A Community of Grace »

As Britain’s leader during World War II, Prime Minister Winston Churchill inspired his country and other allied forces to tenaciously fight against Hitler’s regime. Addressing President Roosevelt’s concerns about involving America in the war, Churchill said, “Here is the answer which I will give to President Roosevelt…We shall not fail or falter; we shall not weaken or tire. Neither the sudden shock of battle nor the long-drawn trials of vigilance and exertion will wear us down. Give us the tools and we will finish the job.” With the miraculous help of God, and other allied troops, Churchill was true to His words.

Jesus’ disciples were faced with a seemingly impossible situation. Drawn by the authority of His teaching and His ability to heal, thousands of people had followed Jesus to a remote shore on the Sea of Galilee. As evening drew near, the crowd became hungry. The twelve came to Jesus and said to Him, “Dismiss the crowds and send them away…” (Luke 9:12).

We, too, have reacted to overwhelming situations in the same manner as the disciples. Instead of asking God for His wisdom and direction, we have foolishly dictated to Him what He should do. Like President Roosevelt, wanting to avoid involvement in Churchill’s war, the disciples did not want to be involved in the needs of the vast throng.Thankfully, the disciples listened and acted upon the wise words of the Bread of Life. Their lack, five loaves of bread and two fish were miraculously transformed into abundant supply for thousands.

Jesus’ words contain divine power to bring blessing and victory in all circumstances. If Roosevelt had not heeded the words of Churchill, the freedom of Europe and the western world may have been lost. Much more is at stake in the life of every Christ-follower who ignores the Word of God. It is obedient faith in the words of Christ that activates God’s miraculous power over sin and distressing circumstances. Draw near and be sustained victoriously by His Word.

“For whatever is born of God is victorious over the world; this is the victory that conquers the world, even our faith.”

1 John 5:4

Throughout history, many battles have been won because defending troops anticipated the time and location of an enemy attack. In the Battle of Gettysburg, a key turning point in the American Civil War, a contingency of Union soldiers defeated a much larger Confederate troop. Their success came, in large part, because Major General George G. Meade and the Union leadership anticipated that the Confederate army would try to advance to northern territories through Gettysburg. It was a decisive victory, the beginning of the end of the war.

As children of God, we are in a daily battle. Our enemy is Satan and he is poised with a contingent of soldiers ready to attack us:

“Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

Satan is joined by rulers and authorities, powers of this dark world and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places (from Ephesians 6:12).

The location of the battle is our mind. Satan’s weapons are lies:

“I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your mind may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ”

(2 Corinthians 11:3).

Satan’s goal is to lead us away from Christ. We position ourselves for victory by anticipating these attacks, and arming ourselves with our God-given weapon, the Word of God:

“We demolish every argument and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ”

(2 Corinthians 10:5).

Don’t be taken by surprise. Though your enemy seeks to devour you, the contingent of One on your side is far greater than any troop Satan may send against you. Resist him by standing firm in, believing, God’s words of truth. And be encouraged, you are not alone. Your brothers and sisters in Christ throughout the world are undergoing the same battle.

“The God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ…will make you strong, firm and steadfast. To Him be the power forever and ever. Amen.”

1 Peter 5:10-11

Doors provide an entrance into many types of spaces. They also function as protective barriers, providing safety from unwanted intruders. Locks are commonly used on doors to safeguard access into households or places of business. Peepholes on a door allow an occupant to identify safe visitors. When the wrong person accesses a door, crimes of various sorts may ensue. Lives become threatened, subject to mortal danger.

As God’s children, we have been given access to Him through a narrow Door. Jesus identifies Himself as the only Door to the Father. That Door opened for us as we approached Him in faith, crouching low in humility and repentance. As we walked through the Door, its crimson color reminded us of the blood of Jesus that was shed to wash away our sins. We were welcomed and received into God’s household with unconditional love. Entering through the Door by faith made limitless grace available, all that we need for life and godliness.

How do we continue to dwell in the safety of Christ, kept from the dangers of sin? We allow God’s truth to become the doorkeeper of our mind.The Word of God acts as a peephole by which we learn to recognize the lies of Satan. Lies are like unwanted intruders, intent on robbing us of the rich rewards of faith in Christ. We learn to lock the door of our mind to lies, denying them entrance. Joyfully, we fling the door of our minds wide open to welcome the words of Christ. By clinging to, and obeying them, we find love, safety, peace, wisdom, and power to live in victory over sin.

How secure is the door of your mind? Are you leaving it carelessly unlocked by neglecting the Word of God? Ask God to help you lock out dangerous intruders, lies that rob you of joy and victory over sin. Fling wide open the door of your heart and mind to Jesus. His truth, power and peace will rush in, guarding you in all of your ways

“You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.”

Isaiah 26:3