MIND OF TRUTH

I've been reading the "Lion of War" series by Cliff Graham . Almost finished the second book, Covenant of War. God has taught me so much through these books. They're very realistic and violent, but it will give you a good picture of these stories of David and his mighty men. The author shares the story of Eleazar, David's number two mighty man, who was fighting the Philistines until his hand froze on the sword. In the story the Philistines are coming up through the valley of Elah and David and Eleazar are all that stands in their way. Before the battle, Eleazar asked David for an encouraging word. David says " Don't be afraid. Fear comes when we see only the enemies before us and not the beheaded champions behind us ." We all need to hear encouragement like that. How many times has God delivered our enemies into our hands, or brought us through difficult and often seemingly impossible situations? We need to focus on Him and what He has done an

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. He is my refuge and my strength. In the midst of battle the enemy comes at me, but my God covers me. When I am weary, I step back and breathe in His life which surrounds me and fills me. I feel His Spirit lifting me and equipping me for what is to come. He strengthens my arm to lift the sword and fight again. There is no foe that can stand against me because He is there. The enemy looks on in fear as I find a place of rest in my Lord in the midst of the battle. My king will be victorious, He will never fail, and He is greater than all who come against His will. I will overcome because my God has spoken it, He desires it, and He will accomplish all things. He hides me in His Son and He covers me with His love. I will overcome! I have overcome! Blessed be His mighty name!

Sometimes I get overwhelmed thinking about Jesus, He was a stone cold warrior. None could stand against Him and none dared to try. As His disciples were fighting over who would be the greatest in the Kingdom, Jesus tells them they don't have a clue what they were asking. He knew the depths of sacrifice, the denial of self, the pain and agony, the release of earthly things. No one could drink from His cup. A great warrior has the strength to stay the course, endure the hardness set before them. No one could come close to Jesus. No one had the power to lay aside Glory and humble themselves as He did. No one else could have borne up under the immensity of the world's sins. No one else could set their face like a flint toward the purposes of the Father. And above all He did it all in love, with grace, kindness, and the utmost integrity. Never uttering a negative word, never complaining or wishing away the precious time He had been given. Yes, my Jesus stands alone. His name is a