March Like a Soldier
Scripture: Joshua 1:9 – Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid: do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Ephesians 6:13 – Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.
Have you ever taken a good look at a soldier when he or she is at attention? They stand tall, chest out, shoulders back, and stomach held in; it’s a picture of strength. When they march, their faces are at attention; their feet move up and down in a uniformed and cadence fashion. They are a picture of order, confidence, and security if you will. The soldier marches to the beat of a call by their superior. They are indeed called persons! My oldest brother, Cleveland A. Rice, Jr., served as a soldier in the army during the Vietnam War. One day he shared some of his experiences during the War. After hearing him share, I gained new respect for my brother. I thanked him for his service. I am grateful that we have called men and women who serve and have served in our military to protect our nation. They have trained so that they are expected to be able to endure and withstand the threats and horrors common to war. Many can recall unforgettable challenges and hardships just trying to survive in less than perfect situations. At given points in their experience, they must make up their minds to become relentless, determined to go on despite the losses and chaos see around them. Just as the soldier is called to maintain, and survive under hardships and setbacks; we, in Christ, are called to march like soldiers. We must be convinced that with Jesus we can overcome every obstacle in our way.
We are called to constantly practice faith in our Lord & Savior, even under the most hostile situations (Ps. 112:1,7-8). I have been there, too. We can confidently know that God has not left us (He will never leave us nor forsake us – Deut. 31:6); for He is our Strong Tower and the only one we can depend (Prov. 18:10). With Him, we will be triumphant (2 Cor. 2:14). So remember, yes, the enemy will throw us fiery darts through difficult people, health disparities, disappointments, economic injustices, but we must stand tall and find strength in our trust in God; we have the Victory! Our faith can teach us to love despite we are hated; to speak and give life despite the offenses thrown our way. We are the redeemed of the Lord; the body of Christ, and the gates of hell will not prevail against us (Matt. 16:18). We will march on with courage, conviction, and strength; all for the Glory of our God!!
Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your attention to our need for examples, parallels and parables; We thank you for Your patience, as well. You teach us and show us how to be all of who You have called us to be in this World. Help us to honor You and readily step to Your cadence and Your purposes. We thank You for those who are called to Your service…In Jesus’ Name-Amen!
(by Lisa Williams)
Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Ephesians 6:13 – Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.
Have you ever taken a good look at a soldier when he or she is at attention? They stand tall, chest out, shoulders back, and stomach held in; it’s a picture of strength. When they march, their faces are at attention; their feet move up and down in a uniformed and cadence fashion. They are a picture of order, confidence, and security if you will. The soldier marches to the beat of a call by their superior. They are indeed called persons! My oldest brother, Cleveland A. Rice, Jr., served as a soldier in the army during the Vietnam War. One day he shared some of his experiences during the War. After hearing him share, I gained new respect for my brother. I thanked him for his service. I am grateful that we have called men and women who serve and have served in our military to protect our nation. They have trained so that they are expected to be able to endure and withstand the threats and horrors common to war. Many can recall unforgettable challenges and hardships just trying to survive in less than perfect situations. At given points in their experience, they must make up their minds to become relentless, determined to go on despite the losses and chaos see around them. Just as the soldier is called to maintain, and survive under hardships and setbacks; we, in Christ, are called to march like soldiers. We must be convinced that with Jesus we can overcome every obstacle in our way.
We are called to constantly practice faith in our Lord & Savior, even under the most hostile situations (Ps. 112:1,7-8). I have been there, too. We can confidently know that God has not left us (He will never leave us nor forsake us – Deut. 31:6); for He is our Strong Tower and the only one we can depend (Prov. 18:10). With Him, we will be triumphant (2 Cor. 2:14). So remember, yes, the enemy will throw us fiery darts through difficult people, health disparities, disappointments, economic injustices, but we must stand tall and find strength in our trust in God; we have the Victory! Our faith can teach us to love despite we are hated; to speak and give life despite the offenses thrown our way. We are the redeemed of the Lord; the body of Christ, and the gates of hell will not prevail against us (Matt. 16:18). We will march on with courage, conviction, and strength; all for the Glory of our God!!
Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your attention to our need for examples, parallels and parables; We thank you for Your patience, as well. You teach us and show us how to be all of who You have called us to be in this World. Help us to honor You and readily step to Your cadence and Your purposes. We thank You for those who are called to Your service…In Jesus’ Name-Amen!
(by Lisa Williams)
Archive
2022
January
Dissing Double MindednessCome-to-Jesus MomentNew Year, Same God!Is God Real?O Me of Little FaithNot Another Password!Lamb of GodA Tale of Two SongsGod WinksJesus Working Through MeA Real Friend with BenefitsGod is Trying to Tell Us SomethingEven the Lord, RestedGod’s Word to the RescueLiberty and ConscienceHaving a Made-Up MindMarch Like a SoldierThe Reality of UnityLostMiracle on the Roman RoadA Reference Point, Not a ResidencePromised TranquilityListening/Obeying ChristOf ValueHeart FlowThe Implications of “Won’t He Do It”
February
March
STANDING IN VICTORYSelf WillWho are you?Wait a MinuteNOT IF, BUT WHEN (Part 1)NOT IF, BUT WHEN (Part 2)NOT IF, BUT WHEN (Part 3)God Given IdentityHe Knows Our Heart!Witnessing FalselyBut God; the Believer’s SemicolonGod’s Fingerprint – The Living WordHeart OwnershipDeception Among BelieversAn Extraordinary ManEven IfHe Saw the Best in MeNot Quite, Almost, Nearly \"NOPE!\"Jesus’ Teaching About WorshipTHE RIGHT ATTITUDE FOR PRAYER (Part I)THE RIGHT ATTITUDE FOR PRAYER (Part II)Fruits of the SpiritDifferent Time but Same AgendaI Am the GreatestTrusting the FatherListen, God is Speaking to You
April
What’s in A Name?I’m DelightedWhat a Friend We Have in JesusGod Promises a Life of New BeginningsChrist Formed in YouSlow to SpeakThe Eternal God is Our RefugeHis Marvelous Grace and Omniscience!Hosanna! Hosanna! Hosanna!WHEN FAITHFULNESS BARES IT\'S THROAT!Things Change in His PresenceESCAPE THE WOE!Declare the Lord’s Immutability!WAS THE CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS, A DONE DEAL?Jesus Needing a Drink"Yisemah Adams" And The Day Of Many 'Likes'"Yisemah Adams" And The Day Of Many 'Likes' - Part 2THE Greatest TRUE Story (Part 1)THE Greatest TRUE Story (Part 2)He Dropped the ChargesWho’s the Big Deal!Don’t Just Marvel: BELIEVE!Treasures Found in Your Dark SeasonsOpen the Eyes of My HeartDAYS AS HANDBREADTHS?
May
Awaiting A Divine SequelWorship - Being in the Lord’s PresenceOpen the Eyes of My HeartJESUS SAVIOR, PILOT MEDoubt Your DoubtsGod Directs Our PathsLifeLiving as Children of GodHe Foreknew MeThe Act of LoveBEFORE 'YONDER'BEING USED OF GODOur Lord, the Master Engineer of Every ThingWhen Faithfulness Bares Its Throat (Part 1)When Faithfulness Bares Its Throat (Part 2)The Act of LoveYour Close Friendship CircleI Got Everything I NeedI Won’t ComplainONE MIGHTY SOUNDLESS SOUNDYOU ARE WITH MEEmpowered by Worship