Stand Firm... Stand Ready

Are you battle ready? Are you fit for war? Are you a soldier who has pledged your devotion and sworn your allegiance to your king? Are you suited up, ready and awaiting your orders? Or are you on a furlough? Taking a little “me” time? Trying to determine whether you want to take a stand in this conflict? Maybe you want to buy some time, entertain some other possibilities, check out all your ...options, etc.? I spent too many years of my life wasted drinking, smoking, goofing off on a “furlough.” Friends, if I can be so bold…STOP it! Enough is enough, we are in a battle and the heat is on! You can deny it, hide from it and even choose to ignore it, but if you do, beware, because your indecision is actually your decision. Jesus says you are either for me or against me in Matthew 12:30. The Bible tells us in 2 Timothy 4:2 to be prepared in season and out of season! 1 Corinthians 16:13 “stand firm in faith and be courageous; be strong…” Paul is using military language here to capture our attention. There is a battle between truth and lies. There’s a battle between good and evil. There is a constant assault being waged for the hearts and minds of the youth. Those of us who stand up and fight back against the depravity that is rampant will be labeled “extreme”, “fringe”, “intolerant ,etc. Yet we must stand up and speak the truth and not exchange the truth for lies. Paul is saying for us to watch against evil, watch for opportunities to do good and receive good, watch over each other in love and watch that none may lure you away from the belief and unity of the Gospel. We are to be strong, to be continually on our guard, lest we be surprised by our enemies, another words; keep our scouts out! Tonight, during this battle that is all around us are you in a good place? Are you in a safe place? Are you shackled in a cell of addiction? Are you lost in a relationship that is destructive? Have you exchanged the truth for a lie and been led down the path to destruction? It’s not too late. Right now Jesus Christ will snap those chains and illuminate a darkened heart with transforming light. Call on him right now, ask him for help. There are temptations and dangers all around us. Don’t be lured away by false doctrines, political correctness, pluralism, perverted expression, insinuations, and teachings of seducers and the friends of false doctrine. If you have not chosen yet and drawn a red line…now is the time. Joshua 24:15 Choose this day whom you shall serve! As for me and my house we shall serve the Lord.” Jesus Christ is my Lord and savior and since he is really my Lord…that means I am ready to serve him at all times. I am following him each moment of my life to hear his direction and meditate on his word. Yes, we may lose a battle here and there, but we know who will win the war! Until we are called home we must continue! The apostle Paul gives us the picture of a battle ready soldier in Ephesian 6! Take a moment to read that again when you can. Thanks for letting me share. Randy Young