When Darkness Falls, Raise the Banner

The assassination of Charlie Kirk has shaken many of us. It’s tempting, in moments like these, to curse the darkness—to grieve, rage, and retreat. And yes, we should pray for justice. Justice matters to God. But if we stop there, we miss the deeper reality: we are in a spiritual war.

Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6:12 that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil. The battle is not against the person who pulled the trigger. The battle is over that person’s soul—one held captive by the lies of Satan. This is not just political violence. It is spiritual warfare.

In every war, when the flag bearer falls, another rises to carry the banner forward. Then another. And another. Charlie carried the flag of Christ boldly, especially on college campuses where truth is often mocked and silenced.

Now, I don’t agree with everything Charlie stood for politically. His rhetoric and affiliations often stirred controversy, and I’ve wrestled with some of his public stances. But this post isn’t about politics. It’s about the spiritual battle he stepped into—the boldness he showed in challenging deceptive ideologies and presenting the gospel in places where it’s often unwelcome. That kind of courage matters. And it’s worth honoring, even if we don’t align on every issue.

I believe Charlie could say, like the Apostle Paul, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race” (2 Timothy 4:7). He contended earnestly for the faith. And now, having laid down his life in obedience to Christ, he bears witness to the cost—and the glory—of true discipleship.

Some will say Charlie Kirk died because of his politics. And yes, his public stance provoked strong opposition. But beneath the political hostility lies a deeper reality: this is a spiritual war. The hatred that led to his assassination did not begin with policy disagreements—it began with a rejection of truth, a rebellion against God’s authority, and a culture increasingly captive to deception.

Charlie’s courage wasn’t merely political—it was gospel-driven. He didn’t speak out just to defend conservative ideas; he spoke to awaken hearts. His mission wasn’t to win elections, but to win souls. The true work ahead is not to reclaim ground for ideology, but to proclaim Christ with clarity, compassion, and conviction.

So let us not confuse the battlefield. Politics may have been the surface, but the war is for the soul. And the only weapon strong enough to rescue is the gospel.

We do not pray against people. We pray for their redemption. We pray that others will rise to the challenge and continue the work. Paul’s imprisonment stirred courage in others to “speak the word fearlessly” (Philippians 1:14). That same courage is needed now.

In Acts 4, when the apostles faced threats and opposition, they didn’t ask for safety. They asked for boldness. They quoted Psalm 2, recognizing that the nations rage against Christ. And then they prayed: “Lord… grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness” (Acts 4:29).

That is our prayer today.

The battle is real, and the souls of the next generation hang in the balance. Will you rise? Will you pray for boldness—not safety—and speak the truth with courage? Take up the banner. The fight is not against people, but for them. Let your life contend for the faith.

Ask God for boldness. Not comfort. Not protection. Boldness.

Do We Need to Anoint Our Doorposts? A Biblical Look at Spiritual Authority

I’ve recently been meeting with believers who suggested to me to use anointing oil for defensive purposes—anointing doorposts, corners, and spaces to ward off spiritual darkness. At first, I was skeptical. Coming from a tradition that rarely uses oil, the practice felt foreign, even superstitious. But instead of dismissing it outright, I began to search the Scriptures.

What I discovered surprised me. While I believe the territorial use of oil lacks biblical support, the conversation pulled me out of a different error: neglecting the rich symbolism of anointing altogether. I had not considered how oil might represent consecration—setting apart people, places, and activities for the Spirit’s empowering presence.

I remembered the story of the widow with the cruze of oil (2 Kings 4:1–7).  God’s provision was supernatural, but it required empty vessels. Perhaps anointing is not about protection, but about preparation—a visible act of trust that God will fill what we offer (surrender) Him.

This post is my attempt to explore that tension: to honor the biblical meaning of anointing, to caution against ritualism, and to re-center the practice around Christ and the Spirit’s work.

Biblical Foundations of Anointing

·        Consecration: Priests, kings, and sacred objects were anointed to signify divine appointment (Exodus 29:7; 1 Samuel 16:13).

·        Healing: James 5:14 calls elders to anoint the sick with oil in prayer—not as a cure, but as a sign of intercession. While He did not use oil, Jesus also anointed people with mud or even spit at times to accompany healing. 

·        Messianic Fulfillment: Jesus is the “Anointed One”—the Christ—fulfilling all prior anointings in Himself (Luke 4:18; Acts 10:38).

In each case, oil is not the source of power—it’s a symbol of divine presence, calling, and grace.

Folk Practices and the Need for Discernment

In some circles today, oil is used to “cleanse” spaces, ward off evil, or activate spiritual gifts. These practices often arise from sincere faith, but they can drift into magical thinking if not anchored in Scripture.

Rather than condemning these practices outright, I want to ask:

·        Does this use of oil point to Christ or distract from Him?

·        Is it rooted in Scripture or inherited from culture?

·        Is it symbolic or treated as spiritually efficacious in itself?

When oil becomes a spiritual weapon or a ritualized formula, it risks replacing the Spirit with symbolism. But when used humbly—as a sign of consecration, healing, or surrender—it can echo the fragrance of Christ.  A physical reminder of where Christ can be present.

A Reframing: From Protection to Preparation

The widow’s oil story reminds me that God fills what we offer Him. In a similar way anointing, can become a symbolic act of trust:

“Lord, this person, this place, this moment—I set it apart for You.”

It’s not about defending territory—it’s about surrendering it. Not about sealing off corners—but opening up vessels. The true anointing is not in the oil—it’s in the Spirit who rests upon the Son and now dwells in us.

Theological Reflection: Christ, the Anointed One—And Others

In the Old Testament, oil flowed over heads and altars, marking what belonged to God. It was fragrant, visible, and sacred. But it was never the source of power—it was a sign of it.

Jesus did not carry a flask of oil. He was the Anointed One. The Spirit descended on Him not through ritual, but through divine declaration: “This is my beloved Son.” His anointing was not symbolic—it was incarnational.

And what was true for Jesus is now true for those who are in Christ. As 1 John 2:26–27 declares, “You have an anointing from the Holy One… and His anointing teaches you about all things.” This is not a ritual—it is a reality. The Spirit who rested upon Christ now dwells in His people. We are not merely marked—we are indwelt.

This means that, like Jesus, we do not need to anoint spaces with oil to chase away evil spirits. We stand in the authority of the Anointed One. Our confidence is not in the oil, but in the identity He has given us. To substitute ritual for relationship is to trade power for performance.

And we do not need to live in fear of the enemy. Scripture is clear: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Not tiptoe. Not linger. Flee. The enemy runs from those who stand in the power of God. We are not called to ritual defense—we are called to spiritual resistance, grounded in submission and empowered by the Spirit.

Symbols still matter. Oil can be a beautiful sign of consecration, healing, and surrender—if it points beyond itself. But when it becomes a spiritual shield or formula, it risks usurping confidence in the real thing and placing it in something superficial.

I’ve come to see that anointing is not about defending territory—it’s about surrendering it. It’s not about sealing off corners—but opening up vessels. Like the widow who gathered jars for oil, we are invited to present empty spaces for God to fill. Anointing, then, becomes a symbolic act of trust:

“Lord, this person, this place, this moment—I set it apart for You.”

Let our use of oil, if we use it, be humble. Let it point to the Spirit’s presence, not replace it. Let it echo the fragrance of Christ, not the formulas of man.

The true anointing is not in the oil—it is in the Spirit who rests upon the Son and now dwells in us.

Conclusion: A Personal Step of Consecration

As I’ve studied and prayed, I’ve felt led to take a simple but meaningful step: I ordered anointing oil—not as a weapon, but as a tool of consecration. I plan to use it in prayer over specific people and places in my life, setting them apart to the Lord.

This includes my home, my family, my church, and my office—spaces where I long for the Spirit’s presence to rest and reign. Not to ward off evil, but to dedicate to the Lord for His calling and purpose. To claim territory but to surrender it. In doing so, I am convinced will keep the influences of the Devil away. 

It’s a quiet act of trust. A way of saying, “Lord, this belongs to You. Fill it with Your power and purpose.”

Scripture References

1. 2 Kings 4:1–7 — The widow’s oil multiplied through faith and obedience
2. Exodus 29:7; 1 Samuel 16:13 — Priestly and royal anointing as divine appointment
3. James 5:14 — Instruction to anoint the sick with oil in prayer
4. Luke 4:18; Acts 10:38 — Jesus as the Anointed One, empowered by the Spirit
5. 2 Kings 4:3–6 — “Borrow empty vessels… and not a few”
6. Matthew 3:17 — The Father’s declaration at Jesus’ baptism
7. James 5:15 — “The prayer of faith will save the sick…”
8. 1 John 2:26-27 “You have an anointing from the Holy One… and His anointing teaches you”
9. James 4:7 — “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

Closing Prayer & Reader Invitation

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, Anointed One,
Thank You for setting me apart by Your grace—
to be holy and blameless before our Father.

I anoint with oil and surrender to You:
my bedroom, my children’s bedrooms, my bathroom, my living room—tv and reading,my kitchen,my dining room, my home office(basement)—computer, my laundry room, my garage—cars, my front and back doors—my entire home, my workplace, community, and my country.  Most of all I anoint my head and my heart and devote to you my thoughts, will and emotions.  May You receive honor, power, and glory through all of these.

I am Your property, and the Devil has no claim on me.

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

 
Ask your self:

What in my life needs to be set apart for God’s empowering presence?
Where have I relied on symbols instead of surrender?
What empty vessels am I offering Him today?

 

 

The Paradox of Submitting

 Fulfilled in Christ: Submission, Service, and the Surprising Path to Satisfaction

Ephesians 5:22–6:9

In a world that equates fulfillment with autonomy, status, and self-expression, Scripture offers a radically different vision: one where submission is not a threat to joy, but a gateway to it. Ephesians 5:22–6:9 calls us to embrace our roles—not as burdens, but as sacred callings. Whether in marriage, family, or vocation, the path of humble obedience leads not to insignificance, but to exaltation in Christ.

Jesus Himself submitted to the Father’s will. That submission did not diminish His glory—it revealed it. Likewise, our fulfillment is not found in escaping subordination, but in embracing it as unto the Lord.

 

1. Submission to One Another (5:21)

“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”

This verse sets the tone: mutual submission within the church is not about domination, but devotion. It’s the posture of humility, where each member lays down rugged individualism to be united in mind and heart under Christ’s authority.

Mutual submission is essential for true teamwork. Like the Three Musketeers’ motto—“All for one and one for all”—each person yields for the good of the other and the strength of the whole. When someone insists, “It’s no one’s business,” they reject the accountability that submission requires. And where accountability is absent, intimacy falters. Without true intimacy, the presence of Christ in the community becomes faint—hard to see, hard to feel.

Submission doesn’t stifle us—it sanctifies us. It’s the soil where humility grows and Christ is glorified.

This applies not only to individual relationships but to the dynamic between church leaders and members. When leaders refuse to yield to the body, or when members resist the leadership God has placed over them, the result is always painful. We’ve seen what happens when bad churches happen to good pastors—and when bad pastors happen to good churches. It’s ugly, and God is not honored. The damage can nearly destroy what God desires to build in that community.

There must be a healthy and humble respect between leaders and members—a shared reverence for Christ that shapes how we speak, serve, and submit to one another.

2. Submission in Marriage (5:22–33)

“Wives, submit to your own husbands as to the Lord.”

This passage calls wives to submit—not as inferiors, but as those who willingly embrace God’s design for ordered relationship. Subordination here reflects Christ’s own submission to the Father—not a loss of dignity, but a display of faith.  This is quite clear—as Christ is the authority over the church so the husband is the authority over his wife.

But the call to husbands is equally weighty. Paul doesn’t merely say that Christ gave Himself for the church—he shows that Christ invested in the church to present her without spot or wrinkle, holy and blameless. His sacrifice had a goal: her sanctification.

Husbands

Likewise, husbands are not called to sacrifice for sacrifice’s sake, but to actively build up their wives. Her nurturing and development is a central part of his ministry. He is to undergird her weakness with love, so she can mature and become all that God created her to be. She is not a side note to his calling—she is part of the work he is to accomplish on this earth.

Many men may think their primary legacy lies in their professional career. But Scripture reframes that: his wife is his sacred investment. Later in the passage, Paul calls husbands to love their wives as they love their own bodies—providing, protecting, and cherishing her as part of themselves.  By investing in her sanctification…he invests in his own! He grows as she grows.

And so, this is not a sentimental love—it’s a sanctifying one. It’s a love that lifts, strengthens, and prepares her for glory. 

3. Submission in the Family (6:1–4)

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.”

This command is not grounded in the perfection of parents, nor in cultural sentiment—it’s grounded in moral truth. Children are called to obey simply because it is right. Parental authority is the first authority a child encounters, and learning to honor it sets the foundation for respecting all other forms of authority throughout life.

This is one of the great works of parenting: training a child to do what is right because it is right. Tell the truth—because it is right. Share—because it is right. Honor your parents—because it is right. This moral reflex becomes the backbone of a well-formed conscience.

Parents, though imperfect, are God’s appointed first educators. The family is not a social construct—it is God’s system for raising up the next generation. When children reject parental authority and lose sight of moral rightness, society begins to unravel. Lawlessness doesn’t start in the streets—it starts in the home.

Paul also reminds children of the promise: “Honor your father and mother… that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Obedience isn’t just right—it’s wise. It leads to flourishing, stability, and long-term well-being.

Parents

Parents, in turn, are entrusted with a sacred responsibility. Paul speaks directly to fathers, but the principle applies to both parents:

“Do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”

This is a call to wisdom. Parents must not stir up resentment or frustration in their children. They are to lead with discernment—understanding what motivates and discourages their children, and working to help them do what is right without setting them up for failure.

Authority alone is not enough. Respect must be earned through presence, understanding, and consistency. Paul uses two key words: training and instruction.

• Training is experiential. Like pruning and feeding a plant to shape its growth, parents train by example—through what they model and what they expose their children to.
• Instruction is verbal. It’s coaching, conversation, and intentional teaching—especially about the Lord.

How many children grow up without a father who talks to them about God? This is the deepest goal of parenting: to help your child know God for themselves. To lead them to make God their authority—not just while they’re under your roof, but long after they’ve left it.

Parenting is not just about behavior—it’s about formation. And formation that leads to faith will stand the test of time.

 

4. Submission in Vocation (6:5–9)

Paul addresses slaves and masters with surprising dignity:

• Slaves are called to obey with sincerity, “as to Christ.” Their work becomes worship.
• Masters are reminded they too have a Master in heaven—this levels the field.

Paul doesn’t abolish slavery here, but he plants gospel seeds that subvert it. Even in unjust systems, Christ offers significance. Fulfillment is not found in circumstance, but in relationship with the Lord. Ephesians 6:5–8 reframes work: not as a ladder to climb, but as a place to serve Christ. What if your workplace is your altar?

 

Fulfillment ≠ Autonomy

Our culture insists that freedom, status, and self-determination are the keys to fulfillment. But Scripture offers a deeper paradox: that true satisfaction is not necessarily found in autonomy, but in surrender. To experience Christ—even in lowly, overlooked, or unjust circumstances—is to discover a joy that worldly success cannot replicate.

Career advancement may promise worth, but serving Christ brings meaning. Freedom may feel like happiness, but submission to God paradoxically births lasting joy. Wherever you find yourself today you can have true fulfillment. 

 

Closing

“Serve with a good attitude, as to the Lord and not to people…” — Ephesians 6:7–8
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord…” — Colossians 3:23

• Where might you be resisting submission because you’ve believed fulfillment lies elsewhere?
• Name one area—marriage, family, work—where you can reframe your role as a sacred calling.

Living in a Rested State: Jesus’ Call to Rest

Labor Day invites us to pause and reflect on rest—not merely the absence of work, but the deep soul-rest Jesus offers to all who are weary. When He says, “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28), He’s extending an invitation into a life sustained by His power, not our performance.

 

The Weight We Carry

Every day, many of us drag burdens:

These are the souls crying for true Sabbath rest—a rest that begins when we lay down our yoke and take up Christ’s.

• Single Parents
  Juggling work, childcare, finances, and household duties—often without robust support—can leave the heart exhausted and stretched thin.
• Caregivers for the Aging or Disabled
  The relentless cycle of appointments, treatments, and nighttime watches can erode physical strength and emotional reserves.
• Frontline Healthcare Workers
  Doctors, nurses, EMTs, and support staff bear the trauma of suffering and death daily, risking burnout as they pour out compassion.
• Students Under Performance Pressure
  From grade-point anxieties to looming standardized tests and college applications, young people carry a heavy burden of fear and expectation.
• Employees Facing Job Insecurity
  Layoffs, fluctuating markets, or toxic work cultures can breed chronic stress, eroding hope and sense of stability.
• Entrepreneurs and Small-Business Owners
  The weight of payroll, investor demands, and the “always-on” grind often steals rest and family rhythms.
• Refugees and Immigrants
  Displacement, language barriers, and cultural shocks compound grief over lost homes and the struggle to build new roots.
• People in Chronic Illness or Pain
  Daily battles with health limitations or unrelenting discomfort drain joy and magnify loneliness.
• Survivors of Trauma and Abuse
  Emotional scars and flashbacks keep them in a heightened state of vigilance, robbing their souls of peace.
• Veterans with PTSD
  Memories of conflict can make rest feel unsafe, perpetuating a cycle of anxiety and hyperarousal.

Each of these groups is invited to “draw near to the throne of grace” (Hebrews 4:16), exchanging their crushing load for Christ’s easy yoke. By acknowledging their weariness and trusting His presence, they too can step into the Sabbath rest He promises.

 Those Carrying a More Pressing Weight

• Approval with God

There is a feeling that they are never good enough and that they cannot approach God for they feel condemned by Him.  Indeed, a person cannot work enough to earn God’s approval.  This is given as a free gift through faith in Christ.  Access to God is freely given through Jesus by faith.

• Purpose and Meaning

Chasing significance in career, ministry, or social circles, yet never feeling satisfied. 

 The Gospel Reset: Rest as a Gift, Not a Goal

Scripture proclaims that our righteousness and worth are secured by Christ’s finished work. We enter His rest not by amassing spiritual credentials, but by trusting Him completely. Justification by faith and our heavenly position in Christ remind us: rest is already ours. We only need to believe it and live from it.

Hebrews 4:9-11 tells us that there is a special rest for God’s people.

Therefore, a Sabbath rest remains for God’s people. For the person who has entered his rest has rested from his own works, just as God did from his. Let us then make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall into the same pattern of disobedience.

We enter that rest as we trust in Christ. We lay aside our own works and take on Christ’s. 

 Five Rhythms for Rested Living

1. Anchor in Positional Rest
   Begin each morning by declaring your standing in Christ:
   “Jesus, I rest in Your finished work. I have nothing to prove, for You have secured my worth and freedom.”  A lot of stress come from too much worry over what others think. 
2. Prayer of Focus
   Shift into an attentive posture:

o    Confess His presence: “Lord, You are here with me now.”

o    Scan for His movement: “Show me what You are doing so I can join You.”

o    Surrender your day: “Use my hours, my conversations, my decisions for Your divine appointments.”

o    Surrender your stress and worry: “Father, my problems are your problems!  I release all of this to you (because you care for me—1 Peter 5:7)”  Let them go.

3. Confession of Faith in His Promise
   Live by faith, not feelings:
   “I may not sense You, but I trust You never leave me. Thank You, Jesus, for being with me today.”
   Let this truth guide every choice you make.
4. Prayer for Alertness
   Remain sensitive to His voice in the ordinary:
   “Help me not to miss what You’re doing. Give me eyes to see Your invitations in each moment.”

Be ready to follow Him in what He is doing at that moment.

5.    Take Breaks in the following 5 areas for Emotional, Social, Sensory, Physical and Mental                       Rest

      You need to “Come apart before you fall apart”.  God is the only one who does not need rest—               confess the truth that you are not God and take a break! Sometimes you need a long break,                     sometimes you need a short break.  Put some breaks into your day and week for rest.  Ignoring              such breaks will have significant consequences in the future.  You stop and take a break now or             you will break and have to stop later.  Either way you will need to stop and rest.

Walking in True Sabbath Rest

By rooting ourselves in Christ’s completed work, embracing our heavenly position, and joining God in His ongoing activity, we unlock a rhythm of work and rest that mirrors the divine pattern. We labor without anxiety—because His grace carries our heaviest loads—and we walk with purpose, alert to every move of His Spirit.

Give yourself permission to Sabbath.  How will you practice these today or tomorrow, so that instead of dragging your own burden, you discover the lightness of Christ’s yoke and the joy of divine appointments?

 

Courageous Speech in a Corrupt Culture

Living Words in a World of Noise

In a world where profanity is normalized, sarcasm is celebrated, and careless chatter fills the airwaves, the call to holy speech is more radical than ever. For the follower of Christ, words are not throwaway—they are sacred. They carry weight, intention, and spiritual consequence.

Paul’s charge in Ephesians 4:29 slices through the noise:

“No foul language should come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear.”

This isn’t just a verse about vocabulary—it’s a vision for speech that reflects the heart of God. It’s a summons to courage in how we speak, especially when the culture around us has lost its reverence for words.

 

1. Speech That Builds, Not Breaks

The Greek word for “foul” means “rotten” or “decaying.” Paul is warning against speech that corrupts, tears down, or spreads moral decay. But he doesn’t stop at prohibition—he calls us to construction. Our words are meant to build up, especially those who are in need.

Every conversation is a construction site. We can either lay bricks of encouragement or swing wrecking balls of criticism. And in a world where many are silently struggling, our words may be the scaffolding someone needs to stand again.

 

2. Gracious, Not Flattering

Paul says our speech should “give grace to those who hear.” That’s not flattery—it’s truth wrapped in kindness. Gracious speech is clean, wholesome, and timely. It doesn’t manipulate; it ministers.

Proverbs 15:23 reminds us:

“A word spoken at the right time is like gold apples on a silver tray.”

This kind of speech is beautiful, valuable, and nourishing. It’s not about sounding spiritual—it’s about being spiritually aware of what others need to hear.

 

3. Words with Assignment

Notice Paul’s precision: “building up someone in need.” Our words aren’t just general encouragement—they’re spiritual provisions for the weary, the wounded, the wandering. To speak courageously is to speak on assignment.

This means asking, “Lord, who needs a word today?” and then delivering it with love and precision. Our speech becomes a ministry tool, not just a social reflex.

 

4. Stewardship of the Tongue

James calls the tongue a small member that steers the whole body. Jesus goes further:

“By your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:37)

That’s not hyperbole—it’s holy accountability. Every word matters. Every idle phrase echoes in eternity. The tongue is not just a muscle—it’s a mirror of the heart.  Words are projected thoughts and reveal whats inside.

 

Final Charge: Speak as Saints, Not as the World

To those who confess Christ: clean up your language. Not just the obvious profanities, but the subtle cynicism, the careless sarcasm, the graceless critiques. Let your speech be a sanctuary—where the Holy Spirit feels welcome, and the weary find rest.

Let the meditation of your heart and the answer of your tongue be pleasing to God. Let your words be courageous in a culture of corruption—bold enough to be clean, gracious enough to heal, and wise enough to build.

Spiritual Boldness—Facing Down the Spiritual Enemy

Leadership in the Kingdom of God is not for the faint of heart. It demands courage—not just in the face of human challenges, but in the face of spiritual opposition that often lurks beneath the surface. The call to lead is also a call to stand.

Many leaders don’t realize they’re under spiritual attack until the damage is done. The enemy doesn’t always roar; sometimes he whispers. He stirs up anger, fear, discouragement, or desire—subtle manipulations that, if unchecked, can derail even the most faithful servant. That’s why James offers this clear directive:

“Submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)

Resistance begins with recognition. You have a spiritual enemy, and he’s not passive. But you’re not defenseless.

Paul’s words in Ephesians 6 are a rallying cry for every spiritual leader:

“Be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength… Take up the full armor of God.”

This isn’t metaphorical language—it’s a practical strategy. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, Scripture, and prayer are not abstract ideas to admire. They are spiritual tools to be worn, wielded, and lived. The armor is not for decoration; it’s for battle.

And battle requires boldness.

The enemy will try to take the wind out of your sails. He’ll whisper lies that make you question your calling, your worth, your endurance. But Scripture reminds us:

“God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, of love, and a disciplined mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

So stand your ground. Do not retreat.

There’s a moment in Israel’s story that captures this perfectly. Trapped between Pharaoh’s army and the Red Sea, the people panicked. Escape was impossible. But Moses didn’t flinch. He spoke with spiritual boldness:

“Don’t be afraid. Stand firm and see the Lord’s salvation… The Lord will fight for you, and you must be quiet.” (Exodus 14:13–14)

Sometimes courage looks like stillness. Sometimes leadership means trusting that God will fight while you wait. That’s not passivity—it’s spiritual defiance against fear.

So if you’re leading today—whether in ministry, in your family, or in your community—remember this: You are not alone. You are not powerless. And you are not meant to retreat.

Spiritual boldness isn’t just about resisting the enemy—it’s about trusting the One who goes before you. Notice here that Moses didn’t wait for reassurance before speaking courage into Israel’s fear. He was already convinced of God’s presence and help.

“Don’t be afraid. Stand firm and see the Lord’s salvation…” (Exodus 14:13)

This declaration came before Moses cried out to the Lord. He spoke with confidence, not because he had a plan, but because he knew God’s character. That’s the kind of leadership courage that inspires others to stand firm.

• Bold leaders speak faith into fear.
• They declare God’s promises even when the path isn’t clear.
• They trust that God’s purpose is unfolding—even when the sea hasn’t parted yet.

This kind of confidence doesn’t come from personality or experience—it comes from intimacy with God. It’s the fruit of walking with Him long enough to know that He never abandons His people.

 

Stand firm. Be bold. Let the Lord fight for you.

 

Prayer for Bold Leadership

Lord,
You are near, and You are faithful.
When fear rises, help me stand firm—
not in my strength, but in Yours.

Give me eyes to see the battle,
and a heart convinced of Your purpose.
Let me speak courage before the sea parts,
and trust You to fight while I stand.

In Jesus name…

Amen.

 

Gideon’s Journey—How Courage Is Grown, Not Born

 Courage isn’t always loud. Sometimes it begins in a winepress!

When we meet Gideon in Judges 6, he’s not leading armies or preaching bold sermons. He’s hiding—threshing wheat in secret to avoid the Midianite raiders. Fear defines his posture, and doubt fills his heart. Yet into that quiet, trembling moment, the angel of the Lord speaks a startling word:

“The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.”

It’s almost laughable. Gideon doesn’t feel mighty. He doesn’t even feel seen. He questions God’s presence, protests his own insignificance, and asks for sign after sign. But God doesn’t rebuke him. Instead, He walks with Gideon—patiently, purposefully—growing courage one step at a time.

How Courage Took Root

1. A New Identity Spoken Over Him
God doesn’t name Gideon by his fear, but by his future. “Mighty warrior” isn’t a description—it’s a declaration. Before Gideon lifts a sword, God lifts his vision.

2. Honest Dialogue with God
Gideon’s first response isn’t faith—it’s frustration. “If the Lord is with us, why has all this happened?” Have you ever said or thought this?  His questions don’t disqualify him. They become the soil where deeper trust can grow.

3. Reassurance Through Signs
Gideon asks for proof, and God provides it—graciously and repeatedly. From the fire on the rock to the fleece tests, and even a dream overheard in the enemy camp, God meets Gideon in his need for assurance. He doesn’t shame the process—He shepherds it.  However, there is a time when asking for reassurance is displeasing to God.  Please note that it is critical to understand the circumstance when asking for signs for reassurance is proper, and when it will be improper.  I will deal with this in a later blog.  But here, Gideon needs affirmation that God is speaking to him.    

4. Obedience in Small Steps
Before leading Israel, Gideon must confront idolatry in his own backyard. He tears down his father’s altar to Baal—but he does it at night, afraid of the townspeople. Still, God honors even hesitant obedience. Courage doesn’t require bravado—it requires movement.

5. Faith in God’s Strategy
When Gideon finally assembles an army, God shrinks it. Thirty-two thousand men become three hundred. The odds look impossible—but courage grows when we trust God’s methods, not our own strength which is the point of the entire story for us to consider.

What Gideon Teaches Us

Gideon didn’t start brave. He became brave by trusting God, step by step. His story reminds us:

• Courage is cultivated through relationship—not personality.
• God equips those He calls, even when they feel unqualified.
• Obedience precedes confidence—we often gain boldness after we act, not before.

So, where are you threshing wheat in fear, wondering if God sees you? What small act of obedience could begin your journey toward valor?  What reassurance do you need to seek from God to verify His call?

God doesn’t need fearless heroes. He builds them.