The Battle is the Lord’s

Friday, April 15, 2016 Comodoro Rivadavia, Patagonia

Scripture reading:  1 Sam 17    Psalm 17    Matt 2

S=Scripture  O=Observation  A=Application  P=Prayer  SOAP for the soul.

S.  1 Sam 17:47 Then all this assembly shall know that the LORD does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD's, and He will give you into our hands." NKJV

O.  Two whole armies were looking on.  David was only a youth, not a trained soldier.  All those two assemblies of men knew that the winner of this ‘man to man’ conflict would either mean life or death to them.  David’s brothers and their fellow soldiers knew that if David lost this confrontation they would have to flee for their lives.  “What does this kid think he is doing?  He doesn’t even have a sword!”  But David’s weapon was not a sword or even a sling. His confidence was in the Lord.

A.  We had set up our portable tent-chapel in an area of Merlo known for its spiritual darkness, drug and alcohol addiction and all the evils that accompany these things.  We had visited the local Catholic priest since he had gone to the public schools and prohibited children from entering our tent chapel. Some 50 children had been coming to our services.  He promised a campaign against us.  One morning our tent guard found an empty toilet paper roller with some hairs and strings attached hanging in the doorway of the tent.  He recognized it as a spiritist’s fetish designed to curse our work.  It frightened him.  I took it down, destroyed it and threw it away.  We were in a confrontation of two armies.  But it is wonderful to have, like David, our confidence in the Lord.  We continued for 20 months until a solid church was established.

P.  Dear Lord, You are never frightened by the threats of the enemy.  You stand with those that, without visible weapons of warfare, run to the confrontation with confidence in You.  Today, I am battling with a very swollen, sore throat and very little voice.  You know that many will be waiting for Felipe, and for a message from You tonight.  I plead for Your power to bring healing and Holy Spirit anointing.  I recognize this as a spiritual battle.  Once again my confidence is in You.  Amen.

Ralph