Daniel, Devo

See Every Battle Twice

See Every Battle Twice

FALL MEN'S RETREAT
1 TIMOTHY JOURNAL

And he shall return to his land with great wealth, but his heart shall be set against the holy covenant. And he shall work his will and return to his own land. — Daniel 11:28

So Antiochus IV Epiphanes of Syria entered Egypt and successfully overtook it. As he was heading home, he traveled north through the region of Palestine and came upon a Jewish insurrection. He then massacred 80,000 Jewish men, women, and children. And on the way out, he looted the Temple in Jerusalem. This is the history as predicted by verse 28.

But the phrase I want to focus on today is this, "his heart (that's Antiochus IV) shall be set against the holy covenant."

I think it's essential for us to remember that some people and leaders have hearts that are set against God and his plan. Those people, whoever they may be, are moving not just against people in a natural realm but against God in the spiritual realm. I think sometimes we forget this. Maybe it's because we become too focused on the injustices because of the incredible pain. Thus we assume the battle is ours, and it's not. It's a war waged against God and his covenant. It may look like a physical battle and a natural war, but if we believe this, we will end up putting ourselves and our pain at the center of the story and seek justice for ourselves. But we're not the center of the story. We are not fighting a physical war. The war we are in is spiritual. It's against a holy covenant and spiritual forces in the heavenly realm.

Fellas, in the times we live, we have to remember there is the narrative we see with our natural eyes, and then there is one we need to see with our spiritual eyes. We need to look at everything two times. The first time naturally and the second time spiritually. And we must fight to maintain a mindset that sees every physical action with spiritual clarity that demands a spiritual reaction.

ASK THIS: What natural issue do you need to respond to with a spiritual reaction?

DO THIS: See the issue twice today, and respond like a spiritual man.

PRAY THIS: God, this is your war. I will fight with you and not against you today.

PLAY THIS: Sin Will Not Defeat Us.

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10 thoughts on “See Every Battle Twice”

  1. David Josker says:

    God, this is your war. I will fight with you and not against you today and always.
    Amen

  2. Dennis says:

    Although it is very difficult to standby and watch , you are correct Vince. What happens in the spiritual realm can manifest itself in the physical realm. Although I do believe there are times when God gives us the command to act in the physical , but, we must wait for HIS instructions.

  3. Scott says:

    Great message Vince! How easily we forget that we live in the physical world but we are spiritual beings. We need to seek first His kingdom…

  4. Sheldon says:

    The spiritual condition of our men in our communities, who are supposed to be our spiritual leaders but they are being led away by the enemy of our souls in a direction that leads away from God. just like Ezra we must seek to return our men back to God, a return to a spiritual awakening.

  5. Kevin V says:

    Vince, thanks for your commitment to posting this daily devotional. I listen regularly but don’t post very often.

    Your point is so true. We don’t always think to view life’s events from two perspectives. God, please help me to think about the spiritual battles when I am encountering hardship each day, and to remember to work with you, not against.

  6. Trent says:

    So easy for me to get wrapped up in “me” and “life” battles and lose sight of the real war. Thank you for this today.

  7. Jack says:

    I have to constantly remind myself that I know how the story ends. I have to remind myself to stay on the winning side. I can’t fall for slick talk and be led into battle on the losing side. Some days the walk is lonely but I never walk alone.

  9. RICK says:

    what a great Prayer.. God , this is Your war. I will fight with You not against You today ! I need to do this today !
    Thanks Vince for all the work you do !

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