Category Archives: Allies

Advocate, Allies, Battles, Bible, Covenant, Defense, Enemies, Fighting, God's Will, Guard, Opponents, Protection, Rescue, Safety, Scripture

THE LORD IS ON OUR SIDE

ZECHARIAH 14:3

“Then the LORD will go forth and fight against those nations, as when He fights on a day of battle.”

Everybody remembers the childhood games when kids gathered outside and picked sides to play a game. Whether it was baseball, football or red rover, getting picked last was the worst. No one wanted to get picked last. Getting picked first was the sign of being one of the best, if not the best, players. Get picked anywhere – just not the last.

Well, in verse 3 of chapter 14, we find the LORD getting picked to fight on the side of Israel. Woo-hoo! They just scored the best and most powerful player. When all the nations of the earth turn against Israel, the LORD will jump in. Those nations have no idea what is about to hit them. They don’t see the LORD, but He is there. They will feel the full force of the Creator of the universe.

APPLICATION

He is on our side, as well. Did you know that? The same God who will defend Israel has joined us in our daily battles. Deuteronomy 3:22 says, “‘You shall not fear them, for it is the Lord your God who fights for you.’” How about this one? Joshua 23:3 reads, “‘And you have seen all that the Lord your God has done to all these nations for your sake, for it is the Lord your God who has fought for you.’”

You are probably saying, Carl, those are Old Testament verse about God fighting for Israel. That’s just like our verse today in Zechariah. Okay, how about this one? This is one I have referenced before. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 tells us, “For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,” We have God’s armament!

We have nothing to fear. God is on our side. He is fighting for us. All we have to do is yield to Him. Then He can unleash the forces of heaven against our enemies – in His time. We have to wait on Him. He will come through. Never doubt that. He may seem to be late, but He is not. He is always right on time. He will fight for us!

Thank You, Lord, for fighting my battles daily. I may not see You, but I know You are there.

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Allies, Battles, Bible, Commands, Danger, Encouragement, Enemies, God's Will, Scripture, Strength, Weakness

THE LEAST SHALL BE FIRST

ZECHARIAH 12:7

“The LORD also will save the tents of Judah first, so that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem will not be greater than Judah.”

There are stories all through the Bible of God using the smallest or youngest to achieve great things. One of the greatest is of David. He was the youngest of Jesse’s sons, but God chose him to be the second king of Israel. If you are the least bit familiar with the Old Testament, you have read of all David’s exploits and how the Lord used him.

Zechariah contrasts the tents of Judah with the inhabitants of Jerusalem. One scholar says this about this verse. “tents—shifting and insecure, as contrasted with the solid fortifications of Judah. But God chooses the weak to confound the mighty, that all human glorying may be set aside.” Don’t you just love that? He uses the weak to confound the mighty.

APPLICATION

We should never think we are too small or too weak or too old to be used by the Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:27 says, “but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong.” Everyone is useable by God.

Maybe you have a physical defect that you think prevents you from being used. Not so! David Ring is a very gifted evangelist who has cerebral palsy. He has multiple physical challenges, yet God has used him all over the world to lead others to Christ. He often makes this statement when he speaks. “I have Cerebral Palsy. What’s your problem?”

So, let me ask you. What is your problem? Why aren’t you allowing the Lord to use you? You have so much to offer. It’s not about you, though. It’s about Christ in you. When you yield to Him, He can take your weakest trait and magnify it into a useable skill. Just let Him use you to great and mighty things!

Father, I thank You for using me, despite my weaknesses.

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Advocate, Allegiance, Allies, Bible, Courage, Defense, Power, Scripture, Strength

NO MATCH FOR GOD

ZECHARIAH 10:5

“And they will be like warriors, trampling down the enemy in the mud of the streets in battle; and they will fight, because the LORD will be with them; and the riders on horses will be put to shame.”

One year when my high school football team played a team from Alabama, it was the mismatch of the century. We were a small private school in South Georgia with a small team. We probably had 25-30 players at max. Most of the starters played both offense and defense. But in rode this other team on three busses. They probably had 90-100 players and they were skilled. The final score showed the mismatch (50-3). We literally had no chance against that team.

Anyone who goes against the Lord is mismatched. 1 Chronicles 17:20 says, “LORD, there is none like You, nor is there any God besides You, according to everything that we have heard with our ears.” Israel knew their God was great and would be with them in battle, should it come. God is reinforcing those beliefs here through Zechariah.

APPLICATION

God is with us, to fight our battles. His might is mightier than any foe we face. We only lose these battles when we think we are defeated. That team we faced on that field could have lost to us if they hadn’t played to their skill level. We fought hard against them every play. But they knew they had a superior force. Hey listen, we do too.

God is the mighty warrior. I have been memorizing Psalm 24. It’s only ten verses. I love verse 8 that says, “Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty. The Lord mighty in battle.” Do you think God is through fighting His children’s battles here on earth? No way. He fights mine every day. I invoke His power and His strength daily.

I pray you know that He is on your side. He does not turn us into some kind of superhero, but He does give us the strength to face each challenge head on. There is nothing the devil can throw at you that He cannot defeat. He will use you to do that. Trust Him. He is your strength. He is your mighty power. You are His soldier in the battle. Fight on!

O Master and Defender, give me the courage to fight each day. Help me put on the full armor to fight the enemy.

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Advocate, Allies, Belief, Bible, Messiah, Peace, Scripture

NO MORE WAR

ZECHARIAH 9:10

“And I will eliminate the chariot from Ephraim and the horse from Jerusalem; and the bow of war will be eliminated. And He will speak peace to the nations; and His dominion will be from sea to sea, and from the Euphrates River to the ends of the earth.”

The U.S. has been at war with terrorism for a long time – ever since September 11, 2001. The active battles may have subsided, but our country is constantly trying to root out those who want to inflict harm on our country and our allies. So much money has been spent on this effort. It was necessary, but it is difficult not to think how that money could have been used to help millions. One day we won’t have war anymore.

Zechariah continues the prophecy against the land of Hadrach that began in verse 2. I love what He says in today’s verse. He says, “the bow of war will be eliminated.” The Messiah will come and establish peace. He will cut off or break the bows of war. How? “He will speak peace to the nations.” Just as the world was created by God speaking it into existence, peace will be spoken.

APPLICATION

Peace is what we all need. Peace is available to us all but only through one source – Jesus. We can try to establish peace on our own, but it will not last. Once we have peace with God, we can establish peace with others. Colossians 3:15 says, “Let the peace of Christ, to which you were indeed called in one body, rule in your hearts; and be thankful.”

Let me ask you something. Are you at peace? Jesus tells us in John 14:27, “‘Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.’” Did you see what He said? It is His peace He gives you. That’s the same peace Zechariah referred to in today’s verse.

Peace is yours for the asking. Do you have it? I do, and let me tell you, it’s awesome. Do I still face trials? You had better believe it, but now His peace takes over. His peace calms my fears. His peace reigns in my heart. His peace is real. You can have it. I pray you do. If not, ask for it today.

I know Your peace is the peace that transcends all understanding. Thank You, Lord.

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Accountability, Allies, Battles, Bible, Comfort, Friends, Laughter, Relationships, Scripture

ANOTHER PROPHET

ZECHARIAH 1:1

“In the eighth month of the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to Zechariah the prophet, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo saying,” 

You have probably heard the saying “Two are better than one.” I had rather have someone with me when I am traveling so we can give each other a break when driving. Climbers will often have a companion with them as they transverse a difficult mountain in case they need a belay. I believe God made us to need others in our lives.

Well, we are beginning a new book today which will take us several months to complete. Zechariah, by whom this book is named, was a contemporary of Haggai, the book we just finished. These two prophets were both relaying God’s message to His people. I am sure, in a country no bigger than Israel, they knew each other or at least of each other’s message. Perhaps they encouraged each other. Hang with me as we look at these 211 verses in this book, the longest of the minor prophets.

APPLICATION

Who is your companion in your walk with Christ? It may be your spouse or a close friend (those could be the same person). Perhaps it is a mentor. Whomever it is, thank the Lord for that person right now. We all need someone on this journey. In the ministry I am a part of, Every Man A Warrior, we teach men that they need other men in their lives to hold them accountable, to be their allies in the battles of life and to encourage them.

Maybe you’re saying Carl, I don’t have anyone in my life right now to come alongside me. Then find someone. You may be needed in the life of someone. You need someone to cry with and to laugh with. My wife and I have friends with whom we can do that. What a comfort they are to us. Ask the Lord to show you that person or persons.

Through the years I have had the privilege to minister with a lot of different people from all over the world. I have been blessed by them and hopefully I have been a blessing to them. I am sure Haggai and Zechariah were like that, if only for a little while. But above all, I have the Lord Jesus who is always with me. He can be your best friend too.

Thank You, Lord, for putting others in my life to do life with. I know You sent them to help me walk closer to You.

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Allegiance, Allies, Battles, Bible, Choices, Consequences, Enemies, God's Will, Scripture, Truth

BE CAREFUL OF YOUR ALLIES

ZEPHANIAH 2:12

“‘You also, Ethiopians, will be slain by My sword.’”

In the ministry I am a part of, Every Man A Warrior, we speak a lot about the importance of having allies. Men need men in their lives to hold them accountable and also to encourage them to walk with God. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down, he has a friend who can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up.”

The Ethiopians’ error was in choosing the wrong ally. They allied with Egypt against God’s people. They may not have invaded on their own, but they were part of the army that did. God speaks against them in Isaiah and Ezekiel. Their destruction was prophesied. However, they did not heed any of the warnings. They persisted in their hostilities toward Israel.

APPLICATION

We must be careful who we choose as allies. What may appear to be a good idea can prove to be a disaster. Many a person has lost fortunes due to partnering with a dishonest man. Promises made were not kept. Lies were told to get them to join in. Not everything that glitter is gold, right?

The same holds true for us in our spiritual walk with Christ. Not every church out there is teaching the truth. Not every preacher is living what he is preaching. Not every “Christian” brother or sister is a true believer. We must check these things by the Word of God. Through it, God will show us truth from error.

I have several men I consider my allies. Some are my partners in our ministry. I trust these men completely. I know they have my back. More importantly, I know they will call me out if I am wandering from the truth. I need that. You need that. Do you have allies? Do you have people in your life who will confront you if needed? If you don’t, get some. You don’t want to walk this path alone.

Lord, I know the strands of cord are strongest when they are woven together. Give me allies who will make me stronger.

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Accused, Allies, Belief, Bible, Commands, Defense, Enemies, God's Will, Scripture

AGAINST YOU

ZEPHANIAH 2:5

“Woe to the inhabitants of the seacoast, the nation of the Cherethites! The word of the LORD is against you, Canaan, land of the Philistines; and I will eliminate you so that there will be no inhabitant.”

I’ve said before that I don’t think I have any earthly enemies. I try my best to be at peace with all men (Romans 12:18). I don’t like to be in conflict. I won’t run from a fight if faced with it, but I don’t pursue conflict like some people do. I really want to deal with conflict quickly. I don’t want anyone or anything to come against me.

Zephaniah tells the Cherethites and Philistines that “the word of the Lord is against” them. Whoa! That would be horrible. Instead of the word of the Lord coming “to” them, it is against them. Why? Because they were the ones who were against His children. They pursued aggression and hostilities against His chosen people. And for that, God was against them.

APPLICATION

How would you feel if the Lord was against you? Terrified? Fearful? Worried? You should! Hebrews 10:31 tells us “It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” To openly rebel against God’s commandments and thumb your nose at Him only invites His wrath. Who would do that?

Unfortunately, many in our world today are doing just that. They scoff at God’s Word. They reject His truths as spelled out in Scripture. They make God into their own image, rather than allowing Him to make them into His. They want God to fit their idea of Him. How preposterous. How ridiculous. How can we even begin to comprehend God?

But God tells us very clearly how to follow Him. He tells us to trust Him. He gives us the faith to believe. Faith is a gift. Once we acknowledge Jesus as Savior and Lord, He gives us belief in Him. He discloses more and more of Himself to us as we pursue Him. What a great God! He is not against you. He is for you!

O Lord, I am so thankful You are for me. I am grateful for the faith You have given me.

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Abiding, Allies, Battles, Bible, Confidence, Disappointment, Faithfulness, God's Will, Promises, Scripture

MISPLACED CONFIDENCE 

NAHUM 3:9 

“Ethiopia was her might, Egypt too, without limits. Put and Lubim were among her helpers.” 

Have you ever had someone you were depending on let you down? It is no fun feeling. Your hopes seemed dashed. You get angry at that person and then you get sad. Emotions are always a part of this kind of disappointment. What do you do with those emotions? 

Nahum was reminding Nineveh that no one can depend on any earthly power. He gives the example of No-Amon who depended on Ethiopia and Egypt for her might. Historical records have shown their armies numbered in the millions, like sand on the seashore. But No-Amon still fell. Only God’s power is eternal. 

APPLICATION 

I pray you have not suffered the fate of misplaced dependence. Let me reassure you – people will let you down. I have promised people that I will eventually disappoint them. I am not perfect and have never claimed to be. I know my failures. Do you? 

As believers, we know our only certain source of strength lies in Jesus Christ. Only He can sustain us. Read these words from Psalm 62. “5 Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Hm. 6 Truly He is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress; I will not be shaken. 7 My salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge. 8 Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.” 

Aren’t those great words? I just love that He is my rest, my hope, my rock, my salvation, my fortress, my salvation, the source of my honor, my mighty rock and my refuge. If that doesn’t give you confidence, nothing will. Trust Him today! 

I shall trust in You at all times, my God and my Savior. 

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Agreement, Allegiance, Allies, Battles, Bible, Christianity, Devil, Enemies, God's Will, Modeling, Opponents, Scripture

A SHIELD

NAHUM 2:3

“The shields of his warriors are dyed red, the warriors are dressed in scarlet, the chariots are fitted with flashing steel when he is prepared to march, and the juniper spears are brandished.”

I love to watch football (American football), especially college football. I love to watch the team working as one to achieve a goal – to score on their opponent or to prevent their opponent from scoring on them. A lot of this occurs on the line of scrimmage. Young men forming a line of defense have to work together as one.

The English translation above says “shields,” but the actual Hebrew word is singular – “shield.” That makes a difference. Nahum is saying that “the shield of His warriors” is one. They move as one. They attack as one. They are no longer fighting alone against their enemies. They have become a unified force under the banner of Jehovah.

APPLICATION

This should send a message to us, not about fighting, but about standing together. Christians are so divided today. We segregate ourselves between denominations. We divide our churches by race. We cannot fight our common enemy if we stay divided. We must become one.

So, what prevents that? Is it pride or arrogance? Is it our church traditions? Some of these divisions are over minor doctrinal disagreements that do not really have an effect on our salvation. Paul says in Romans 12:4-5 “4 For just as we have many parts in one body and all the body’s parts do not have the same function, 5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually parts of one another.”

What part are you? How can you help unify the body of Christ? The ministry I am serving in now, Every Man A Warrior (www.everymanawarrior.com), cuts across denominational lines. We have leaders in 58 countries and in all 50 states in the U.S. And guess what? We are all not Southern Baptists. Nor are we all Methodists. We are all believers in Christ who want to see our culture changed by changing the hearts of men. Will you join us in unifying the body of Christ worldwide?

Help me hold Your shield, Lord, as I face our enemies.

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Affection, Affliction, Allies, Battles, Bible, Christ's Return, Confrontation, Consequences, Destruction, Enemies, Friends, God's Will, Rapture, Scripture

NO MORE WAR

MICAH 4:3

“And He will judge between many peoples and render decisions for mighty, distant nations. Then they will beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation will not lift a sword against nation, and never again will they train for war.”

As I write this blog, war is still raging in Ukraine. When that will end is anyone’s guess. Through the ministry I am a part of, Trans World Radio (TWR), I know of believers on both sides of this war. Many have lost their homes and livelihoods and are struggling. It is heart-breaking to see the destruction of some beautiful cities and villages, not to mention the loss of life.

Micah prophesies, however, that one day there will be no more war. We have all heard this verse quoted over the years. Swords into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks. I love that last phrase – “nation will not lift a sword against nation, and never again will they train for war.” Just think of the billions of dollars that could be redirected towards healthcare, food and clean water. This will be an amazing sight to behold.

APPLICATION

You are probably thinking, Sure, that sounds great, Carl, but we will never see that in our lifetime. You never know. I believe the Lord’s return for His church is imminent. With that event, the end-time clock speeds up – rapture, tribulation years (yes, I am a pre-trib guy), thousand-year reign and then the second coming of Christ.

How do we play a part in this? How about not making war with your neighbors? How about not looking at someone as if they are beneath you? How about extending the olive branch of peace towards someone who has harmed you? We can all help with these things. Peace begins with us.

I am personally not at war with anyone. I do, however, show my prejudices at times, politics and sports, to name a couple. I have to make sure I am not showing myself to others. I need to be showing Jesus at all times. Only He can make the change happen in others.

Lord, we await the day when there will be no more war

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