Todays Devotional
The Missing Sting
Apr 16, 2019
In his timeless tome on conflict, The Art of War. Sun Tzu, the 6th century Chinese general makes one of his most insightful observations.
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win. It is clear, conflicts and wars, like an intense Ironman triathlon or a 100m final are first fought on the battlefield of the mind. For 66 books in the Bible, God crafts a singular message of hope to give our minds the ammunition to persevere against all odds. That singular message? In the end…we win.
Todays Devotional
The Missing Sting
In his timeless tome on conflict, The Art of War. Sun Tzu, the 6th century Chinese general makes one of his most insightful observations.
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win. It is clear, conflicts and wars, like an intense Ironman triathlon or a 100m final are first fought on the battlefield of the mind. For 66 books in the Bible, God crafts a singular message of hope to give our minds the ammunition to persevere against all odds. That singular message? In the end…we win.
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
When Paul asks in his letter to the new church in Corinth, "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" It was a declaration of incredible audacity. It’s the kind of declaration you make when you stand in front of the penalty spot about to take that last kick. The final victory depends on you scoring and you tell the goal keeper exactly where you plan to put the ball. What arrogant hope! What ridiculous faith.
We stare down death, this temporary absence of sentient awareness, because we will not be held hostage nor made to believe we only live once. For therein lies the defeat. That is where the devil wants us. Going to war and seeking the win, when the battle has actually been fought and won already. Let not the threat of death blackmail you into believing all is lost forever. Your victory is secure because of Whom you believe.
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
When Paul asks in his letter to the new church in Corinth, "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" It was a declaration of incredible audacity. It’s the kind of declaration you make when you stand in front of the penalty spot about to take that last kick. The final victory depends on you scoring and you tell the goal keeper exactly where you plan to put the ball. What arrogant hope! What ridiculous faith.
We stare down death, this temporary absence of sentient awareness, because we will not be held hostage nor made to believe we only live once. For therein lies the defeat. That is where the devil wants us. Going to war and seeking the win, when the battle has actually been fought and won already. Let not the threat of death blackmail you into believing all is lost forever. Your victory is secure because of Whom you believe.
Key Text
Ou yu fi se yu win, iihn det?
A wich paat yu powa de?” - 1 Corinthians 15:55
Key Text
Ou yu fi se yu win, iihn det?
A wich paat yu powa de?” - 1 Corinthians 15:55
Simply lovely.
Thank you.
Thank you so much Latoya! I truly appreciate it.
Amen! Amen! Amen!