The battle is raging...

It seems that everywhere I turn lately there is another story of a well known christian leader who has fallen from the faith, is divorcing their long time spouse, or fallen into some gross moral failure. Signs of the times we live in. It could be easily discouraging for their brothers and sisters in faith if they do not understand these times. These times…this is the time of great battle. The days for the battle for the soul of the Church as it stands against the onslaught of the enemy to destroy it; pulling the western culture down to where the destruction of the church will be seen as a righteous act of ridding the world of those judgmental bigots. These are the times we live in, but we need not be afraid, because we were born for such a time as this. We were chosen for this battle. predestined, before time began, with the infinite wisdom and overflowing love of the Father, for this time.


With every battle, there are casualties; people deeply wounded from constant assault and temptation, may God give them healing and courage.


 With every battle there are those who turn coat to fulfill their flesh, for profit or for fear; may God have mercy on their souls. 


In every battle there are heroes. Saints, who rise in the power and joy and wisdom of the Spirit. Saints, who battle the hopelessness, and hatred and lies of the world to be free. Free to live and speak the truth in pure love regardless of the consequences. Free from fear and shame and ego and politics, fully surrendered to the Christ the Savior and Lord of time and eternity. They serve the God of Hope, the God of all comfort.In faith, rooted and grounded in the Father’s love for them as his children, that nothing can separate them from, they love radically and unconditionally and proclaim the Truth, who is the Son. They live in faith, knowing this life is just the prelude, the childhood, the preparation for sharing the eternal life of the familial love of the Trinity.


And so my dear friends, some of whom are suffering greatly, do not despair. Some of you are enduring great suffering to prepare you for the task God has created you for; a basic training of sorts so that you can be the warrior you need to be. Some of you feel like you are dying in this time but remember our Savior’s words….unless a grain of wheat dies…it is the divine economy of all of creation, physical and spiritual, that only in dying can life be brought forth. May God grant you faith in the resurrection, as impossible as it seems, so you can sustain hope in the hopeless situation you stand in.


The Church of Jesus Christ has suffered before, been attacked from within and without before, it has been despised and persecuted, indeed, some of the most powerful people and cultures of all of history has tried to destroy this Church. None has ever succeeded, none ever will. From our particular spot on the battlefield it may appear so at times, but the gates and powers of hell itself will not win. We serve the Lord who has destroyed principalities and powers, and sits over them in authority. He promises to use all things for the good if his beloved children. 


Rest in that love. Trust in that love. Love rules all, and it never fails.