Battle Focused Ministries

May you all have a Merry Christmas!

'And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”' (Luke 2:10–14, ESV)
http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Lk2.1-20

“Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” (2 Corinthians 13:11, ESV)
http://biblia.com/bible/esv/2Co13.11

Luke 2:1–20 ESV - In those days a decree went… | Biblia In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius...

“Give us grace and strength to persevere. Give us courage and gaiety, and the quiet mind. Spare to us our friends, soften to us our enemies...Give us the strength to encounter that which is to come, that we may be brave in peril, constant in tribulation, temperate in wrath, and in all changes of fortune, and down to the gates of death, loyal and loving to one another.”
― Robert Louis Stevenson

"We are all citizens of one world, we are all of one blood. To hate a man because he was born in another country, because he speaks a different language, or because he takes a different view on this subject or that, is a great folly. Desist, I implore you, for we are all equally human...Let us have but one end in view, the welfare of humanity."
-- Johann Amos Comenius 1592 - 1670

"If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain:
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain."
-- Emily Dickinson

Mondays - this too shall pass! 😂

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Why does Israel matter?
Did you know that the time clock of the return of Jesus Christ isn’t based on America’s timeline? It’s based on what is happening in Israel.
Did you know Jesus wasn’t a “Christian” ? He was a Jew. He celebrated and kept the Jewish holy days and customs, as well as the feasts of the LORD. He didn’t come to eradicate the Torah and writing of the Prophets / Old Testament. He came to fulfill the prophecies that were written in them.
When Jesus returns, He isn’t returning to the United States. The Bible says He is going to plant His foot down on the Mount of Olives and go through the Eastern Gate, which is currently sealed off with 16 feet of concrete. A cemetery was also placed in front of that gate because touching the dead makes a Jew considered unclean and unable to enter the Temple, which is considered Holy. The Word of GOD says He will return there and from there He will rule and reign for 1,000 years.
The final battle isn’t going to be on U.S. soil. It’s going to be in the Valley of Megiddo, in Israel. The Bible says as the nations wage war against Israel Jesus will come and destroy His enemies with the breath of His mouth. 2 Thess 2:8
GOD did not replace the Jews with Christians as some believe. We are actually grafted in with them as you would graft a wild branch into an existing tree.
The Word of GOD says, “When you touch Israel, you touch the Apple of GOD’s eye.” Zechariah 2:8
“He that keeps Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps. The LORD is thy keeper.” Psalm 121:4
“I will bless those that bless you and I will curse those that curse you.” Genesis 12:3
We are also commanded to pray for the peace of Jerusalem in Psalm 122.
ISRAEL matters. 🇮🇱
PRAY FOR ISRAEL.🙏🏻
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"The war within your soul is not an indication of God's absence from your life but evidence of His gracious work in your life."
Steve Childers

Finnish Lawmaker Facing Criminal Charges After Posting Picture of the Bible Räsänen faces criminal charges of ethnic agitation for publicly expressing her Christian faith. This is an assault on religious freedom.

Being naughty, or even being nice, doesn't really matter in the end. What matters is being saved by the grace of God through faith in Jesus.

May you all have a Merry Christmas!
'And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”' (Luke 2:10–14, ESV) http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Lk2.1-20

“Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” (2 Corinthians 13:11, ESV) http://biblia.com/bible/esv/2Co13.11

And may you experience the peace of God...but that peace is conditioned upon a pleasing relationship with Father God through the gift of faith in the finished work of Jesus. And also...a practical consequence of attitudes and actions which lead to peaceful relationships - especially during family gatherings! 😅

Luke 2:1–20 ESV - In those days a decree went… | Biblia In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius...

Catholic churches burned, vandalized over weekend as police investigate: 'Where's the outrage?' A slew of Catholic churches from Florida to California were burned and vandalized over the weekend as police continue to investigate whether or not they are connected to protests targeting symbols and statues.

"We pray for our local, state, and national leaders as they seek justice, and call on them to act quickly and diligently to ensure that these situations are brought to an end."

Statement on the Death of George Floyd As a convention of churches committed to the equality and dignity of all people, Southern Baptists grieve the death of George Floyd, who was killed May 25, 2020, in Minneapolis, Minn.

7 Things My Workaholism Says about Me In the past, I’ve addressed the important topic of workaholism among pastors—primarily because I’m a workaholic myself. I’ve addressed different issues, as the posts below indicate. 10 Signs You Ma…

Not for the faint of heart...but needed for church security training. 5 seconds...

Video Shows Armed Fort Worth Church Security Take Down Hooded Shooter - The Truth About Guns The West Freeway Church of Christ videos and streams its services. The camera caught the moment when a hooded man stood up, pulled a shotgun and opened fire this morning. Watch the man in black stand up at the top of the frame. CAUTION: Some might find this video disturbing: Don’t look now, but th...

May you all have a Merry Christmas!

'And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”' (Luke 2:10–14, ESV)
http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Lk2.1-20

“Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” (2 Corinthians 13:11, ESV)
http://biblia.com/bible/esv/2Co13.11

And may you experience the peace of God, but that peace is conditioned upon a pleasing relationship with Father God through the gift of faith in the finished work of Jesus. And also...a practical consequence of attitudes and actions which lead to peaceful relationships. Especially during family gatherings!

Luke 2:1–20 ESV - In those days a decree went… | Biblia In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius...

8 Ways the Enemy Attacks Churches I have studied spiritual warfare for more than 25 years. Here are some of the primary ways I’ve seen the enemy attack church.

10 Ways the Enemy Robs Us of Our Joy Paul made it clear to us that we wrestle against demonic forces as we strive to follow Christ (Eph. 6:12). In fact, the enemy often seeks to destroy our Christian joy so that our witness for Christ…

When we feel cornered at the edge of deep waters.. it's just another Red Sea. An opportunity for the demonstration of God's glory & loving provision for His children... and bad news for the Egyptians.

“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” - Jesus, John 11:25-26

For months, I have tried to write. I have written from time to time. But mostly, I’ve stared at a cursor on a blank screen. I have a thousand thoughts swimming in my mind and a million feelings in my heart...yet the right words just don’t come.

So tonight, I’m pushing the letters to form the words to bring the story that is the reason for the silence.

—

A year and a half ago, I nearly lost my father. I spent long hours in the hospital and long nights worried I wouldn’t have him in the morning. I plastered on a smile for 18 six year olds who had no idea their teacher would spend her 30 minute break breathing through an anxiety attack after spending the previous night watching her father breathe through tubes in ICU...

Ten months ago, I wrote a little post on Facebook that went viral and sent me on a roller coaster ride. I was interviewed and photographed. People from Germany to Australia were reading my words. I started a blog and began writing for a local magazine...

Six months ago, I lost my father in law after a brutal battle with cancer. I literally watched the disease take his last breath. Not long before he left us, I sat beside him in church after he accepted Christ and watched him wipe tears as he tried to hide the pain I know he felt. I watched my husband and his brothers cry...these brothers that define southern men...tears just streaming down...

Four months ago, I walked into urgent care with my feverish toddler. She’s been suffering with ear infections and I knew we were in that boat again. When the nurse took her temperature that read over 104, she called the local hospital and sent us. I drove with tears and shaky hands. A few hours and lots of meds later, we were home and the surgery to place tubes in her ears was finally scheduled...

Two months ago, I walked across a stage in front of hundreds of my colleagues to be acknowledged as Teacher of the Year for my school. I was also a part of the Top 10 for my school district. I sat at a table with my principal, my parents, my husband and my dear friends that have encouraged me every step of the way. My corsage fell off somewhere in between my table and shaking hands with the superintendent. It wouldn’t be my moment if I didn’t make it awkward, somehow...

One month ago, we all had the flu...at the same time. Jackson was spared and had to take care of his parents and his sister when we just couldn’t barely lift our eyelids. Changing diapers and checking homework with a 102 fever is a kind of strength only parents will know. We had precious friends bring us food, drop off items needed for school and text to check in. We were so miserable but felt thankful to have a village...

These are the major points on the timeline. Then, there is everything in between....holidays, hurt feelings, broken appliances, backyard golf games, date nights, strept throat, endless papers to grade and mountains of laundry.

And just when I get the kids to bed and I switch the clothes to the dryer...I sit and look at that blank screen. That cursor taunts me...it seems to tell me....”You have nothing to say.”

And for a long while I have felt...silent. But I am realizing it is those moments in between the wrecks and the celebrations that we live life. I want others to read the words of the Mom that’s sorting laundry, wiping counters, running errands and praying for the energy to just get through it. Because these days, weeks and months happen to all of us. These seasons that we feel completely unfit, outdone, overwhelmed and even...plain ordinary. This is true life. We won’t stay this way...I am sure of that. But I do know we have all gone through a time...of silence.

While I’ve felt disappointed in myself for the quiet and have thought, “Don’t waste this opportunity! Just write something!” I have felt a greater reassurance in the quiet voice that has whispered, “Just...listen.”

“Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
my hope comes from Him.”
Psalm 62:5

And so I have. I have turned off my voice to better hear His. When I’ve wanted to shout it all, I have pulled back to listen. And do you know what I have found in the listening?...peace.

My first graders are assigned one day each month to read to the class. Yesterday, my student who struggles to read had his turn. The first page went well and then each word after that became a challenge. His voice became quieter with each sentence and the others were quickly losing interest. So I sat right down in the rocking chair with him. I asked, “Will you let me?” I held his book and read for him. I let him show the pictures and I could feel his shoulders lean into my side with relief.

Friends, can you scoot over and let God sit awhile? Let Him hold the book and turn the pages and read the words. You show the pictures through your heart, your transparency...your life. Lean into His side as your shoulders finally feel a little relief. It’s His story to tell of how His great love, mercy and grace walks us through every messy, wonderful, awful and ordinary point on the timeline.

Just listen...

With my Whole Heart,

Betsy Eggart

"The person who’s in love with their vision of community will destroy community. But the person who loves the people around them will create community everywhere they go."
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer

"Two forces are at work in our world—the forces of Christ and the forces of the devil—and you are asked to choose."

Billy Graham Daily Devotion: The Enemy Deceives Us Many jokes are made about the devil, but the devil is no joke.

[When] the Spirit is poured upon us from on high, ... Then justice will dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness abide in the fruitful field. And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever. My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places. -- Isaiah 32:15-18

THE FOURTH STEP TO THE PRACTICAL DISCIPLINE OF FORGIVENESS: Repeat as needed! Much like a wound that has to be dressed often at first and less as it heals, we too must go to our knees to pray out loud through these steps as often as the lump returns to our throat, the heat to our face, the churning to our gut, the thoughts to our mind, and the pain to our heart. Though you may never tell the person about this gift of forgiveness (in most cases, it might be better not to, at least for a while); though the person may never ask for forgiveness; though it may never be appropriate to restore the relationship (especially in cases of abuse); you can forgive. Time does not heal all wounds, but the persistent discipline of forgiveness does over time. Soon you will experience the healing and peace and joy and freedom that flow from grace.

STEP THREE TO THE PRACTICAL DISCIPLINE OF FORGIVENESS: Pray for Blessing. Really, Lord, do we have to? The apostles weren't so keen on this idea either! This kind of faith trusts that what Christ did on the cross was enough to atone for your sins and the sins of those who have hurt you. Such faith trusts that the love God has shown you is the love he desires to show to everyone, even those who have hurt you. Just like step one and two, this step is a discipline that is best accompanied by bended knees and spoken prayers. Start by praying aloud, “God, bless them with your presence.” Then, look for specific ways to pray for God’s blessing in the details of their life. It's impossible to hold on to hurt (and the ensuing cancer of bitterness) while habitually praying for God to bless the person who has caused that hurt.

THE SECOND STEP TO THE PRACTICAL DISCIPLINE OF FORGIVENESS: Capitulate retribution! The word capitulate means to surrender under agreed terms. In the Bible, we see that King David rarely minced words with God! In no uncertain terms, he asked for harsh retribution on his enemies. ("Strike all my enemies on the cheek...") By doing so he provided us with a great example of what Jesus meant by turning the other cheek—not that Christians would merely allow others to walk over them, but that Christians would practice the discipline of getting out of the way to let God fight their battles. So, hand the ownership of getting even over to God. As you do this, your heart will soften and your prayers will begin to resemble some of the sweeter psalms of David, but in this step, drawing near to God in honesty and sincerity is most important.

FIRST STEP TO THE PRACTICAL DISCIPLINE OF FORGIVENESS: Surrender the expectations we hold over others, especially those who have hurt, disappointed, betrayed us, fallen short. Justified as our case or feelings might be, we extend the same grace (unmerited favor) that we have received. Remember God demonstrated "His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8) Get alone, get on your knees, pray out loud, and choose to live in God’s economy of grace. Identify your expectations and surrender them. “Father, I surrender my expectation that … would …” (Complete text of The Four Steps of the Discipline of Forgiveness is available by contacting [email protected]).