Forward March...

This is what God the LORD says,

He who created the heavens and stretched them out,

Who spread out the earth and its produce,

Who gives breath to the people on it

And spirit to those who walk on it. (Isaiah 42:5) The earth produces crops by itself; first the blade, then the head [of grain], then the mature grain in the head. But when the crop ripens, he immediately puts in the sickle [to reap], because [the time for] the harvest has come. (Mark 4:28-29) The entire harvest to come and a recognition of God's ownership of the earth and its produce, we continually honor Him. I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone [just one grain, never more]. But if it dies, it produces much grain and yields a harvest. The one who loves his life [eventually] loses it [through death], but the one who hates his life in this world [and is concerned with pleasing God] will keep it for life eternal. If anyone serves Me, he must've [continue to faithfully] follow Me [without hesitation, holding steadfastly to Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me]; and wherever I am [in heaven’s glory], there will My servant be also. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him. (John 12:24-26) For I consider [from the standpoint of faith] that the sufferings of the present life are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is about to be revealed to us and in us! For [even the whole] creation [all nature] waits eagerly for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration and futility, not willingly [because of some intentional fault on its part], but by the will of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will also be freed from its bondage to decay [and gain entrance] into the glorious freedom of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been moaning together as in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only this, but we too, who have the first fruits of the Spirit [a joyful indication of the blessings to come], even we groan inwardly, as we wait eagerly for [the sign of] our adoption as sons--the redemption and transformation of our body [at the resurrection]. For in this hope we were saved [by faith]. But hope [the object of] which is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait eagerly for it with patience and composure. (Romans 8:18-25) Just as I please everyone in all things [as much as possible adapting myself to the interests of others], not seeking my own benefit but that of the many, so that they [will be open to the message of salvation and] may be saved. (1 Corinthians 10:31) Beloved, do not believe every spirit [speaking through a self-proclaimed prophet]; instead test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets and teachers have gone out into the world. By this you know and recognize the Spirit of God: every spirit that acknowledges and confesses [the fact] that Jesus Christ has [actually] come in the flesh [as a man] is from God [God is its source]; and every spirit that does not confess Jesus [acknowledging that He has come in the flesh, but would deny any of the Son’s true nature] is not of God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming, and is now already in the world. Little children (believers, dear ones), you are of God and you belong to Him and have [already] overcome them [the world [of sinful mankind]. They [who teach twisted doctrine] are of the world and belong to it; therefore they speak from the [viewpoint of the] world [with its immoral freedom and baseless theories--demanding compliance with their opinions and ridiculing the values of the upright], and the [gullible one of the] world listens closely and pays attention to them. We [who teach God’s word] are from God [energized by the Holy Spirit], and whoever knows God [through personal experience] listens to us [and has a deeper understanding of Him]. Whoever is not of God does not listen to us. By this we know [without any doubt] the spirit of truth [motivated by God] and the spirit of error [motivated by Satan]. (1 John 4:1-6) It was of His own will that He gave us birth [as His children] by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits of His creatures [a prime example of what He created to be set apart to Himself—sanctified, made holy for His divine purposes]. (James 1:18) For I,’ declares the LORD, ‘will be a wall of fire around her [protecting her from enemies], and I will be the glory in her midst.’” (Zechariah 2:5) Zechariah was a prophet who devoted his life to spreading the word of God. Lord we pray you don't let us hide your word in our hearts by keeping it there. Lord help us to hide this word in our hearts and proclaim it as we share it with others. We ask that you continually put your word in our hearts and help us teach your word. We are of God and we belong to you Lord. We have (already) overcome them (the agents of the devil) He that is in us is far greater than he (the devil and his agents) who is in the world (those who belong to the world of sinful mankind). The holy one living in us is far stronger than any attack by the devil and his agents. Thank you Lord as you continue to empower us not to fear the devil and his agents; we will trust you and obey your commands. By doing these things we can overcome the powers of darkness and walk with boldness in this life knowing you are with us and we do belong to you.

“No weapon, person, place or thing that is formed against you will succeed; And every tongue, person, place or thing that rises against you in judgment you will condemn. This [peace, righteousness, security, and triumph over opposition] is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And this is their vindication from Me,” says the LORD. (Isaiah 54:17) This banner, represents a flag that troops rally around in battle declaring that God is the one who provides victory, protection, in times of adversity. He is a present well-proven, tried and true help in the time of adversity.

And Moses built an altar and named it The LORD Is My Banner; The LORD Gives Me Victory. (Exodus 17:15) We find, safety, strength, and support in God's Power. He is our source of comfort during any circumstances of life. God is our refuge and strength [mighty and impenetrable], A very present and well-proved help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)