Who are my Enemies?

"O God, if only you would destroy the wicked!

Get out of my life, you murderers!

They blaspheme you;

your enemies misuse your name.

O LORD, shouldn't I hate those who hate you?

Shouldn't I despise those who oppose you?

Yes, I hate them with total hatred,

for your enemies are my enemies."

Psalm 139:19-22

It's easy for me to think of people as my enemies.  After all, I'm human and people often rub me the wrong way, sometimes speaking out against me, or defying my plans, or seeming to rue my happiness and success.  Can't I catch a break here?  So I label people as enemies, but most of the time I'm off in my thinking.  

How did David think?  Who did he label as his enemy?

Speech.  "Keep Calm and Ignore Haters."  I see it in social media outlets all the time.  One group speaks out against the actions of another group. Or the attacks are personal, one person giving negative feedback to another.  The attacked ones circle the wagons and take their defensive positions, calling on their comrades to ignore the "haters" and press on.  Little notice is given to the intent of the speaker or the message found therein.  Instead, the stance is taken that if anyone speaks against me, they are my enemy and their influence should be removed from my life.

David had a different idea of who his enemies were.  Instead of focusing on his own feelings, reputation or success, his attentions were geared toward God and His status.  Speak out against me, that's okay.  Say something disrespectful of my God, game on!  Not that I'm ready to fight a battle because that would be a fight I could never win.  But I must stop thinking of those who say a negative word against me as my enemies.  God might be using them to humble me, or to deliver a message to me, or to give me a chance to show grace.  It's time to remove the label "hater" from my vocabulary and only concern myself with the fame of God's name. 

I can consider those who curse God's name and speak out against Him as my enemy, and let the love of Jesus flow into their lives (Matthew 5:44).

Defiance.  I have my own ideas of how life should be lived, what is important and what is not, which causes are worthwhile and which are fluff.  It could be that animal rights are high up on my list of importance so if anyone has a different way of thinking and finds themselves standing in my way, I label them as my enemy.  Or I'm all worked up about saving the earth and slowing global warming.  If someone else doesn't have the same sense of urgency as I, thus holding up progress toward a cleaner atmosphere, I've gained a new adversary.  Or I find myself looking for ways to curb the global population explosion, believing it is vital to limit family size in order to prevent future suffering.  If some don't agree, failing to heed my warnings, I remove myself from their list of friends.

David didn't waste his time making enemies of those who didn't agree with him.  Instead, He focused on those who rose up against God's best for His people.  I can do the same, seeing the enemy as the one who causes suffering for the vulnerable, who rises up against God's will for His creation, or whose hatred for God is evident in the way they defy Him.  It's time I stop worrying about those who don't agree with me and think about who doesn't agree with God.

I can consider those who defy God and His ways as my enemy, and start praying fervently for them.

Work.  She had it out for her, or so it seemed.  No matter how hard this woman tried to make something good out of her life, this former friend was there to destroy her efforts.  She was actively working against her plans, seeking to stop anything good from coming out of her life.  This kind of opposition seems like enemy material to me.

David had a different way of looking at things.  While he long had people who sought out his destruction, it was those who actively opposed God that he considered as his enemy.  My true enemy is the one who tries to stop the good that God is doing, who works against what He is bringing about all around me, who resists His good plan.  Thankfully, there is no match for God, and He can fight this battle without my help.  He is not at all worried or threatened by the opposition of man, so I need not be either.

I can consider those who work against God as my enemy, and look for ways to overcome evil with good (Proverbs 25:21-22, Romans 12:21).

While it's easy for me to think of those who speak negatively about me, or defy my will, or work against my plans as my enemy when it's really those who do so against God who earn that label.  Even so, as a follower of Christ who is filled with His Spirit, I'm called to love these enemies, pray for them, and overcome their evil with good. 

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to not take offense at every stray word spoken against me.

When am I hypersensitive, focused on defending my choices and lifestyle?

How could I pay more attention to God's choice and will for my life? 

Salvation that is in Vain

"Oh grant us help against the foe,

for vain is the salvation of man!"

Psalm 108:12 ESV

Humans are all around me and seem like the obvious choice to turn to for help.  I can see them, and many claim to possess the answers I need.  There are reasons, however, why this choice to turn to man is foolish.  Looking to a mere mortal for help is a worthless practice.

Busted.  Man has been found out.  The fallibility of humankind is evident.  No matter how much anyone claims to have all the answers, we, as a people, are busted and can't be trusted.  Humans have this problem that makes our line of thinking faulty, that skews our perspective, thus leaving any answers we come up with as filled with errors.  The issue common to every man, woman and child who ever lived?  Sin (Romans 3:23, Ecclesiastes 7:20).

My sin nature makes it impossible for me, or any other human, to give reliable advice 100% of the time.  The help I give or receive from others is always tainted by this fleshly imperfection.  While we may mean well, we just can't be trusted to know the best way to handle every situation, the escape route from trouble, or the purpose for pain.  As the psalmist wisely pointed out, "It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust man." (Psalm 118:8)

Even though man may have good intentions, it is foolish to turn to people for help.  When I don't know what to do, only God holds the road map for my life (James 1:5-7, Jeremiah 29:11).  When I feel everything is going wrong, only God sees the big picture and can show me how He's at work in my heart through the trouble (Psalm 46:1).  When I'm in despair, only God can give me hope for my future (Jeremiah 29:11).

God is perfect and 100% trustworthy, making Him my go-to Source for help.

Limited.  Man is created.  Everything I have is given to me from the Lord.  There is nothing I am, no feat I have achieved, no goal reached that is not enabled by Him, the Source of all good things.  I only have what I've been allowed to possess.

Since people are limited in what can be done, how much can be understood, and in point-of-view, help from man will reflect our finite nature (Psalm 146:3-4).  Due to the fact that my life is temporary, that I am only here for a season, any assistance I give or receive from others will be based on our limited scope that only takes the here and now into account.  While I may think myself wise, my wisdom is considered as foolish in the heavenlies (1 Corinthians 3:19).  Even though a powerful position may promise certain advantages in gaining assistance, it is limited at best and won't be able to deliver.

God is eternal, constant, and all powerful, making Him my unlimited Source for help.

No Authority.  I may feel secure if I have the assurance from a seat of power.  It may seem I'm immune from trouble if the leader give his promise of help.  If I call to the movers and shakers of my community in an appeal for help, I may feel on solid footing.  Unfortunately, any assistance they can give is in vain in the face of a sovereign God.

When Jesus stood before Pilate, standing silent regarding His accuser's claims, Pilate tried to understand why this prisoner would not defend Himself, frustrated that Jesus didn't seem to recognize his authority to condemn or grant pardon.  Jesus finally said, "You would have no power over me at all unless it were give to you from above." (John 19:11a)

No matter how things seem, man just doesn't have the authority to help in the way I need.  Only God can grant freedom from the punishment I deserve through faith in Christ.  Only God can empower me to live as I was meant to live in relationship with Him.  Only God can propel me forward through the valley of the shadow of death as I walk with Him.  Man has no ability to do such wonders for me.

God is righteous and holy, making Him my only salvation.

It's easy to turn to man for help.  I am constantly bombarded with claims of relief, support or assistance that comes from man. Turning to people for salvation, however, is a practice that is in vain.   It is only God who is able to give trustworthy, consistent help.  He is my only hope and His salvation is not in vain!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God to deliver me from trouble.

When do I look for help in what I see, instead of in the unseen?

How am I drawn to the temporary fix of man?

   

With the Enemy

"You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies."

Psalm 23:5a

My idea of a perfect life would mean there was no resistance, no evil, no adversary.  In this ideal world, I'd be able to live as God meant for me to live without anyone to oppose me, tempt me, or trick me.  

While I may fantasize about such a place, it is not a part of reality.  In this world there is an Enemy who is out to steal, kill and destroy, and there is evil which is in direct opposition to God's plan.   As I live in this dark place under the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, these enemies actually serve a purpose in my life.  Even though I'd rather avoid them and wipe them out, God has something else in mind.

Faith.  It's only something I can talk about until it is tested.  I'll never know if it's real until I have to use it.  It stays as an idea in my head until I'm forced to put the concept into practice.  

Faith.  It's worth more than gold in God's economy.  And like gold, it must be purified.  The contaminants must be burned out by fire.  If the faith is real, it will survive the ordeals I'm faced with in life.  If it's not genuine, it will perish (1 Peter 1:6-7).

When I come face to face with an enemy, running into opposition as I go about my life, it's easy to doubt whether what I'm doing is important enough to put up with such difficulty.  I'm may be tempted to give in, letting my convictions go and living as if my choices don't matter.  Or, I can trust God in the plan He has for my life, believing it is good and that He will give me the strength to persevere.  

When I run into obstacles as I walk the path God has marked out for me, I may wonder if I've strayed away from God's will, mistakenly thinking He would only take me on a road that is free from difficulty or that He'd steer me around evil.  In reality, I must trust Him enough to feel comfortable even though there's darkness all around, believing God will protect me.  I'm in a war and must expect opposition, but I am under the protective wing of the Almighty no matter how bad things look.  My faith grows as I take a risk and believe in His ability to shelter me through the attacks.

My faith is tested and grown as I trust Him enough to go about my business in the presence of my enemies.

Reality.  We will be hunted down by those who think they're on God's side.  We'll be labeled as blasphemers, persecuted in many ways.  Our hearts will be grieved as those around us party like there's no tomorrow.  This is our time of grief, but joy will come.  

Jesus warned His disciples of what was to come, what has been experienced since the beginning of the Church and what we now see as 21st Century followers.  He had a purpose for revealing such realities, not just trying to scare us but to teach us of a truth.  "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world."  (John 16:33)

Evil is a reality of living in this dark world that is ruled by a prince whose purpose is opposed to God's.  My battle as I live in such a wicked place is not against those I see, but versus the unseen powers of evil that are swirling around me in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12).  They are hatching plans against me, dispatching troops to oppose me, and always thinking of ways to trip me up.  

Even though I face such insidious  and persistent evil, I am ruled by the Overcomer!  The power of Jesus is greater than any darkness I will come up against and He will not fail as my mighty Warrior.  Therefore, I can rest easy, knowing I am fighting on the winning side!

I must realize the reality of life in this world is that I will run into opposition, but He who is with me is greater than any foe I can face (Isaiah 54:17, 1 John 4:4).

Redemptive Power.  There seemed to be no hope.  Attacks were coming from all sides.  It looked like it may be the end.  Yet among the ruins, in the midst of the rubble, a tender shoot grew.  A flower flourished like a spot of beauty among the ashes.

This is a picture of God's redemptive power.  In the middle of attack, while withstanding blows from my enemies, I can gain sustenance, finding good in the midst of such evil.  Even more incredible is how God can transform that which was meant for my destruction, and go beyond merely protecting me from it, but actually using it for my good (Romans 8:28, Genesis 50:20).  In the hands of God, the most vile and dark act designed to be the end of me becomes the best thing that ever happened.

God can take the ugly and make it beautiful.  He can take that which was dead and breathe new life into it.  He is a God who gives strength to the weak, joy to the mourning, and praise in place of gloominess (Isaiah 61:3, Isaiah 40:29).  He is a redeeming God who is never without hope.  He is more than able to take that which the enemy meant for my destruction and use it as a tool of His redemptive power.

Even though it's easy to be intimidated by the opposition I face, nothing is so great that God is not greater still.

While I'd rather live my life free from trouble and foes, God has something else in mind.  He uses the opposition I face to grow my faith as I trust Him through the inevitable attacks, always transforming the outcome into something good.  In these ways, I can rest easy in the midst of my enemies, knowing that God has a plan through it all.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God even though it seems things are hopeless.

When do I dread the darkness instead of trusting the God who is known for showing up at the darkest hour?

How do I despair when opposition comes, failing to recognize God's redemptive power which transforms the bad into something good?

Hostile Environment

"When our enemies heard that we knew of their plans and that God had frustrated them,

we all returned to our work on the wall.

But from then on,

only half my men worked while 

the other half stood guard with 

spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail.

The leaders stationed themselves behind 

the people of Judah who were building the wall.  

The laborers carried on their work 

with one hand supporting their load 

and one hand holding a weapon.  

All the builders had sword belted to their side.  

The trumpeter stayed with me to sound the alarm."

Nehemiah 4:15-18 NLT

Nehemiah and the people of Judah had a job to do.  Even though God had sent Nehemiah to start work on rebuilding the wall, providing the necessary supplies and paving the way, his job was not without trouble.  There were those who opposed his work, fighting him every step of the way.

Don't I live in a similar environment?  While I may not be physically threatened, today's culture does threaten my faith.  How then does the church survive?

Delegation.  Abortion.  Euthanasia.  Gay marriage.  Restriction of religious freedom.  Banishment of God from public domain.  There are many ways our culture is defying God and His intended purpose for His image bearers.  As we stray further and further away, those who follow Jesus become increasingly alarmed.  But we can't all spend our days fighting such moral battles.

When my husband served in the Army, I learned that not every soldier serves on the front lines.  Instead, each is trained in specific areas and a large majority are used behind the scenes, supporting those who are engaging in combat.  Similarly, while we are all in the battle taking place in this fallen world, only some are called to the front lines.  My job, then, is to focus on my mission and to support those who are covering me against the enemy's attacks.

God has placed each of us exactly where He wants us, has called each to a specific mission and has equipped every one with talents and gifts to be used in that charge.  In short, God delegates duties.  He calls some to fight the battles, preserving religious freedoms, protecting the innocent from dangerous legislation or even standing in the gap as prayer warriors.  

The people of God can stay on task when each diligently works where God has placed them while supporting those who are on the front lines.

Leadership.  A leader is not always out in front.  Many times, it is the purpose of a leader to stand behind those he leads.  Such was the case in Nehemiah's time when the leaders positioned themselves behind their people to encourage, protect and assist.  

Therefore, I would be wise to learn from this model of leadership, realizing that there are some who are watching me, learning from me, and following behind me.  Since I have such influence, I must make every effort to lend them a hand when possible, smooth the way for them to grow in their faith, and encourage them in their walk.  Who am I leading and how can I provide this kind of leadership?

A leader in God's kingdom is a servant who helps to equip the people to succeed in their God-given calling.

Equipped.  It's important to know that God goes before me always, fighting my battles for me.  With such knowledge, I can boldly step forward into the fray, keeping my weapons at the ready, being alert to the battle at hand and never letting my guard down.

While my battle is not physical, I am in a war as a follower of Christ living in a world ruled by my enemy.  Therefore, I must keep God's Word, my sword, set to use at all times (Ephesians 6:17).  Then I can wield my weapon against the enemy any time he attacks, reminding him of the truth, shedding light in the darkness, and giving all who hear a dose of hope.

It is also important that I not let my guard down while I am here in enemy territory.  Even though I am secure in Christ, I make myself vulnerable to attack when I deny the existence of an enemy, or pretend he is not a threat, or forget he is always looking for chinks in my armor (1 Peter 5:8).  Therefore I must stay alert, watching for ways he is attempting to isolate me from the Body of Christ, or tempt me to doubt in God's ability to use me, or steal the peace that comes from trusting God.  I am uniquely equipped to fight while I serve in my area of calling.

Knowing that God fights for me empowers me to stand strong against my enemies, staying alert to the battle at hand, even while I answer His calling.

As a follower of Christ, I have a job to do, similar to the task facing Nehemiah and the people of Judah in building the wall.  Even in the midst of such a calling, I am not without opposition.  Therefore, God delegates some to fight on the front lines while I support their efforts and benefit from their diligence. It is also important for leaders to stand behind their sheep, providing an atmosphere conducive to work.  Finally, I must realize I'm equipped to be ready to fight when necessary, always aware that God is my ultimate Warrior.  Even though I serve God in a hostile environment, I can still complete the mission given to me.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can remember that God has my back.

How am I afraid to step out in faith, fearing the backlash that may come from my stance?

When do I avoid my mission because I'm unwilling to work in a hostile environment, afraid it may cost me my security or comfort? 

  

Hopeless? Maybe Not . . .

"Moses answered the people,

'Do not be afraid.

Stand firm and you will see

the deliverance the LORD will bring you today.

The Egyptians you see today you will never see again.

The LORD will fight for you;

you need only to be still.'"

Exodus 14:13-14

Today we are going to revisit that all too familiar place for us as humans; being stuck between a rock and a hard place.  Yesterday we learned about the instructions God gives to us as we face the impossible.  Today  we will turn our attention to what God will do in these situations as we trust Him:

The Angus steer started bucking and thrashing around the small pen, pinning my dad against the wooden rails.  Scrambling to get out of the way, he quickly climbed over the sides of the outdoor enclosure, muttering, "I'm calling Clarence."

As a child, I was involved in Beef 4-H.  I usually trained and showed a breed of cattle called Charolais which are all white and known for their muscularity.  Peer envy kicked in after awhile, however, and I had developed a desire to show the sleek black Angus breed that my friend preferred. So, my dad gave in and bought an Angus steer.  It was a short-lived relationship.  

Clarence was the guy who picked up cattle and hauled them wherever you wanted them to go; the butcher, the farm of a new owner or to the fair for showing.  After the close call my dad experienced with that new Angus, I was more than willing to go along with his assessment of this animal being too wild for my use.

That steer must have felt like he was stuck in a place he did not want to be when Clarence first dropped him off at our house.  His solution was to try to bust his way out to freedom, hoping that if he could break down the pen then he would be liberated from his current situation.

I am not so different from this obstinate bovine.  When I'm in a place where I don't feel comfortable, or I feel threatened or afraid, I am tempted to bust my way out, to force a change or to make something happen to alter the circumstances.  Instead of taking things into my own hands, I might try handing it over to the Lord and trusting Him.  When I do, I will find certain things happening. 

Enemies will Disappear

The threat of the Egyptian Army overwhelmed the newly freed Israelites.  As their enemy approached, imposing and powerful, the angel of the Lord and His very presence found in the pillar of a cloud that had been leading their procession suddenly moved between them and the danger. Not only could they not see the imposing army, but now they were protected from them throughout the night.  

Just before sunrise, the Egyptians realized what had been going on behind that barrier.  The Lord had parted the waters of the Red Sea, providing an exit path for His people.  As they attempted to follow in the early-morning darkness, their wheels jammed and the usually well-ordered troops were thrown into confusion.  Fear pierced the hearts of the highly trained soldiers as they finally understood Who was on the side of the Israelites.  Unfortunately, their realization was too late as they soon met their watery demise.  (Exodus 14:19-28)

When God is for me, there is no enemy who can stand against me, foiling His plan for my life.  (Romans 8:31-33)  Instead of cowering in the face of their presumed power over me, I can trust God that He will frustrate the efforts of those who oppose Him.  Since I belong to the Lord, anyone who stands in the way of His plan for my life is in reality opposing Him, not me.  

In the same way that God shielded His people of old from their enemies, so God will protect me from contact with those who mean me harm. Not only will He place a barrier between me and those who want to hurt me, but He will throw a wrench into their plans, wreaking havoc as they attempt to move forward.  Finally, if need be, He will completely remove from my life those who have placed themselves in the position to oppose God.  All of these things will only happen according to God's will if I give Him authority over the problem.

When I trust the Lord with my seemingly hopeless situation, God will frustrate the efforts of those who oppose Him.

The Lord will Fight for Me

The young boy picked up the five smooth stones, placing them securely in his pouch.  Readying his sling, he stepped forward to face the giant-of-a-man.  Standing nine-feet tall, the well-muscled warrior sneered at this sorry excuse for an opponent.  "Why are you sending a boy to do a man's job?" Goliath scoffed at Saul's choice.

Undaunted, David proclaimed, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.  This day the LORD will deliver you into my hands, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head. . . for the battle is the LORD'S and He will give all of you into our hands."  (1 Samuel 17:45-46, 47)

David boldly proceeded forward and killed Goliath, just as he had predicted.  The only way this young shepherd boy would have the guts to carry out such a feat was if he knew from where his strength came.  David recognized that it was the Lord who would fight his battle for him.  As a result, he was able to move forward with confidence, not in his own abilities, but in the Lord's power.

I can be just as bold as David when I face imposing enemies.  When I am being opposed by the sovereignty of the federal government and it seems there is no way out, I can trust God to give me victory over the invincible foe.  When my own body seems to be my enemy, coming up against me and causing much turmoil, I can trust God to bring about the outcome He desires for me to experience.  When it seems I have no hope in finding a long lost loved one, I can trust God to put all the pieces in place in the time He desires.

When I trust God in the midst of the battle, God will fight as a mighty Warrior.

I Must Be Still

We watched the delicate butterfly struggle to break out of it's chrysalis.  The little neighbor boy cried out, "We have to help it."  My daughters, fresh from a homeschool lesson where they learned about the lifecycle of the colorful creatures, implored him not to touch it.  "No!  If you try to help it along, it will die!"

Still, the insistent lad reached out to pull the shell of the chysalis open, causing the newly emerging butterfly to fall to the ground dead.

It was nearly impossible for our little friend to resist helping the butterfly through the natural process of emerging from the pupa stage.  In the same way that his efforts marked the end of the insect's life, so my urge to help the Lord could be destructive to His plan.

While I may think I know what needs to be done to remove a threat from my life, only God sees the big picture and understands all the details of my situation.  Consequently, it is vital that I be still and let Him work out the situation to it's conclusion.  Any effort on my part to further my own agenda will only hamper His purposes.

When I'm tempted to make my own way when it looks like no improvement will ever come, I would be wise to resist the urge to get involved and instead wait on the Lord.  When I am filled with the desire to find an alternative solution because I don't see how God will make a way out for me, I must instead let God work out the unseen details.  When I can't wait to see the outcome and try to move things along a little faster, I will risk going in front of the Lord who is never too slow or too fast.  (2 Peter 3:8-9)

When I trust God by waiting on Him, He will honor my resistance to help and move forward with His plan.

I never like to feel like I'm up against a wall with no way out.  But often times, what seems like a crisis to me is simply an opportunity for God to show His power in my life.  Therefore, I can trust Him to shield me from my enemies, fight the battle for me, and give me the faith to be still in the face of His mighty plan.  In these ways, a hopeless situation may not be as impossible as I first thought!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God even when it seems He is doing nothing.

When do I forget the battle belongs to the Lord?

How am I tempted to help God along with His plan?

Enemies

"If only you would slay the wicked, O God!

Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!

They speak of you with evil intent;

your adversaries misuse your name.

Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD,

and abhor those who rise up against you?

I have nothing but hatred for them;

I count them my enemies.

Search me, O God, and know my heart;

test me and know my anxious thoughts.

See if there is any offensive way in me,

and lead me in the way everlasting."

Psalm 139:19-24

"Love your enemies

and pray for those who persecute you,

that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.

He causes his sun to rise on the evil

and the good,

and sends rain on the righteous

and the unrighteous."

Matthew 6:43-44

I have something to talk about today that makes me uncomfortable.  It is the topic of enemies.  Usually, when I think of enemies in the context of today's verses, I think of those who have hurt me personally.  But in light of the book I am reading that warns about the threat of radical Islam to Western society, I am thinking of a more global enemy.

There is no doubt, we are being hunted.  And it's not because of America's free society or our work in spreading democracy, although that is something that radical Muslim's hate about us.  We are being stalked because we do not conform to their belief system as laid out in the Qur'an.   We are targeted because we do not worship Allah and spread the teachings of Mohammad who commands that infidels be annihilated.  (Koran 9:5)

I don't know what to do with this information as a follower of Christ.  On the one hand, I'm with David.  I want to pray for the destruction of my enemies.  I desire to see them destroyed for the sake of freedom-loving people everywhere.  I want to warn everyone, especially those in power, to wake up and smell the coffee. . . that death is on our doorstep and we are welcoming it in with open arms in the name of tolerance and religious freedom!

Then I look at my heart as I read on in Psalm 139 and the words of Jesus found in Matthew 6.  My heart is anxious and offensive to God.  I remember that He is good to all. . . even to those who kill in the name of Allah.

When I give my heart back to God, He fills it with love for my enemy.  And He shows me some things I need to know about my enemy.

Lost

According to the UN, 1.25 billion people in the world claim to be Muslims while just over 2 billion profess Christianity as their religion.  Islam is growing at a rate of 6.4% worldwide as compared to a rate of 1.46% for Christianity.  At this rate, Islam will soon overtake Christianity as the most popular religion.  

This means there are millions of people who are being deceived by a teaching that leads away from the One True God.  They are giving their lives in the hopes of collecting on a promise of reward from Allah when all they will receive is separation from God and an eternity of suffering.  

I have friends who are Muslim, and they passionately believe that Islam is the one true religion.  They believe with all their heart that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is his prophet.  

As they talk about their struggles, I see that they are the same as me, trying to do right but failing miserably.  They need a Savior just as much as I do. They need the assurance of salvation that only comes from accepting Jesus as their Savior, just like I do. They need to know God loves them despite their less-than-worthy performance, just like I do.

If I can think of those who follow radical Islam in the same way, I can learn to pray for them as lost souls who desperately need Jesus instead of as ruthless killers who will stop at nothing to wipe out Western civilization as we know it.  ". . .when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son."  (Romans 5:10)

We all deserve God's wrath because of our sin, but are offered salvation out of His great love for us.  

Freedom

As an American, freedom is important to me and I think of it as a God-given right.  But God doesn't offer freedom as a way of life.  Instead, He offers freedom from the bondage of sin.  "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1)

When something as sinister and merciless as radical Islam is threatening Democracy around the world, I want to fight it.  I think it is our duty as freedom-loving Americans to take a strong stand against it.  But maybe that's not an attitude I can take to God.  Who says all Christians have a right to live in a free society?  God does not.  Is that His priority when He looks at the state of the world?

As I read and study the Bible, it seems to me that God is all about reconciliation.  He is all about relationship.  He created us so that we could be connected to Him on a personal level.   I see many Christians around the world who are living in oppressive societies where their faith grows stronger and stronger.  

Perhaps I'm getting it mixed-up.  Freedom is a wonderful blessing, giving me the opportunity to worship God.    But political freedom for all people should not be my prayer.  Instead, freedom from the bondage of sin that is offered through faith in Jesus Christ should be my greatest desire for all people.  Even for those who want to kill me.

As Oswald Chambers wrote, "Freedom is the ability not to insist on my rights, but to see that God gets his."  My enemies cannot kill this kind of freedom. . . and they need it just as much as I do.

Maybe today's devotional was a little off-the-wall.  It was hard for me to write and I am struggling with the idea of loving an enemy that is so bent on my destruction.  But I believe God has a plan.  I believe He loves us.  I believe He is a good God.  In light of all these things, I know He wants me to pray for my enemies as I remember that they are lost and in need of the kind of freedom faith in Christ can give.  

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can look to God for help in loving my enemies.

How do I put people in categories, deciding who deserves the gospel message and who doesn't?

How would loving my enemies change my heart attitude?