“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, see to it you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come” (Matthew 24:6). We are living to see this prophecy fulfilled. As we speak there are as many as 60 countries in an active war or conflict. This year is promising to see this grow exponentially as China threatens to expand its territory, as well as Russia. For context, we need to be reminded that WW1 involved approximately 30 nations. WW2 involved 70 nations. WW3 is not far from sight…
But be aware… there is always a covert war before an overt war. There is the battle for your mind, your heart, your devotion, and opinion. This is the real war that is festering in every heart right now. What is important to you? Is that same thing important to God? Are you believing a lie that God doesn’t care? Or that His love doesn’t reach to you? We hear Jesus’ words to Peter… “Satan desires to sift you as wheat!” Our hearts and minds are being sifted…
Scripture warned us of this war… “Guard (like a soldier) your heart (and mind) with all diligence, for out of it come the issues of life.” Before salvation, the heart of mankind is “deceitful above all else, and desperately wicked; who can trust it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). At the moment of salvation, the heart is cleansed and made new, but it is immature. We must be so careful that we don’t hand our heart the reins to our lives. The heart should never be our guide or director, as it can be easily manipulated and led off track. It must always be led by the Word of God.
Be aware of lies that deceive, and thoughts that bring fear. They are not from God. Be more aware of the subtle suggestion that you should just disengage, or tap out… don’t let this evil seed make you stop fervently praying.
We are commanded (not suggested) to “Bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5). This means that when a rogue thought is creating doubts, fears, and anxiety, we quote the Word of God, “God has not given me the spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind.” Park that dark thought. Tie it down. And repeat the truth of God’s living Word. Fresh life will come.
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