Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Friday, October 19, 2018
Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-10-19-2018
This is devotional thought number 12 in our devotional series titled, “O For a Faith That Will Not Shrink.”
“And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.” (Revelation 12:7–8).
War! Carnage! Diplomacy breakdowns! Fear! Revolt! Anarchy! Revolution! Serious times!
We are living in turbulent times. Not only has the world seemingly gone mad, but the people of God have so much with which we must reckon. The devil has not gone to sleep or abandoned his hatred for you. He has rallied the troops and redoubled his efforts to kill, steal, and destroy. He wants to kill your hopes, dreams, and faith. He wants to steal your resolve to stay faithful to God, though the heavens fall. He wants to destroy your commitment to God when faulty human beings fail at reflecting his perfect image. Thankfully, Jesus came to give the abundant life to all who would be willing to receive it. Truth is, the abundant life comes only once we overcome this life of trials. Yes, we get sneak peeks into the abundant life while living on this sin-cursed planet. But, the ultimate in abundance comes to those who keep the faith until Jesus returns.
While we await the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, we have to contend with war. The controversy between good and evil is still on! The blessing is that Jesus has not lost His resolve to destroy the enemy of our souls. In the same way war broke out in heaven, war breaks out down here; in our personal lives, our homes, schools, public squares, and even the church. I hope you did not think the church was immune. In the same way Michael prevailed over the devil in the heavenly war, He must prevail in any war that buffets the church of God. Michael’s track record is perfect. He overcame the devil in heaven, at His miraculous birth, His death and resurrection, in the heavenly judgment, and will ultimately destroy him. What we need to do in the meantime is pick a side. On whose side of the cosmic conflict have you chosen to align yourself? If you have chosen the side of King Jesus, He will guide you on to victory. Please, do not give up the fight now. We are too close to the end. Do not allow people, with all our frailties, and sometimes foolish plans discourage you to the point that you are willing to give up the fight! God has not given up on you, so please do not give up on Him.
If we are to develop a shrink-resistant faith that will not fail when tested, we must accept the small trials as they come, and allow God to strengthen us for the major ones.—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)