03/12/2022
Maybe you have heard:
that our English translation
“Lord Almighty” is correctly translated “Lord of heaven's armies.” Our God is the God of war, “mighty in battle” (Psalm 24:8)
This is Bill Harper and I am a man in search of my heart. I am also a founder of Return To Glory Ministries, a team of men a band of brothers.
One thing we pursue at the retreat is the warrior heart. A few questions:
The firemen who ran up the stairs of the World Trade Center on 9/11 when everyone else was rushing down in panic—what made them do that?
How about the young men who so bravely put themselves between the gunman and their fellow students during those school shootings—what enabled them to do that?
When I served in Combat Rescue in the Air Force we wore a patch that said “That others may live” The larger, longer story is “That we give our lives that others may live” What made us do that?
The sponsors who walk a newcomer through the crucible journey of recovery are warriors, fighting for one man or woman.
I believe its because God put the warrior heart in every man. And every woman yes Hallelujah! Because God is a warrior!
Exodus 15:3 “The Lord is a warrior, The Lord is His name”
Because man is made in the image of God who is the great warrior.
God gave you that warrior heart because you were born into a world at war. Have you noticed this? that your life is opposed? Your love is opposed? Your hopes, your dreams, your joys, your relationships, your parenting, - all are fiercely opposed? This is a world at war and we do have an enemy.
And how much hardship we will endure as men, as men and women in our humanity... how long and tenaciously we will persevere is really determined by the warrior within us.
A man may have an arrogant boss that he hates, but if he sees it as warrior training, he will endure. A man in a difficult marriage can persevere only if he finds that warrior inside to fight for the heart of his woman. A father needs that warrior heart and wisdom to fight for his children. To not pass on his confusion.
The heart of the warrior says “I will put myself on the line for you, I will not let evil have its way” I wish I could say I do that perfectly.
Make no mistake people, this is not violence I am talking about it’s love. By the way, Jesus was not the poster child for pacifism; he wasn’t the World’s Nicest Guy. He is our model here. Christianity does not ask men to become altar boys; it calls them up as warriors.
SO… A sample..
This “Warrior Heart” is just one thing we talk about at the Return To Glory Boot Camp. 7-10 April in Marianna.
RTGMinistries.org
And the Blue Springs Camp Anderson facility is newly restored, full of attractions and activities… and it will be fun. Try your warrior skills out with your brothers on the paintball arena.
