ARMY AGAINST ARMY

International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons

Read: 1 Samuel 17:21-26.

Memorise: For who is there of all flesh who has heard the voice of the living God speaking from the midst of the fire, as we have, and lived (Deuteronomy 5:26)

EXPOSITION

The children of Israel were special people, separated for holiness and the glory of God. This was not a secret to the surrounding nations of which the Philistines were one seem too many. God's children can only experience defeat, if they sin against their God. Otherwise, whoever tries them, does so to his/her own peril. It does not matter the fierceness of the enemy, God will always crush them (cf. Rom. 16:20).

The kingdom of darkness is of this world, limited and vain, and so can never stand against the kingdom of Light, which is heavenly, powerful, and of great worth. Yes, the devil can threaten, frighten and terrorise. Yet, he has no control over God's people, as long as they do not offend God. Those who camp on the enemy's side are known for self-glory and pride. They may be giants and many, God's people, though few and seem inconsequential, will always have the day, as they trust in the power and Person of the Omnipotent God.

For Gideon, 32,000 might not be enough to defeat the Midianites, but to God who doesn't rely on numbers, 300 may be too many (Jdg. 7). To Him, age is never a barrier to be used immensely against the so-called giants and the mighty. What matter is God going with us to the battlefield. Abraham was never a trained warrior. Yet, with God on his side, he fought against four great kings in defence of his cousin (Gen. 14). The weapons of our warfare are definitely not carnal, but spiritual. We must put on the whole armour of God, if we must remain on the winning side, and always (Eph. 6:10-1)

PRAYER POINTS

1. Lord, give me power to continue to trust You in all circumstances.

2. Oh Lord, show up in families and churches facing threat from the kingdom of darkness.

3. Father, give our leaders in church and nation, to uphold the pillar of trust and prayer, as we jointly fight the menace of insurgences in our land.

EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Prov. 22:19 - 24:17; 2 Cor. 12:19 - 13:14; Gal. 1:1 - 1:5

Remain blessing.