FIGHT!
/Church email, August 22, 2017
Greetings NLC!
There is a scripture in the Old Testament that says, "The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace" (Exodus 14:14 NIV). This was written at a time when Moses was leading the Chosen People away from Egypt, as the Egyptians army marched aggressively towards them, to capture them and return them back to Egypt and bondage. Moses was reminding the people that the Lord was with them, fighting for them, and still had wonderful promises for them in spite of the dire circumstances they were facing. And, the Lord did indeed fight for them, and through miracles and signs and wonders, delivered them out of the hands of the Egyptians and into the Promised land.
I really like that verse! There is a two-fold application for those of us that are trusting in Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior. First, we are definitely in a spiritual battle, but we are not alone in this battle. Jesus is fighting for us; fighting on our behalf. That is great news! And, secondly, because Jesus is fighting for us, we can have a confidence and an assurance that will lead us to peace...as in peace in the midst of the storm.
Facing any storms lately? If not, hallelujah! But, remember this when the eventual storms of life do come! If yes, be reminded of this wonderful promise...Jesus is fighting for you.
Jesus is fighting for us! Yes, He is fighting against spiritual forces and ungodly situations that may attempt to disrupt what He has planned for our lives. Remember, although the enemy of our souls sometimes rears his ugly head, is already a defeated foe! Take a moment, and hear what the Word of God says on this topic of the Lord fighting for us:
*Deuteronomy 1:30 "The Lord your God, who goes before you, He will fight for you, according to all He did for you in Egypt before your eyes."
*Deuteronomy 3:22 "You must not fear them, for the Lord your God Himself fights for you."
*Deuteronomy 20:4 "for the Lord your God is He who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you."
*Deuteronomy 31:18 "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
*Deuteronomy 33:27 "The eternal God is your refuge and dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms"
*Joshua 23:10 "One of you routs a thousand, because the Lord your God fights for you, just as he promised."
*1 Samuel 17:47 "Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands."
*2 Samuel 22:2-3 “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my Savior—from violent people you save me"
*2 Chronicles 20:15 "And he said, 'Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat! Thus says the Lord to you: Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.’"
*Psalm 9:9-10 "The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know Your Name trust in You, for You Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you."
*Psalm 56:9 "When I cry out to You, then my enemies will turn back; this I know, because God is for me."
*Psalm 109:21 "But you, Sovereign Lord, help me for Your Name’s sake; out of the goodness of your love, deliver me."
*Psalm 140:7 "Sovereign Lord, my strong deliverer, you shield my head in the day of battle."
*Isaiah 50:7 "Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame."
*Isaiah 50:9 "It is the Sovereign Lord who helps me. If God be for us, who can be against us?"
*Romans 8:31 "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?"
Wow, the Lord really is fighting for me, and for you! This encourages me in many ways. One way is that now, I want to sign up and fully engage in the battle too! I want to join with Jesus to fight "the good fight" as Paul said in 2 Timothy 4:7.
Another way this encourages me is that now I am motivated to "put on the armor of God." See Ephesians 6:10-18, 1Thessalonains 5:5-8, 2 Corinthians 6:3-7 and Romans 13:11-14. I want to join in on this fight and do my part. And, I am very glad the Lord instructs me to put on spiritual armor for this fight.
Another way this encourages me is I am now reminded that because of Jesus, I have the victory, and so do you! I John 5:4 “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.”
Have a blessed and victorious week in the Lord Jesus Christ! Stay on the winner's side, and always be ready to rumble. The god of this age may be on the prowl, but our Lord Jesus is still on the Throne! (1Peter 5:8,Rev 3:21)
Still thanking the Lord for wonderful services this past Sunday, and for the very special Water Baptism Service last Sunday night. So happy and proud of those that baptized!
God is good...and He is still fighting for you!!
See YOU this week at NLC!
All For Jesus,
Pastor Rick and Pamela