What Battle are You Fighting by Patrick Impelli

Many agree there are battles going on in the world today. There are battles socially, economically, spiritually just to name a few and the list goes on. The most important battle is and always has been the spiritual battle.

For the Christian, myself included, the spiritual battle should be at the top of the list when determining the fight, we should be engaged in. The Bible tells us “No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted as a soldier” (2 Timothy 2:4). The question is why do so many Christians entangle themselves with “affairs of this life”? The answer to this question is simply spiritual laziness!

You see, in my own life I found myself getting entangled with too many other life issues. Some years ago, I served as a volunteer with a fellowship in which the pastor had a bent towards protesting abortion. He was so invested in protesting abortion that just about every sermon he preached, and every conversation led to the topic of protesting of some kind. For the two plus months I spent there volunteering I began to believe my “calling” was to protest.

Although I am pro-life, I realized that the battle of protest was not mine. I am called to fight in the battle of prayer.

The point I’m making here is, many Christians are fighting the wrong battles. It's okay to be passionate against a certain social injustice or for truth. But the truth is if your battle is not grounded in prayer, you're fighting the wrong battle.

We see it today on the social media platforms, whether it’s Facebook, Instagram, etc., Christians in various places complaining and bashing people over things they don’t agree with. Rather they, including myself, should and need to spend energy on prayer knowing we are all in a spiritual battle. Christians must remember we are “engaged in warfare” and should not be entangled with the affairs of this life. Too many Christians are stuck on their phones, tablets, etc. rather than being on their knees crying out to the Lord.

I encourage Christians today to spend their time on their knees and not their fingertips scrolling through mass news and media. We as Christians, Christ followers, are soldiers for Him who enlisted us. May we live this truth out daily in prayer and supplication. Don’t waste time; redeem the time!

Like Mary

Have you considered the fact that you have things in common with Mary, the Mother of Jesus?

Mary was blessed and highly favored by God and so are you. "For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. O LORD of Hosts, how blessed is the man who trusts in You! …" (Psalm 84:11-12)

The Holy Spirit miraculously impregnated Mary, producing a virgin birth. Upon accepting Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, you were sealed with the same miracle working Holy Spirit. "In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation-- having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise…" '(Ephesians 1:13)

Mary gave birth to Jesus, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, God’s gift to the world. God wants to use you to give birth to His plan to a dying world. The Holy Spirit has not given you a spirit of fear, but of power, love, a sound mind and gifts to be used for His glory to co-labor with Him, to assist in bringing sons and daughters into the kingdom. Like Mary, answer the call in faith and let it be done to you according to His word for your life, which has the potential to impact the world. (John 3:16, 2Timothy 1:7, 1 Corinthians 3:9, Luke 1:38)

The Angst of Rejection by Aileen Florez

2 Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” There’s nothing easy about rejection. Rejection feels lousy. It stings, increases anger, anxiety, depression, jealousy, sadness and unhealthy behaviors. It causes sweaty palms, tense voice, labored breathing, increased heart rate, and even panic attacks.

My struggles with rejection began at a young age and lasted into adulthood. I became a people pleaser. I found it impossible to say “no” even when saying yes caused inconvenience or hardships in my own life. I was so passive – oftentimes I went out of my way just to avoid confrontations. I refused to ask or even speak up for what I needed. I simply shutdown and pretended my needs don’t matter. I developed a scripted way of life acting as though everything was perfect, hiding my true self to the world. God used my fears to help me become compassionate and to make a difference in the lives of others. Despite all the ugliness of rejection, my fear turned out to be a blessing. I am so grateful for God’s grace. God used my pain and suffering to help me grow stronger, to rise above, have more faith and trust in Him. I am healed. Rejection can be a tool and a blessing that humbly brings out the best in us. Don’t allow the fear of rejection to hold you back. Instead, let’s focus on God who rescued us and learn how to love ourselves as Jesus loves us. Let us be reminded of the times and ways Jesus was brutally rejected and still loved us. Praise God, for he heals and helps us forgive those who rejected us. With God we are not rejected, we are ACCEPTED!