THE LORD IS A WARRIOR The LORD will go forth like a mighty man. He will rouse up His zealous indignation and vengeance like a warrior; He will cry yes, He will shout a loud , He will do mightily against His enemies. ISAIAH 42:13 Amp I think about the times when I have gone into battle alone, trying to be effective in spiritual warfare. I have walked away defeated and discouraged because the LORD was not present with me in battle. Proverbs 18:10 says, "The name of the LORD is a strong Tower and the righteous run to it and they are safe". It is to our advantage to be consistent in our "abiding under the shadow of the Almighty" Ps 91:1. Moses, when faced with the leadership responsibilities of taking God's people into the promised land, said to the LORD, "If your presence does not go with us; do not bring us up from here". Moses was adamant in his demand that God go with them. Could it be that Moses recognized that God was his shield, his exceedingly great reward [Gen 15:1]. As I grow deeper and deeper in love with the LORD each day He reveals not only His strong love for me , but also His intent to protect me as a Father and a Warrior. It is an awesome revelation of His Warrior mentality towards those who would seek evil against us. There are conditions to this protection, we must be His sons and daughters who abide in Him. John 15:7 says, "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire and it shall be done for you". The LORD has often taught me about resting in the midst of trials that Deb and I have gone through in ministry. We often find ourselves waiting on provisions for the ministry. As most of you know, this is a faith ministry relying completely upon God to bring in finances. We have learned to pray and seek the face of God for His power to be released in the heavenlies to influence those who He has called to assist us. We are at times given the opportunity to be in fear of failure and watching this ministry go under. But we recognize that He who has called us is faithful and we only have to watch and observe the salvation of the LORD. I have watched and observed time and time again the faithfulness of God. Do not think we don't get tired of struggling and striving against the devil. This is one of his tactics, to wear us down so we will get discouraged and quit. But, oh God and His counsel! He is so vast in His knowledge of the future and what is best for us in learning the enemy's tactics. The LORD desires for us to come to Him for wisdom and insight of His desire to fight for us. Remember the LORD says in Exodus 15:3... "The LORD is a man of war; the LORD is HIS name'. Oh the awesomeness of our savior God; He so desires for His sons and daughters to rest in His unchanging character of Savior, Redeemer, Provider, Deliverer, Warrior, and Lover of our souls. Let this be a peace that surpasses all understanding; that your God will never leave you or forsake you" [Duet 31:6]. So come to Him with all of your heart and you will find rest for your souls, for "my burden is light and my yoke is easy" [Matt 11:30]. Whenever the enemy comes in like a flood, remember the LORD has raised up a Standard against him [Is 59:19]. His name is Jesus. For the LORD says in 2nd Chronicles 20:17 "You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves stand still and see the salvation of the LORD". You can only position yourself one way and that is to be in Christ. "For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power" [Col 2:9-10]. God says, let this truth be revelation to you, so you can walk continually with confidence knowing that the presence of God is with you. I pray that each one of us will stop wasting time in worrying about the devil, but spend time in Gods presence were there is peace for our souls. "Alive in Christ"                   Rocky Fondren