During the American Civil War, a soldier was shot in the arm during a battle in Tennessee. His captain saw that he was wounded and ordered him: “Give me your gun, private, and go to the rear of the battle!” The private handed over his rifle and ran toward the north, seeking safety. But after covering 200-300 yards, he came upon another skirmish. Then he ran to the east and into another part of the battle. Then he ran west but

As we experience freedom in Christ, we can in turn help others. Here’s a simple way: “And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone” (1 Thessalonians 5:14). 1. Warn those who are idle and disruptive. Speak directly to the inactive so they get the point and get going. The image here is of a disorderly soldier or a disarrayed army. Some believers, as it were, abandon their

A Chinese boy who wanted to learn about jade went to study from an old, honored teacher. This man put a piece of the precious stone into his hand and told him to hold it tight. Then he began to talk about philosophy, men, women, the sun, and almost everything under it. After an hour he took back the stone and sent the boy home. The procedure was repeated for several weeks with a different piece of jade. The boy became frustrated.

Sometimes we struggle against dark things, spiritual battles, behind the issues and people we see. Victory is assured, but we must use spiritual weapons and must fight to win. Ephesians 6:13-18 describes our battle armor. • Put on the full armor of God (13). Take our stand against temptations, spiritual attacks, and spiritual oppositions. Take our position in dependence upon God through prayer. Claim our authority in Christ. Stand our ground, secure in Christ. We will overcome. • Stand firm wearing the belt

Jesus is saving, delivering, sanctifying, healing, and setting me free on all levels – sin, self, sickness, Satan. God’s Word and God’s Spirit convicts me of my sins. I confess them deeply and profoundly. I desire a deep purging and rooting out of all sins. Jesus calls me to deny myself, pick up my cross daily, and follow him. I die daily to the self-centered “I” that lives within me. God prompts me to trust him for physical and emotional healing. I respond