In Matthew 10 we find an amazing blueprint for how to live as God's warriors in today's challenging times. Let's talk today about how to overcome evil and wage war!
In Matthew 10 we find an amazing blueprint for how to live as God's warriors in today's challenging times. Let's talk today about how to overcome evil and wage war!
Hello, everybody. Welcome to the Dona Watson Show. I'm your host, Dona Watson. I'm just an average American Patriot who loves God, her family, her country. I try really hard to listen to God's voice. Sometimes I write stuff. Come with me, together let's explore this crazy experience we call life. Welcome to the show. Hello, everybody. Welcome to podcast 14:"You are not alone!" I've been reading in my morning quiet time in Matthew this week. And I came across a passage that I wanted to share with you. Matthew chapters 9 and 10 contain an amazing blueprint that we can use for our lives today. We find in Matthew 9, that Jesus gave his disciples examples of God's power and glory when he performed so many healings and then he proclaimed himself as Lord of the harvest. And then he sent the disciples out to help with the harvest. He gave them authority over unclean spirits, authority to drive out the spirits, to heal every disease and sickness. And he sent them to the lost sheep of Israel to proclaim that the kingdom of heaven has come near. He told them,"Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with leprosy and drive out demons." You know, to me, that kind of sounds like war, doesn't it? When Jesus came, he proclaimed war on the powers of darkness. Jesus was not timid or worried about what others would think. And he told the disciples not to be timid as well. I think there's a real parallel here for us today. In fact, he told the disciples straight up, Matthew, 10:16,"Look, I'm sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as serpents and as innocent as doves." Jesus also warned them to expect persecution, verse 17:"Beware of them because they will hand you over to local courts and flog you in their synagogues. You will even be brought before governors and kings because of me." But listen to this. There's a reason why they would face these governors and kings. It was to"bear witness to them and to the Gentiles." Jesus told the disciples straight out that the persecution they would face had a very significant reason. It's one way that Jesus' followers can not only tell others about the kingdom of God, but it's also an opportunity to live out the kingdom principles in front of non-believers, to be an example, and to show them how life ought to be lived. In verse 19, Jesus goes on to reassure them that they would not be left to hang in the wind. He says,"But when they hand you over, don't worry about how or what you are to speak. For you will be given what to say at that hour, because it isn't you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father is speaking through you."
:You know, I can't tell you how many times I've fallen back on this scripture when faced with difficult situations. If you feel the nudge to reach out to someone, or if you're faced with a confrontation, it can be really helpful to take a deep breath and silently ask God for the words to say," Lord, I don't know how to respond here. Please give me your words." He is faithful. And he will do that. Now back in Matthew here, Christ told his followers to not give up. Even when faced with hatred from family members and friends, he said not if, but"When they persecute you in one town, flee to another." You just keep spreading the good news of the kingdom and don't stop. He also told them to not be afraid. Matthew 10:26,"Therefore, don't be afraid of them, since there's nothing covered that won't be uncovered and nothing hidden that won't be made known." Right now in our society, there are a lot of forces arrayed against us that seek to enslave the minds and wills of people, to trample on everything that's good and righteous, and to promote all kinds of evil agendas. And I want to encourage you today with this word, God's going to reveal all lies. It might seem at times that evil has the upper hand, but never forget this: God always has the upper hand, God is always in control. And we can use these challenging days to build our faith, to remind ourselves that there is a plan. It's God's plan and it will come to pass. Verse 27 says,"What I tell you in the dark, speak in the light. What you hear in a whisper, proclaim on the housetops. Don't fear those who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul; rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."
Speaker 1:Yes, my friends, God is in control and it's his agenda that's the one that we need to concern ourselves with. What is his agenda? You ask it's the redemption of mankind, letting the lost know that Jesus provided a way for our sins to be paid so that we can once again, walk hand in hand with the Father. It's about relationship with God the Father. You see, he ultimately has our best interests in mind. He knows everything. He knows the evils that lurk in the shadows and what their plans are. He knows you. What makes you tick, what delights you, what terrifies you. And he cares. In Matthew 10:29, Christ continues,"Aren't two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father's consent. But even the hairs of your head have all been counted. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." I challenge you later today to go study the entire 10th chapter of Matthew on your own. There is so much here and it provides an awesome blueprint for how we're called to live in Christ and walk out the Christian faith in the face of evil and persecution. These words have never been more relevant than they are today. And remember, you are not alone. Don't let the enemy lie to you and say that you are. Not only is God with you, but you're also surrounded by a host of men and women, brothers and sisters who are in the exact same boat that you are. Maybe they're too afraid to speak up and you can be the voice of encouragement and courage that will cause them to rally and be bold in their faith. So don't be afraid, be bold, be strong and bravely carry the light of truth for all to see.
:That's all I have for today, you guys. I hope you have an awesome day. Go in God's grace and in his power. Shine the light. Let's do some battle. I love you guys. Until next time, talk to you later. Bye.