Daily Devotions
Bringing it to the Battlefield Every Day
Reading for July 30th: Isaiah 9-12
Weekly reading for July 26-Aug 1: Matthew 15-19
Then Peter came up and said to him, "Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?" Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven."
Matthew 18:21-22
In war a soldier must bring it to the battlefield every day. He must possess a determination to fight no matter what. He can't get tired. He can't be afraid. He can't afford to. The stakes are too high. Whether he feels like it or not, he must fight.
This same kind of tenacity is required in spiritual conflict as well. Let's face it, it can get ugly. The enemy does not fight fair. He is relentless in his attacks against us. The Christian soldier must struggle with both weariness and fear to follow his Captain.
There are times when he must will himself to do the right thing. He's tired. He's done the right thing again and again and has nothing to show for it. He knows the cost of obedience, but he does the right thing anyway. Like a Marine storming a beach in the face of heavy gunfire and artillery, he throws caution to the wind and bravely moves ahead.
What has you fearful, soldier? Is it forgiveness? Has someone hurt you and you're afraid to give them another chance? Are you avoiding someone? Have you been putting off calling them?
Do not fear! You are not alone! The Lord is with you! Be strong and of good courage! Put on your armor! Go forward into the fray and fight!
Father, strengthen our hearts that we might always do the right thing.
