War - Part 8

Stand firm then … for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly as I should. Ephesians 6:14, 20 (NIV)

So far, I've written 7 articles in this series titled War containing somewhere in the neighborhood of 8,000 words, all about some of the ways that Satan and his minions use those made of flesh and blood to deceive us. To take our focus off God. And I must admit that most of the subject matter that I chose has been on a scale that might seem insurmountable for people like us to even make a dent in - assuming, of course, that you bought into any of it. Corrupt politics, social justice, climate change, Agenda 21/2030: these all might seem like abstract concepts. But if they haven't affected your life yet - and I would find that hard to believe - they probably will, and sooner than you think. Are you ready to give up your transportation? Your favorite foods? Your very way of life? Here's a sample:

Click here for 2 minute video.

You may think that simply reading these articles was a challenge … or even a distraction, keeping you from the business of your everyday. Maybe you were already aware of the topics that I touched on, these people and happenings, and simply feel that they're way above your paygrade; something that others will take care of; not important enough to bother yourself with. To that I say to you that knowledge is power, and a deception is a deception. If you know that something is untrue, it is your responsibility to tell others. And I, once again, challenge you to do your diligence, and if you find that anything that I have represented in these articles is false or misleading, to call me on it. After that, if you have had the diligence to read through this series, I would ask you to consider whether the information contained within them is useful to you in any way.

A scripture comes to mind:

Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 1 Timothy 4:7 (NIV)

Or how 'bout this one:

Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know that they produce quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 2 Timothy 2: 23-24 (NIV)

Go ahead and take a minute to consider these … I'll wait.

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners - of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His immense patience as an example for those who believe in Him and receive eternal life. 1 Timothy 1:15-16

I am aware of the fact that some of you (of those of you who actually read these articles) do not share my opinion or even like my point of view, but you have been respectful enough not to criticize me openly - even if I ask you to.

I appreciate that.

I wasn't asked to write these articles because I needed to fill some time in my day. However, without some feedback, I'll never know how effective these articles truly are … or aren't. Without some constructive criticism I can't improve my writing skills. And, trust me, if I didn't think that what I'm telling you was important, I wouldn't tell you. But if the information that I've brought is of little or no value to you, the reader, then I need to reconsider where I put my efforts.

Keep reminding God's people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2: 14-15

We are all so very busy with all the responsibilities of life. There are far too many for me to list here. But we are also Christians. It is our responsibility, in my opinion, to tell the truth as we believe that the Holy Spirit would have us. When we see what is wrong, it isn't enough for us to turn away and pray that God will intervene. It's unacceptable for us to throw up our hands and tell ourselves that it's too big. That it's out of our control. That it isn't our obligation to act.

The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. 1 Timothy 4:1-3

Recently, my pastor was preaching an awesome sermon - as is his custom - in which he said, “Don't ever pray for anyone without accepting that you might be His answer for them”. I believe that his intention was to say, don't be afraid to get your hands dirty! Get involved to whatever extent that you're able. Whether you feel called to wrestle with the deceptions of the enemy on the grand scale, or if you're simply led to help your neighbor to understand the truth, do it and don't hesitate! You are a child of the Most-High God! He made you for a purpose and - just being honest with you - you may not even realize what that purpose is. Who says that you can't change the world … or at least your little corner of it? After all, if you aren't part of the solution, you are part of the problem.

Wake up sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you. Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5: 14-15 (NIV)

Today is the day. Now is the time. The battle is on!

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)

G. J. Fortier is a member of Ironmen Ministries and First Baptist Church, Centerville, GA. Look for his novels on Amazon on Kindle and paperback. Or visit his website at www.GerardFortier.com