“And from the days of John the Baptist until the present time, the kingdom of heaven has endured violent assault, and violent men seize it by force [as a precious prize—a share in the heavenly kingdom is sought with most ardent zeal and intense exertion].”  Matthew 11:12 (AMPC) Today’s verse says that people will fight for something they value.  That tells me that as believers, we must develop a fighting spirit within us. Now, that doesn’t mean we pick fights or walk around with a scowl on our faces, looking to argue with someone. After all, we want to enjoy peace and laughter in our lives!  But at the same time, I’ve learned that we can’t be naïve about how to handle conflict that comes against …

Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet.  Ephesians 6:13 (MSG)  Many believers sit around letting life simply happen or passively trusting God to do everything. They mistakenly think that trusting God means they don’t have to fight for anything. It’s like the person who told me they had lost their job but were confident God would send a cheque to their mailbox.   God certainly cares about your circumstances and can coordinate supernatural finances to flow. However, Deuteronomy 28:8 says the Lord blesses whatever you set your hand to. But if you’re not …

Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses.  1 Timothy 6:12 (NLT)  I’m going to say something that might shock some people: I think Christians don’t fight enough. Now, let me qualify that statement. I’m not talking about picking fights or arguing with people—although conflict can be necessary and healthy when we need to work things out.   I’m talking about the sedate way many believers go through life. I’ve heard many preachers talk about trusting God. But the way they instruct people to trust Him is so passive that people begin to believe they don’t have to take any responsibility for themselves.   Because of that, …