Leaning Foreword In The Foxhole

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you." - 1 Peter 5:8-10

Leaning forward in the Foxhole is a term used in the Army to describe being ready for an enemy attack. Most of you reading this have probably never dug a foxhole, let alone been in one with a weapon. As Christians we must be ready for the enemy's spiritual attack. It can be so subtle. You might not even see it as a threat because it appeals to your natural sensibilities. It can be an idea that seems reasonable, even though it is clearly contrary to the Word of God.

You might be surprised to learn that only abut 9 percent of Christians use the Bible as the measure for what is right and acceptable behavior in their culture. That is called having a Biblical World View. Seeing life through the prism of God's revelation to mankind. That means that 91 percent use some other measure to determine what is right and what is wrong. That thinking started in the Garden when the enemy, the devil posed the question, "Did God really say?". Planting a seed of doubt in the minds of men and women. Encouraging them to exact another measure of what is right and wrong - that being human reasoning and consensus of opinion. 

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." - 2 Timothy 3:16-17

When Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4), he used scripture either misstated or out of context to try to tempt Jesus to sin.  People, today, do the same thing. Satan is called the father of lies. People who are not born again are said to be the his children.

"Why do you not understand My [Jesus] speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me." - John 8:43-45

Does that thought make you uncomfortable? It should. We live in a spiritually dangerous culture and world. But so many live as if there is no danger and their faith is compromised and their witness neutralized.  

"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." - Ephesians 6:11-13

Be alert and ready to engage the enemy - lean foreword in the foxhole. 

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone