New Life Resolution

Excerpts from Battle Cry Good vs. Evil

Chapter 17:  I Am, My Best Friend

What stops you from stepping in a new direction?  Are you focusing too much on the big picture? Does the big picture appear to be overwhelming and unachievable?  Stop focusing on the big picture and long-term goals, and start focusing on short-term goals.  They’re not as overwhelming.  If you’re unhealthy because of what you eat, start making the effort to eat healthier.  Don’t drastically change everything in a day.  Start by cutting down on portion size. Eat less, more frequently.  Eat because you need to, not because you want to.  Stop eating dinner so late at night.  If you have a habit of late night snacking, instead of eating unhealthy sugary snacks, eat healthier snacks like fruit and nuts.  At first, cut down on late night snacking, then slowly try to eliminate it.  If you drink six sugary drinks a day, start by cutting it to five, then four, and so on.  If you’re not used to walking, don’t walk a mile, start with walking short distances.  If you’re a smoker, don’t light up another one because it’s a habit, put it off until you’re struggling and can’t put it off any longer.  Then, smoke only half.  If you drink alcohol, think about why and how much you drink.  Cut down on the frequency and the amount you consume.  Do you drink to reduce stress?  Exercise also reduces stress.  Start with light exercise. Don’t overdo it. Just make the effort to do better.  As you focus on the changes that will make you better, remember, you are in the midst of spiritual battle.  Satan is always trying to convince you, you’re not worthy.  As you try to keep yourself on track, Satan will try to influence you into thinking, you can’t do it, you’re not able. He’ll tell you that you’ll fail.  He’ll influence you to stop trying.  After you achieve your goals for a while, if you slip a little, Satan will try to influence you to give up.  He’ll walk you right back into the darkness where you started.  Instead, if you slip one day, use the strength of the Spirit to get back up again.  God will help you regain your confidence through the strength of the Holy Spirit.  You have the power of God on your side. When Satan is hitting you with an onslaught of the fiery arrows, pounding you with negativity, you have the knowledge that God is more powerful than Satan.  Through God’s strength, you can achieve anything.  Philippians 4:13 (NLT) says, “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”

Author’s comments:  Whatever it is you need to do, start today.  Stop putting it off.  No matter how small the steps appear, it’s the small steps that slowly but surely gets you there. You are responsible for your vessel, so start taking responsibility.  Stop looking to everyone else to make you happy, make yourself happy.  If you have health concerns, your first step should be to contact your doctor’s office. Let them know you want to start making changes. They will be excited for you.  They will gladly give you advice on how you should safely pursue a healthier and better you.

Don’t hesitate to reach out; Bruce would love to help you grow in your spiritual journey!  To contact Bruce personally, go to battlecrygoodvsevil.com.  Battle Cry Good vs. Evil is available in paperback or eBook on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iTunes.  Be sure to “like” Battle Cry on Facebook.

God’s Perfect Vision

Excerpts from Battle Cry Good vs. Evil

Chapter 11:  Prayer

Our foresight can be very blurry, because we lack the clarity to know what to do in every situation. But our hindsight is always clear.  We can look back on our decisions and clearly see what the right choice was, and what we should have done differently.  God’s foresight is never blurry, it’s perfectly clear.  He is perfect, so therefore, His vision and plans for us are perfect.  God’s perfect vision directly impacts our imperfect prayer life.  It determines the outcome of prayer.  This is where our faith and trust in God are rooted.  It’s how we experience God’s peace, no matter the circumstances.  Because tomorrow isn’t promised, don’t take any day for granted.  Start every new day prayerfully thanking God for the opportunity.  Let Him know how you’re looking forward to what the new day will bring.  As you pray, keep mindful of God’s power, God’s love, and God’s grace.  Ask Him for forgiveness where you fail Him.  It’s powerful to end all prayer in the name of Jesus Christ.  The more sincere, personal, and heartfelt the prayer, the more likely you will be in agreement with the Spirit, and the will of God.  This keeps you focused on what’s most important, because your will is not always in agreement with the will of God.  Don’t be discouraged when you don’t get what you pray for.  Just because you want something, doesn’t mean you’ll get it.  Your desires can be in conflict with God’s will.  It’s about His timing, not yours.  James 4:3 (NLT) says, “And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.” God knows what’s best for you. You must trust Him, give the control to Him, and have the faith to believe He’ll give you what you need, when you need it.  You must be patient, because His timing is perfect.  Psalm 27:14 (NLT) says, “Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous.  Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.”

Author’s comments:  Don’t make impromptu New Year’s resolutions!  These are usually long term goals that overwhelm you and set you up for failure.  Instead, make New Life resolutions!  These are short term goals that don’t overwhelm you, are achievable, and set you up for success.  For more information on how to make New Life resolutions, go to the website and I’ll post excerpts from Chapter 17:  I Am, My Best Friend.          

Please don’t hesitate to reach out; Bruce would love to help you grow in your spiritual journey!  To contact Bruce, go to battlecrygoodvsevil.com.  Battle Cry Good vs. Evil is available in paperback or eBook on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iTunes.  Be sure to “like” Battle Cry on Facebook.

It's The Night Before Christmas

 It’s the night before Christmas and all the shopping is done.

It’s time to stop stressing and reach for the Son.

Don’t let the world distract you from Him.

Losing sight of the Light would be a shame and a sin.

The true meaning of Christmas is not money well spent.

It’s the free gift of the Son, who the Father has sent.

So tonight let’s remember the reason we sing.

It’s to celebrate the birth of our Savior and King!

Author’s comments: Luke 2:8-12 (NLT) says, “That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep.  Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them.  They were terrified, but the angel reassured them.  ‘Don’t be afraid!’ he said.  ‘I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.  The Savior—yes the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!  And you will recognize him by this sign:  You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.’” 

The savior’s birth is the Truth and tomorrow we celebrate.  Don’t miss this opportunity to share the Good News of Jesus Christ today, tomorrow, and everyday! 

If you’re in need, don’t hesitate to reach out; Bruce would love to help you grow in your spiritual journey!  To contact Bruce personally, go to battlecrygoodvsevil.com.  Battle Cry Good vs. Evil is available in paperback or eBook on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iTunes.  Be sure to “like” Battle Cry on Facebook.

It's The Night Before Christmas

 It’s the night before Christmas and all the shopping is done.

It’s time to stop stressing and reach for the Son.

Don’t let the world distract you from Him.

Losing sight of the Light would be a shame and a sin.

The true meaning of Christmas is not money well spent.

It’s the free gift of the Son, who the Father has sent.

So tonight let’s remember the reason we sing.

It’s to celebrate the birth of our Savior and King!

Author’s comments: Luke 2:8-12 (NLT) says, “That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep.  Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them.  They were terrified, but the angel reassured them.  ‘Don’t be afraid!’ he said.  ‘I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.  The Savior—yes the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!  And you will recognize him by this sign:  You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.’” 

The savior’s birth is the Truth and tomorrow we celebrate.  Don’t miss this opportunity to share the Good News of Jesus Christ today, tomorrow, and everyday! 

If you’re in need, don’t hesitate to reach out; Bruce would love to help you grow in your spiritual journey!  To contact Bruce personally, go to battlecrygoodvsevil.com.  Battle Cry Good vs. Evil is available in paperback or eBook on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iTunes.  Be sure to “like” Battle Cry on Facebook.

Christ in Christmas

Christ in Christmas

Excerpts from Battle Cry Good vs. Evil

Chapter 20 Saul of Tarsus Becomes the Apostle Paul:

Paul says in Second Corinthians 5:17–20 (NLT), “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person.  The old life is gone; a new life has begun!  And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ.  And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him.  For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them.  And he gave us the wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us.  We speak for Christ when we plead, ‘Come back to God!’”  If we don’t embrace this task of reconciling people to God, who will?  What makes you think you are different than any of the characters in the Bible? Why would you think you’re not worthy? Why would you think it can’t be you?  No matter where you are in your spiritual walk, you need to keep striving to be the best you can be, in Christ.  You need to shine your Light to become that beacon of hope for others.  Don’t miss your opportunity to be an ambassador for Christ.

Author’s comments:  If you truly belong to Christ, your old life is gone and your new life has begun, and God is making His appeal through you.  During this special time, by keeping Christ in the forefront of Christmas, your Light can truly shine.  After all, Christmas cannot exist without Christ.

Don’t hesitate to reach out; Bruce would love to help you grow in your spiritual journey!  To contact Bruce personally, go to battlecrygoodvsevil.com.  Battle Cry Good vs. Evil is available in paperback or eBook on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iTunes.  Be sure to “like” Battle Cry on Facebook.

You Are the Light of the World

You Are the Light of the World

Excerpts from Battle Cry Good vs. Evil

Chapter 1 Spirituality:

No matter how spiritually developed we become, we do not have the intellectual ability to understand everything spiritual, and everything God.  If we are influenced into thinking we have developed such a level of understanding, this thinking would never come from the Spirit of Truth.  This is important to understand because as we share the love of God, we must remain humble.  It’s what attracts those interested in God to pause and listen.  Jesus says in Matthew 5:14–16 (NLT), “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket.  Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”  Our Light shines by what we say, but it shines brightest by what we do.  When the opportunity becomes available, we must be willing to share Christ in a heartfelt and personal way.  Witnessing in the workplace, or while hanging out with friends is important, yet most fail to make the effort.  When the opportunity to witness becomes apparent and fear rears its ugly head, Satan will use that fear to cause us to miss the opportunity.  We become a tool of Satan, instead of an instrument of God.  God wants us to use every opportunity to be a witness for Christ and further the Kingdom of God.

Author’s comments:  Jesus says in Matthew 10:32-33 (NLT), “Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.  But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.”  Think about this the next time you allow your fear to cause you to miss an opportunity to witness for Christ.   

If you have thoughts, questions, or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out; Bruce would love to help you grow in your spiritual journey!  To order the book, read blogs, or contact Bruce personally, go to battlecrygoodvsevil.com.  Battle Cry Good vs. Evil is available in paperback or eBook on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iTunes.  Be sure to “like” Battle Cry on Facebook.

Fear of the Lord and Respect

Excerpts from Battle Cry Good vs. Evil

Chapter 18 Fear of the Lord:

Fear is a reverent respect for God’s authority.  It’s the fear of the consequences, when we don’t follow the Spirit’s lead and fail to obey an all-knowing and all-powerful God.  Proverbs 19:23 (NLT) says, “Fear of the LORD leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm.”  Luke 1:50 (NLT) says, “He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him.”  Some people have the attitude that nobody should be telling us what to do, or dictate how we live.  Some confuse freedom with the right to act the way they want.  With respect to governing authorities, the structure of society in which we live, is founded on God.  In Mark 12:17 (NLT) Jesus said, “Well then, give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.”  Rules and regulations are set forth to keep us safe and help us prosper.  Without rules or regulations, social and civil order would be at risk.  Romans 13:1–2 (NLT) says, “Everyone must submit to governing authorities.  For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.  So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished.”  How often do we stop and think about what God is trying to accomplish through those in positions of authority?  How often do those in positions of authority think about what God is trying to accomplish through them?  

God wants us to fear authority.  Fear is a sign of respect, knowing we will be held accountable for our actions.  When we fear the Lord, parents, teachers, and police, it’s a sign of respect for their authority.  Romans 13:3–5 (NLT) says, “For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong.  Would you like to live without fear of the authorities?  Do what is right, and they will honor you.  The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good.  But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you.  They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong.  So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.”  Is what we see going on in the world today an indication we respect those in authority as God’s servants?   

Author’s comments:  Let’s get real.  There are some people in positions of authority who do not act like God’s servants.  They abuse their authority and do not deserve respect.  But even if we don’t respect the person in the position of authority, we must maintain respect for the position.

If you have thoughts, questions, or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out; you could win a free book.  Bruce would love to help you grow in your spiritual journey!  To order the book, read blogs, or contact Bruce personally, go to battlecrygoodvsevil.com.  Battle Cry Good vs. Evil is available in paperback or eBook on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iTunes.  Be sure to “like” Battle Cry on Facebook.

Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving

Excerpts from Battle Cry Good vs. Evil

Chapter 5:  The Fiery Arrows of the Devil:

Satan wants us to think we always get the short end of the stick.  He wants us to focus on what we don’t have, rather than what we do have.  He never wants us to be satisfied or content.  He wants us to be bitter and resentful.  He wants us to see our glass half empty, instead of half full. When we focus on what we don’t have, we develop a spirit of bitterness and resentment.  When we focus on what we do have, we develop a Spirit of thankfulness.

Chapter 8:  War Wounds and Battle Scars:

Our dependence on God, our relationship with Christ, and our thankful heart, provides the opportunity to show our family, our friends, our neighbors, and the world, there is so much more to us than what meets the eye.  When we rise above adversity, pain and suffering, our resolve and strength causes those observing to wonder how we can maintain such a positive attitude, when everything seems to be going so wrong.  Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT) says, “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”  When people observe us, they should see our strength of Spirit and our peace in Christ.  

Chapter 9:  Faith

If we want to further strengthen our faith, we must acknowledge God in how we have survived, multiplied, and evolved, since the beginning.  Not only do we continue to survive, but thanks to our God-given ability to make life-changing discoveries, we are blessed with comforts, many take for granted.  We get to enjoy the daily comforts of air conditioning and heating.  With a flick of a switch, let there be light.  There’s food available by stopping at a grocery store, or restaurant.  With the simple turn of a faucet, we are blessed with running water.  What blessings, right?  There are a lot of people who don’t get to enjoy all the comforts others do, but overall, as a human race, we have evolved beyond what we thought possible.  But nothing is impossible with God.

Author’s comments:  We have so much to be thankful for, so when you find yourself worrying, replace your thoughts of worry with thoughts of thankfulness. A thankful Spirit finds God’s peace. ­

If you have thoughts, questions, or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out.  Bruce would love to help you grow in your spiritual journey!  To order the book, read blogs, or contact Bruce personally, go to battlecrygoodvsevil.com.  Battle Cry Good vs. Evil is available in paperback or eBook on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iTunes.  Be sure to “like” Battle Cry on Facebook.

Acts of Pure Evil

“Acts of Pure Evil”

Excerpts from Battle Cry Good vs. Evil, Introduction:

When we consider how often we are shocked, disgusted, sickened, and horrified by another mass shooting, we can no longer deny the existence of evil.  Even law enforcement representatives, and the media, refer to these horrific acts as “acts of pure evil.”  Although God is seldom mentioned or discussed, it seems most would agree, evil does exist.  We must stop ignoring the obvious signs.  We have a problem, and it’s spiritual.  When someone’s behavior indicates they are struggling with a conflict within, family members, friends, or schoolmates, must either make the effort to help this person, or take the necessary action to report their behavior to someone who can.  We must not continue to allow someone to cross over the line between what’s right and wrong, good and evil.

Author’s comments:  Can we label something evil yet not admit the devil is involved?  We need to start doing a better job of evaluating how spiritual warfare is playing a part in these horrific acts.  Ephesians 6:12 (NLT) says, “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.”  First Peter 5:8 (NLT) says, “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil.  He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”  Can we deny the evil associated with the hatred and rage in response to religion, skin color, sexual preference, and politics?  Watch the news, surf the internet, or simply observe other people and the choices being made. Do we see the love of God, or the hate of Satan? We all have the right and the freedom to choose. Choose Love. Choose Light. Choose God.

If you have thoughts, questions, or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out.  Bruce would love to hear from you!  To order the book, read blogs, or contact Bruce personally, go to brucedillender.com, battlecrygoodvsevil.com, or battlecrythebook.com.  Battle Cry Good vs. Evil is available in paperback or eBook on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iTunes.  Be sure to “like” Battle Cry on Facebook to receive blogs and information from Bruce.

Either way, it's time!

Excerpts from Battle Cry Good vs. Evil, Chapter 4 The Mind Is the Battlefield, the Heart Is the Fort

Every day we are challenged by a multitude of spiritually influenced choices that profoundly affect our lives.  The spiritual conflict that takes place in the brain during the decision-making process is what makes the mind the battlefield.  The decisions we make and the action we take ultimately affect the heart.  If our focus becomes about immediate gratification, usually tied to earthly pleasures, Satan will win that battle.  If our focus becomes about the Spirit and what God wants for our lives, we will win that battle.  First Peter 5:8–9 says, “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil.  He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.  Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith.  Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.”  He’s the enemy.  He wants to devour.  He’s spiritually attacking our family of believers all over the world.  Doesn’t this shed Light on why there’s so much darkness and suffering?

Author’s response:  By not believing the devil and evil exists, when he spiritually attacks, you won’t be aware, and you certainly won’t be prepared to defend yourself.  This makes you completely vulnerable.  As you witness what’s going on in the world today, can you deny the evidence supporting the existence of evil?  If you’re a believer, it’s time to face the Truth.  If you’re a skeptic, it’s time to take a Good look.  Either way, it’s time! 

If you have thoughts, questions, or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out; Bruce would love to help you!  To order the book, read blogs, or contact Bruce personally, go to brucedillender.com, battlecrygoodvsevil.com, or battlecrythebook.com.  “Like” Battle Cry on Facebook.  Battle Cry Good vs. Evil is available in paperback or eBook on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iTunes. 

Tool of Satan or Instrument of God?

Tool of Satan or Instrument of God?

Excerpts from Battle Cry Good vs. Evil, Chapter 1 Spirituality:

Our Light shines by what we say, but it shines brightest by what we do.  Life usually becomes more difficult because of the ungodly choices we make.  For that, we have only ourselves to blame.  Yet we are so quick to blame and cuss God when nothing seems to be going our way, or the way we think it should.  Are we as quick to praise and thank God when everything seems to be going our way, or the way we think it should?  Our response to the ups and downs of life is a reflection of our spiritual condition.  Even when things don’t seem to be going well, if we are strong in Spirit, we can still see the positive and good in our life.  Witnessing in the workplace, or while hanging out with friends is important, yet most fail to make the effort.  When the opportunity to witness becomes apparent and fear rears its ugly head, Satan will use that fear to cause us to miss the opportunity.  We become a tool of Satan, instead of an instrument of God.  God wants us to use every opportunity to be a witness for Christ and further the Kingdom of God.  

Author’s comments:  Jesus says in Matthew 5:14–16 (NLT), “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.  No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket.  Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”  What do your personal choices say about your Light?  What do your responses to the ups and downs of life say about your spiritual condition?  What are you doing for the Kingdom?

If you have thoughts, questions, or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out.  Bruce would love to help you!  To order the book, read blogs, or contact Bruce personally, go to brucedillender.com, battlecrygoodvsevil.com, or battlecrythebook.com.  Battle Cry Good vs. Evil is available in paperback or eBook on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iTunes.

Fear

Fear

Excerpts from Battle Cry Good vs. Evil, Chapter 5 The Fiery Arrows of the Devil: 

Satan uses the fiery arrows of fear to spiritually attack.  Fear can paralyze, causing us to fall short of attaining our goals and dreams, or to ignore God’s calling and God’s purpose for our life.  Fear can cause us to stop trying and to give up.  Sometimes we can find ourselves so deep in the pit of despair that we have difficulty just crawling out.  We can become so accustomed to how we feel; we accept our reality as our fate, our destiny.  Satan uses fear to keep us within our self-perceived, self-imposed comfort zone.  Instead, we should be using the power of the Holy Spirit to set ourselves free from fear, to step out of our comfort zone.  We need to combat fear to fulfill the plans God has for our lives.  To combat fear, we must rely on the strength of the Spirit for courage.  Philippians 4:13 (NLT) says, “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”

Author’s comments:  Jesus says in Matthew 10:32–33 (NLT), “Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.  But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.”  Think about this the next time you allow your fear to cause you to miss an opportunity to witness for Christ.  We need to combat fear to fulfill the plans God has for our lives.  When we are fearless in the way we show our love for God, it gives other people an opportunity to see our Light.  We should not allow fear to keep us from shining our Light.  We are all responsible to further the Kingdom of God.  

If you have thoughts, questions, or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out.  Bruce would love to help you!  To order the book, read blogs, or contact Bruce personally, go to brucedillender.com, battlecrygoodvsevil.com, or battlecrythebook.com.  Battle Cry Good vs. Evil is available in paperback or eBook on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iTunes.

He is alive, He is risen, He is user friendly!

Excerpt from Battle Cry Good vs. Evil, Introduction

God is, and always has been, a loving God of relationship. Although God’s Word reveals His love for us, His action speaks louder. Because we couldn’t save ourselves, He took action by sending is one and only Son to die for us and save us. Because we are weak in Spirit and predisposed to follow our sinful nature, He took action by sending the Holy Spirit to provide spiritual strength and guidance. Because He wants us to know and feel His love, He continues to take action by pursing a personal relationship with us.

Author’s comments: Why do we want to make God and religion so complicated? God is for us. Reach out to Him. He is alive, He is risen, He is user friendly. Don’t you think He’s done enough?

If you have thoughts, questions, or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out.  Bruce would love to hear from you!  To order the book, read blogs, or contact the author personally, go to brucedillender.com, battlecrygoodvsevil.com, or battlecrythebook.com.  Battle Cry Good vs. Evil is available in paperback or eBook on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iTunes. Be sure to like the Battle Cry Facebook page to follow Bruce’s blogs and posts.

It's Not What You Know. It's Who You Know! Do You Know God?

It’s Not What You Know.  It’s Who You Know!

Do You Know God?

Excerpt from Battle Cry Good vs. Evil, Chapter 13, Knowing God:

Getting to know someone is a process.  It’s how relationships develop.  It starts with an encounter at work, school, the neighborhood, church, or a social activity.  Once we discover common interests with others, it results in the desire to spend more time together.  Over time relationships are formed, but they’re shallow, and they should be.  A shallow relationship doesn’t mean it isn’t good, it simply means it isn’t deep.  It provides an opportunity to just hang out and have fun, without all the drama.  As you spend more time with someone, you can then decide whether you are interested in a deeper, more meaningful relationship.  If so, you must be willing to invest the time and effort needed, to gain insight into their true character.  If your relationship with God remains shallow and fails to develop into a trusting and loving friendship, you can’t say you didn’t have the opportunity to know God’s true character.  Here’s some irony for you. God knows your true character, yet He pursues you anyway.  He pursues you because He knows you are a work in progress.  He’ll never give up on you.  Isn’t this the kind of loving relationship you should be pursuing with all your heart?  Why in the world would you want to miss this? Why wouldn’t you want to invest whatever time and effort it takes to get to know Him better?

Author’s comments:  Because action speaks louder than words, God’s true character is revealed by His action. He sent His Son to die on the cross, to pay for our sin, to give us the opportunity to be back in a relationship with Him.  He raised Christ from the grave, showing us the way to spiritual life eternal.  He sent the Holy Spirit to live in us.  God’s true character is not only revealed by what He did for us, it’s revealed by what He continues to do for us.  This should spiritually inspire and motivate us to pursue a deeper and more meaningful relationship with Him.  The Bible, the Word of God, is the key to unlocking the mystery of spirituality through faith.  We must be willing to use this God-given key.

If you have thoughts, questions, or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out.  Bruce would love to hear from you!  To order the book, read blogs, or contact the author personally, go to brucedillender.com, battlecrygoodvsevil.com, or battlecrythebook.com.  Battle Cry Good vs. Evil is available in paperback or eBook on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iTunes.

Relationships Are a Two-way Street

Relationships Are a Two-way Street

Excerpt from Battle Cry Good vs. Evil, Chapter 1, Spirituality:

When we accept Christ as our personal Savior, we begin a personal relationship with a living, loving, and almighty God.  If you’re making little or no effort in the relationship, how would you expect the relationship to grow?  Is this the way you approach your earthly relationships?  Relationships are a two-way street.  No relationship can flourish without an effort from both participants.  Fortunately, God has fully and completely done His part.  It’s up to each of us to do ours.  Our part is to first choose Christ.  Then, we must make the personal effort to spend time with Him and His Word.  We can then experience how the Spirit will move in each of us.  First Corinthians 6:19–20 says, “Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God?  You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price.  So you must honor God with your body.”  Do we consider and treat our bodies as a temple, a shrine, a sanctuary, a holy place?  Do we give any thought at all to the high price Christ paid by physically dying on the cross?  Instead, don’t we just take our bodies for granted?  So if you don’t feel the Spirit, if you don’t feel His Love, who is failing to make the effort, God or you?  Don’t you think He’s done enough? 

Author’s comments:  If you have the habit of comparing your walk with Christ to what you think others are experiencing, stop doing that.  Everybody’s walk is uniquely different.  We all find God at different times, different ages, and different circumstances.  Some find God when they are children, others as teenagers, and some as adults.  Sadly, some never find God at all.  It’s not as important when you find God.  What’s most important is that you do eventually find Him. Physical death without God is spiritual life eternal without Him!

If you have thoughts, questions, or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out.  I’d love to hear from you!  To order the book, read blogs, or contact the author personally, go to brucedillender.com, battlecrygoodvsevil.com, or battlecrythebook.com.  Battle Cry Good vs. Evil is available in paperback or eBook on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iTunes.

The Spiritual Realm

The Spiritual Realm

Excerpt from Battle Cry Good vs. Evil, Chapter 1, Spirituality:

To understand spirituality and what it means to be spiritual, we must be able and willing to acknowledge the influence of the unseen spiritual world and its effects on the seen world. Although God and Satan are both a part of this same unseen spiritual world, we have little hesitation to acknowledge the influence of God, but have difficulty acknowledging the influence of Satan.  If you believe in one, you must believe in the other.  When we think about God, we usually envision Jesus Christ.  This causes us to equate the size of God with the size of Jesus. When we apply this same logic to Satan, we envision this character with a pitch fork and pointed tail.  This couldn’t be further from the Truth.  The size and complexity of God, Satan, and the spiritual realm, is beyond what we can comprehend or imagine.

Author’s comments:  Genesis 1:1–2 (NLT) says, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.  The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters.  And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.”  God is so massive, He created the heavens and the Earth, He hovered over the surface of the waters, and He can live in every one of us at the same time.  The spiritual massiveness of God should put the spiritual size of Satan into perspective.  But there’s Good News.  The power of God is greater than the power of Satan!

To learn more, please go to my website.  If you have thoughts, questions, or concerns, reach out to me.  I’d love to reach out to you!         

To order the book, read blogs, or contact the author personally, go to brucedillender.com, battlecrygoodvsevil.com, or battlecrythebook.com.  Battle Cry Good vs. Evil is available in paperback or eBook on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iTunes.

WE Have A Spiritual Problem

We Have a Spiritual Problem

Excerpt from Battle Cry Good vs. Evil, Introduction:

We all struggle with sin in our lives, but it appears we are reaching new lows.  We continue to shun God, and it’s becoming more obvious, we couldn’t care less about what He thinks or feels.  We’ve allowed the efforts of some to become the reality of many. We’ve lost prayer in school, and we’re slowly losing Christ in Christmas.  There’s even talk about removing “In God We Trust” from our currency.  We’re evolving into something more difficult to recognize as “Godly.”  Hate and violence have become the common response to the major issues facing society today.  When we consider how often we are shocked, disgusted, sickened, and horrified by another mass shooting, we can no longer deny the existence of evil.  Even law enforcement representatives, and the media, refer to these horrific acts as “acts of pure evil.”  Although God is seldom mentioned or discussed, it seems most would agree, evil does exist.  We must stop ignoring the obvious signs. We have a problem, and it’s spiritual.

Author’s comments:  Matthew 9:10–13 says, “Later, Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners.  But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with such scum?’  When Jesus heard this, he said, ‘healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.’ Then he added, ‘Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices. For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.’”  Do you think you are righteous, or do you know you are a sinner?  Does the thought of you being spiritually sick bother you?  Well it shouldn’t.  If you can admit you are a sinner, then Jesus is calling you.  That’s a good thing, right?  Are you ready to answer the call?  To learn more, please go to my website.  If you have thoughts, questions, or concerns, reach out to me.  I’d love to reach out to you!         

To order the book, read blogs, or contact the author personally, go to brucedillender.com, battlecrygoodvsevil.com, or battlecrythebook.com.  Battle Cry Good vs. Evil is available in paperback or eBook on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iTunes.

The World Gone Wrong

The World Gone Wrong

Excerpt from Battle Cry Good vs. Evil, Chapter 2 Spiritual Warfare

Genesis 3:23 says, “So the Lord God banished them from the Garden of Eden, and he sent Adam out to cultivate the ground from which he had been made.”  Over time, our disobedience and sinful behavior got incessantly worse.  Genesis 6:1–3 says, “Then the people began to multiply on the earth, and daughters were born to them.  The Sons of God saw the beautiful women and took any they wanted as their wives.  Then the LORD said, ‘My Spirit will not put up with humans for such a long time, for they are only mortal flesh.  In the future, their normal lifespan will be no more than 120 years.’”  Satan has been successfully influencing our behavior, and negatively affecting our lives, since the beginning.  We went from living in a garden, created to live without knowing evil, to a lifespan of no more than 120 years, knowing evil.  God was obviously not pleased.  His disappointment is felt by the fact His Spirit would not tolerate what we had become, so therefore, He limited our normal lifespan.  Do you think He’s anymore pleased with us today?

 Author’s comments:  Revelation 3:15–16 says, “I know all things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold.  I wish you were one or the other!  But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!”  God is telling us, we must pursue Him with all our heart.  We must become more enlightened and turn our backs on the darkness.  We need to turn our face toward God, and walk toward the Light.  If we’re not walking toward God, we’re either standing still, or walking away from Him.  To learn more, please go to my website.  If you have thoughts, questions, or concerns, reach out to me.  I’d love to reach out to you!          

To order the book, read blogs, or contact the author personally, go to brucedillender.com, battlecrygoodvsevil.com, or battlecrythebook.com.  Battle Cry Good vs. Evil is available in paperback or eBook on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iTunes.

Losing Faith

Faith

Excerpt from Battle Cry Good vs. Evil, Chapter 9 Faith

In a world so overrun by evil and corruption, we can easily find ourselves losing faith and trust in mankind.  Consequently, it causes us to lose faith and trust in God.  This lack of faith leaves us more vulnerable to the spiritual attacks of Satan, and we become a part of the evil and corruption.  Our only hope of rising above our circumstances is to develop the faith to turn back to God.  We must learn to rely on the strength of the Spirit to be more successful in battling Satan and finding true peace.  Although we will still face daily challenges, the stress will no longer dominate our mind.  We’ll have the faith to trust that everything will work out according to God’s plan.  Take a moment to pause right now and look back on your life.  Identify the times, even though you weren’t being faithful, trusting, or dependent on God, He had you anyway.  God truly is in all things, at all times, according to His plan.  So what keeps you from taking a leap of faith?  What keeps you from accepting and receiving God’s love, grace, forgiveness, and the peace that comes when you have the faith to trust Him?  I challenge you to take a leap of faith, to completely trust God, and to give the control over to Him.  Hebrews 11:1–3 (NLT) says, “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation. By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.”

Author’s comments:  Are you losing faith and trust in mankind?  Are you slowly becoming a part of the evil and corruption?  Are you focusing more on the darkness and less on the Light?  Depend more on the strength of the Spirit, and less on your own strength, and you will be amazed at what God can do.  To learn more, please go to my website.  If you have questions or concerns, reach out to me.  I’d love to reach out to you!          

To order the book, read blogs, or contact the author personally, go to brucedillender.com, battlecrygoodvsevil.com, or battlecrythebook.com.  Battle Cry Good vs. Evil is available in paperback or eBook on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iTunes.

It's a Heart Problem!

It’s a Heart Problem!

Change of Heart, Change of Behavior

Excerpt from Battle Cry Good vs. Evil, About the Author

Bruce is a biblical counselor by degree.  But he believes that no matter how much someone is biblically counseled, without the personal awareness and dependence on the Spirit of God, there won’t be a change of heart, and there won’t be a long-lasting change of behavior.  We are all spiritually transforming.  We are all discovering who God is and His plans for us.  But we must not only listen to God, we must be willing to obey Him.  

Spirituality is an ongoing, life-changing transformation.  We must transform from less of who we are to more of who God wants us to be.  Ephesians 4:22–23 (NLT) says, “Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.  Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.”  Ephesians 2:2 (NLT) says, “You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world.  He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God.”  Romans 7:21–25 (NLT) says, “I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong.  I love God’s law with all my heart.  But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind.  This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me.  Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?  Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.  So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.” 

Author’s comments:  Jesus says in Matthew 9:13 (NLT), “For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”  Do you know you are a sinner?  Are you personally dependent on the Spirit of God?  If so, you should be experiencing a change of heart and a long-lasting change of behavior.  If not, I would love to help.  Please go to my website and reach out to me.  I’d love to reach back out to you!          

To order the book, read blogs, or contact the author personally, go to brucedillender.com, battlecrygoodvsevil.com, or battlecrythebook.com.  Battle Cry Good vs. Evil is available in paperback or eBook on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iTunes.