2 Timothy 3:1
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
My friend gave me a handmade cross that was made by his wife when he was deployed to the Middle East.
He gave me the cross to thank me for helping him and his family. It is a precious gift to me. Just a length of paracord, hand woven. A 10 cent cross, taken to the battlefield. I imagine my friend grasping it as bullets landed nearby. I imagine him coming home, thankful that his wife made it. Then the smiles on my friends face as he handed it to me. I rarely take it off. A 10 cent cross… It means a lot to me. Good friends are priceless.
Sometimes wars are necessary. Yet the damage on a personal level changes an individual. There are lots of Vet stories with PTSD, tbi, suicidal tendencies and more.
In addition to wars with guns and tanks, men have wars that occurs in the minds.
Years ago I went to Indonesia, it was at the height of the extremists movement. Christians were being killed daily. My family was worried about my choice.
So I assured them this. The holy spirit promises you that I will return alive. Yet seeing is believing.
In the airport, I was praying. “Lord what am I doing? I don’t know the language. I don’t know where to go to process through the airport. So many rules and regulations to enter the country. It’s confusing to me.”
Do you realize the enemy puts doubt in your mind? Yet take a step forward and God will move with you.
There was a stop over in Singapore. I went to the next gate, sat down next to a gentleman. We started up a conversation.
He had a bible name, John, I believe.
My new friend was studying for his PhD in Michigan. His major was theology. I thought, “cool.”
He had not been home for years. His home port is Indonesia. I thought, interesting. I love meeting believers.
Then he said something out of the blue. “My brother works for the airport in Indonesia. Just stick with me and my brother will expedite you through customs. I’m here to help you.”
Wow, also, he knew nothing about my prayer in California.
All he knew, I am American going to Indonesia for a Christian conference.
By that time, I was laughing in my head. I was smiling, ear to ear. Thanking God and rejoicing. I really do believe God has a soft spot for missionaries. Love you Jesus!
People have told me, “that’s a coincidence.” Believe what you will, but I know better. Faith over feelings, will win you big victories.
You see, help from God comes from any where. At the least expected times. God heard my prayer, answered it to the smallest detail. The funniest thing, about the story? I never asked for help. I was just sharing my thoughts in prayer. I was just having a conversation. Just a relaxed conversation.
once in Indonesia , I met up with a brother. This friend decided to show me around Jakarta. As we talked, I learned that his whole village was massacred. Including his family. .
The religious extremists declared a holy war on anyone who didn’t think their way. Including: people of their own religion, but from different sects. Similar to the Catholics fighting the Protestants in England.
So my friend told me that the men of the village were beheaded. The heads stacked up like cordwood. Wives and children watched the executions. My friend continued, “Now the children of these villages grow up with hate and revenge on their minds.”. They have a war mentality. My friend started, ” I have pictures to prove it!”. “No thanks, I pass.” I replied.
A pastor’s car was rigged with explosives. Unfortunately it was the wife that started the car. She survived minus a leg. Still the pastor’s wife is forgiving. “Saying these people just don’t understand.”
Mental anguish creates battles in the mind. Forgiving like Jesus, gives peace that surpasses all understanding.
The truth is it takes an incredible amount of effort to overcome rage, hate, revenge the war like mind. It’s not a video game as the saying goes. Daily prayers, training yourself not to react. Avoid negative influences. Why do negative groups band together? They feed off each other’s hate. Instead make friends with other peacemakers.
A good friend of mine follows the Buddhist teachings. We sit and discuss what are learning. We laugh, joke, and enjoy great conversations about God.
One day we met and he looked bothered. “Why can’t I have a normal conversation with others like I have with you? He went on saying that he was reading, a man interrupted him and asked if he knew Jesus. No, I follow the teachings of Buddha. My friend started asking questions. Why is Jesus way better than Buddhas? A valid question. The man got infuriated and started yelling. Also exclaiming that my friend is going to hell.
Let me be clear. Someone who asks a question about God, is searching for answers. Don’t push a person away. Listen carefully and respectfully. Let them respond to your answers. Care for the individual, like Jesus.
John 14:6: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the father except through me.”.
People can’t see Christ in us, by arguing. The mind of war, wants to force people to do things their way. This is my experience. When I taught high school, I taught this thought. Do not argue religion. I asked, “what happens when you argue with someone?”. The kids replied, “the person gets more determined they are right.”. No one listens when everyone is angry. A clear idea of war Mongering.
Our society is training our youth to have warlike minds.
Pride, greed, and perversions. This attitude usually ends up telling people. Do things my way or you’ll get hurt.
The counter-posture is prayer. Research scriptures to hush anger and gain godly advice. Read Christian authors. Start training your mind to respond differently. Ask the holy spirit to ease your mind. Life will test you, yet every moment past is a learning experience.
Every life is different. I don’t know your situation, but I firmly believe if you stay on track with Jesus. His lifestyle will be effective and enjoyable.
God bless
Called 4 Jesus 