shouldn’t allow diseases to come to your body; but if they do, the Lord will heal all of them (Psalm 103:3, Isaiah 53:4,5; Matthew 8:17; 1 Peter 2:24). Also, never allow even the slightest sinful desire to enter your heart, which must be kept whole and irreprehensible. Jehoshaphat placed men of war and the necessary garrisons in the land of Judah.  

His father had taken a few cities in the Northern Kingdom and did the same as in the cities of Judah. Each day, as we hear and learn of new scientific and technological discoveries, we must bring them to our task, placing soldiers and guards to protect and guarantee our property. Now is the time to serve God. So, when He allows men knew discoveries, we must use this technology.

Rise up to fulfill the divine orders; on the contrary the same will be reported concerning you as was said about the kings that were slothful and unprepared to serve a God as they should, given to sinning and allowing their people to be into corruption.

In Christ, with Love, 

R. R. Soares