Bible Study Verse
I Chronicles 19:13
"Be strong, and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. The Lord will do what is good in His sight." (NIV)
Matthew 21:12-13
Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. "It is written," He said to them, "'My house will be called a house of prayer,' but you are making it 'a den of robbers.' " (NIV)
Thoughts
Have you ever seen photos of African Cape Buffalo forming a "fighting ring" when danger approaches? The buffalo form a half circle and all face the danger together (most often a pride of hungry lions). There is strength in numbers and they can protect each other. In today's vernacular, they've got each other's back!
I've never had the pleasure of experiencing a "ring" of cape buffalo, but let me share with you what I have seen. Here in the desert southwest we have a diminutive creature known as the Javelina, also known as "pigs" to the local hunters. Now, pigs certainly aren't cape buffalo, but they do share a common characteristic.
I like to hunt pigs with a varmint call. If all goes according to plan, the herd of pigs will come to the call thinking that one of their own is getting chomped. But, the caller must remember, the pigs are coming in, shall we say, less than happy. They are MAD, and they usually show it. You want to stop calling once they've gotten within range or you just might have an "up close and personal" encounter with one of these critters that won't end well for you. I've actually had a herd encircle me while I was safely perched on a rather large rock that God had made just for me!
(Cliff S)
Action Point
We as Christians have all heard the verses about turning the other cheek and going with an oppressor two miles instead of one. God wants us to do this when the circumstances are right and it will glorify Him. But, in too many Christian circles we've been taught, especially as men, that we're to always be meek and mild "nice guys" and just take whatever the world dishes out.
OK, so how many sermons have you heard based on I Chronicles 19:13? We've all heard the story of Christ driving the money changers out of the Temple, but do we really get what He's doing? Christians have a responsibility to fight for God, His Word, and His people, again, when the circumstances are right and when God will be glorified. Ephesians 6:11 tells us to put on the whole armor of God and, "TO STAND."
I would suggest that, especially you men of God, watch the movie Courageous and read Wild at Heart, No More Christian Nice Guy, Jesus Mean and Wild, Fearless, In a Pit With A Lion on a Snowy Day, and a host of other books that talk about fighting for our faith, our families, and the right to practice our beliefs in freedom.
Yes, Jesus set the example of being a loving, gracious, and merciful man. But, Jesus also set the example of fighting for the Father. Wake up Christians!!!! The fight is all around us. From Satanic forces to those who would limit our freedom to worship and practice our faith, we are in a fight. In many ways, it's the ultimate fight for our faith, our families, and our Christian brothers and sisters.
There's a popular phrase in our society, "Man Up!" Well, I believe it is time for us to Christian Up.
Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
When hunting in black bear or mountain lion country always be alert. Should one of these animals attack you must understand that they mean to kill you and very likely eat you. If attacked you will be in the fight of your life. Play dead in a grizzly attack. But black bears and mountain lions attack with deadly intent and you must fight for your life. And, remember, when fighting for your life there's no such thing as fighting dirty!!!!
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