Prisoner of War

Despite the new wealth brought to his forces by Nabal’s land and flocks, David, Abigail, and their followers were still not safe from Saul, who possessed a much larger army. They were soon forced to ally themselves with the Philistine king Achish and settle in Gath (1 Samuel 27:3). Achish later gave David charge of the town of Ziklag, where Abigail and David lived for more than a year while David led his men on various raiding parties as Achish’s agent.

When David rode with Achish in preparation for the Battle of Gilboah against King Saul, however, Abigail and the other women of the town were kidnapped by an Amelikite raiding party. David was soon providentially rejected by the other Philistine commanders from participating in the fateful battle against Saul. He returned to Ziklag only to find the town ransacked by the Amalekites. Deeply distressed at the loss of his wives and facing a mutiny from his likewise mourning troops, David consulted the priest Abiathar, who divined that it was God’s will to pursue the Amalekites. Consequently, David and his men tracked the raiders down and recovered everything the Amalekites had taken, including his two wives.

 A prisoner of war is someone who is held captive by a belligerent power during or immediately after an armed conflict. While we may never personally experience what it’s like to be an actual prisoner of war, we are constantly in a spiritual battle that takes many captives. Our spiritual freedom comes from believing and applying God’s word.

The bible tells us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. It also tells us to keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up.

Remember we are not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have us put together and on our feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does. (MSG)

Be Intentional about staying alert to the real enemy

Praises & Prayers

Father, thank you for giving us the Armor of God to help in our times of need. I pray that we will recognize the real enemy and take our stand against him. Thank you for the assurance we have in You. Thank you for rescuing us and strengthening us. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Messages from His Word

Ephesians 6:10-12

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.