When To Fight

"He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight."
Sun Tzu, The Art of War

I don't really like conflict. But sometimes, you simply have to fight for what you believe. You have to stand your ground. Or else, you'll end up losing that ground.

So, if I seem to be picking a fight, it's got to be because it's something I feel quite strongly about...

And yet, it's really difficult to work out when to fight and when not to fight.

Because I always seem to get it wrong. Or so I keep being told. Either I'm too 'laid back' or I'm too 'uptight'.

So, bear with me. And forgive me. Because I'm trying to get a balance. I'm trying to get it right. (sigh).

Ephesians 4:31-32 (NIV)
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Colossians 3:13 New International Version (NIV)
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Arrow Prayers

2 Kings 13:17 (New International Version, ©2010)

“Open the east window,” he said, and he opened it. “Shoot!” Elisha said, and he shot. “The LORD’s arrow of victory, the arrow of victory over Aram!” Elisha declared. “You will completely destroy the Arameans at Aphek.”

Prayer is vital, and complex. I was encouraged today by someone who talked about the importance of using prayer to attack strongholds in our life. In the passage above, Elisha symbolically asks King Jehoash to fire an arrow out of the window. We too can make a difference to a situation by firing off 'arrow prayers' to God. These are quick prayers to God, like arrows shooting up to heaven.

I've known about arrow prayers for a while and use these occasionally when out and about. I'm going to be firing a few arrows up today, so mind your heads!

The Impossible Dream

I have spent a while reflecting on the story of Don Quixote, a character created by Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes, and first published on this day in 1605.

Don Quixote is a dreamer, a man of advanced years who rides out from a small village of La Mancha to do battle as a knight. He is ill-equipped, riding a 'nag' and accompanied by Sancho Panza, a local farmer who becomes his squire. In one famous scene he attacks some windmills, imagining them to be giants. To many the man is a fool, yet in his madness he still displays admirable qualities, maintaining his beliefs despite overwhelming odds - belief in chivalry, on not giving up.

The original novels were a satire of chivalry, yet these are well-loved as they feature a hero who will fight for the common man against overwhelming odds. The books were the inspiration behind the 1959 musical "Man of La Mancha", which featured the song "The Impossible Dream", which is probably where most of us first discovered the character.

Give It Away

Luke 6:37-38 (The Message)

"Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticise their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don't condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you'll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you'll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity."

Words Of Life!

Sing them over again to me,
Wonderful words of life;
Let me more of their beauty see,
Wonderful words of life.
Words of life and beauty,
Teach me faith and duty.
Beautiful words! Wonderful words!
Wonderful words of life!
SASB 258 (Philip Paul Bliss)

Onward To Victory!

In the fight, say, does your heart grow weary?
Do you find your path is rough and thorny,
And above the sky is dark and stormy?
Never mind, go on!
Lay aside all fear, and onward pressing,
Bravely fight and God will give his blessing;
Though the war at times may prove distressing,
Never mind, go on!

Chorus
When the road we tread is rough,
Let us bear in mind,
In our Saviour strength enough
We may always find;
Though the fighting may be tough
Let our motto be:
Go on, go on to victory!

2.
Faithful be, delaying not to follow
Where Christ leads, though it may be through sorrow;
If the strife should fiercer grow tomorrow,
Never mind, go on!
Cheerful be, it will your burdens lighten,
One glad heart will always others brighten;
Though the strife the coward’s soul may frighten,
Never mind, go on!

3.
When downhearted, look away to Jesus,
Who for you did shed his blood most precious;
Let us say, though all the world should hate us:
Never mind, go on!
Do your best in fighting for your Saviour,
For his sake fear not to lose men’s favour;
If beside you should a comrade waver,
Never mind, go on!

SASB 805, Richard Slater (1854-1939)

Gullible

Are you interested in etymology? That is, the study of the history of words — there's a great BBC programme called 'Balderdash And Piffle' all about this. Anyway, it's one particular word that has sparked me off to blog today.

The term 'gullible' apparently stems back from 1793 and is probably connected to 'gull', a slang term for a dupe or a sucker. It is perhaps derived from the name of the actual bird, or from the verb gull (meaning 'to swallow', 1530, from the old French word goule, or from the Latin gula meaning throat or gullet). This means it probably refers to someone who will swallow anything thrown at them. There's also a Middle English dialect word gull meaning a newly hatched bird (1382).

The term goes a long way back, doesn't it? So we should be well aware that we need to be careful and sensible when dealing with others who may appear to be one thing but in fact are quite the opposite.

"Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves." (Matthew 10:16)

"Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves." (Luke 10:3)

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." (1 Peter 5:8)

Let's go out and do His will - but remember to be careful out there!

Saved To Save

I am a regular reader of the Armybarmy blog (see link to the right hand side) and am often particularly challenged by some of the entries there. Today's comments included a reference to a book entitled "My Business Here Below: Shared thoughts on Soul Winning" by Brigadier Bramwell Darbyshire. The following incident is recorded there...

General William Booth expected his soldiers to be soul winners. On one occasion one Salvationist mentioned to him that the Ss on the collars (now the lapels) of every soldier meant that soldier was "saved to serve". It's a phrase I've heard before.

The Founder was reportedly 'very cross' when he heard this - for William they meant "saved to save".

I hope those soldiers who read this and wear their uniform proudly never forget that. There is a constant reminder that as soldiers we are indeed saved to save.

One Of Those Days

Ever had 'one of those days'? You know, days where nothing ever seems to go right. That's me, today. Amongst the things that I have experienced - or have endured today - are:

• Despite getting to the station for my train ten minutes early this morning, the train arrives at its terminus ten minutes late. Stands to reason that I had to be in on time today. And today was the day my boss got in early!
• A chance meeting during the course of the morning with a cardboard box which I myself had stored produced an unexpected shower of black toner that subsequently ruined my tie, and probably my shirt.
• The journey back home again was pretty uneventful, however my son, who was due to meet me at the station when I arrived, had 'forgotten about the time'. I did however wait for him - that was another ten minutes delay!
• When I arrived home, there were phone calls and emails that I had to attend to - plus the kitchen sink was blocked. So I rolled my sleeves up and got down to it again. No chance to relax, now!
  

Now I don't claim that this was anything else other than 'one of those days'. But life is indeed a battlefield, and it is of course how we handle days like these that show 'character' or 'persistence' in our lives. We carry on - determined to do the best we can for our family, our friends, our Saviour.

Psalm 63:5-6
"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation;he is my fortress, I shall not be shaken."

Warfare

I've got a dreadful headache at the moment. And I've had it for a while, all weekend. In fact, after attending the Sunday meeting yesterday, I went home and slept all afternoon. Still no respite. So I thought I'd surf the net for a few pointers today...

"Holding on to anger, resentment and hurt only gives you tense muscles, a headache and a sore jaw from clenching your teeth. Forgiveness gives you back the laughter and the lightness in your life. " Joan Lunden

I don't know what you think, but I'm of the opinion it's the battles I have with my own 'issues' which are causing these symptoms. So, I'm trying very hard today to keep cheerful, despite feeling lousy. Well, that's not easy, and I've got it wrong already today. Forgive me my friends when I get it wrong!

Remember, Jesus said "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick". (Matthew 9:12, NIV) Having consulted the Great Physician I have a fair idea of what to do now.

Never Mind, Go On!

Faithful be, delaying not to follow
Where Christ leads, though it may be through sorrow;
If the strife should fiercer grow tomorrow,
Never mind, go on!
Cheerful be, it will your burdens lighten,
One glad heart will always others brighten;
Though the strife the coward’s soul may frighten,
Never mind, go on!

(SASB 805, verse 2)

After an 'interesting' weekend, which has seen my main PC go up in smoke, and those close to me under extreme stress for a number of reasons, I have tried to stand firm to my beliefs, and understand that many of my comrades are 'dug in' alongside me, as we push ever onwards towards the goals we see before us. The CO preached a very apt sermon yesterday on this very subject and he gave me a verse to ponder on this week...

Hebrews 10:23
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

I'll Not Turn Back

In response to an incident that took place in my family last night, I'll make this public statement to all and sundry. I hereby recommit my family back to Christ and state that "as for Me and My House we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24: 15

If crosses come, if it should cost me dearly,
To be the servant of my servant Lord,
If darkness falls around the path of duty,
And men despise the Saviour I’ve adored.

I’ll not turn back, whatever it may cost,
I’m called to live, to love and save the lost,
I’ll not turn back, whatever it may cost,
I’m called to live, to love and save the lost.

If doors should close then other doors will open,
The word of God can never be contained.
His love cannot be finally frustrated,
By narrow minds or prison bars restrained.

It tears should fall, if I am called to suffer,
If all I love men should deface, defame,
I’ll not deny the One that I have followed,
Nor be ashamed to bear my Master’s name.

(John Gowans)