Fear

Fear is an emotion that can be fun.  When we go to an amusement park and go on rides that are obviously scary, we face our fears because we want to have fun.  We go to a movie that we know are scary, but we again face our fears because we want to have fun.  In both instances, the experience will take us to a controlled limit that produces a somewhat controlled outcome.

Fear is also an emotion that can be miserable because there is no controlled limit and the outcome is out of our control.  It produces worry, anxiety, and agitation, that can consume us emotionally, spiritually, and physically.  When we give in to fear, we give up control, and we allow ourselves to plummet into the darkness.  We make ourselves miserable and most likely everyone around us. 

How do we rise above this type of fear in order to get through whatever circumstance is causing us to be fearful?  We must dig deep and allow the Spirit to guide and comfort us.  One of the most known scriptures is Psalm 23:4 (KJV) which says, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil:  for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”  2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT) says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline.”  In Matthew 6:26-27 (NLT), Jesus says, “Look at the birds.  They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them.  And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?  Can all you worries add a single moment to your life?” 

If you don’t believe in God or have given in to your fear, it’s never too late.  Turn to Him, turn to His Word, you will be comforted.  If you believe in God and His Word is truth, you must embrace these truths.  No matter what you’re going through, He is with you.  If you lean into Him, He will give you the spiritual power to rise above your fear in love and with self-control. 

If you’re struggling with fear and need help, reach out to someone for support.  A loved one, a friend, or someone through church.  Sometimes God will provide unexpected people in your life at just the right time.  Don’t fail to recognize when He’s at work.

If I may be of service, I’m an email away.  Go to my website battlecrygoodvsevil.com and hit the contact Bruce tab and let me know how I can help.

Fear

Fear is an emotion that can be fun.  When we go to an amusement park and go on rides that are obviously scary, we face our fears because we want to have fun.  We go to a movie that we know are scary, but we again face our fears because we want to have fun.  In both instances, the experience will take us to a controlled limit that produces a somewhat controlled outcome.

Fear is also an emotion that can be miserable because there is no controlled limit and the outcome is out of our control.  It produces worry, anxiety, and agitation, that can consume us emotionally, spiritually, and physically.  When we give in to fear, we give up control, and we allow ourselves to plummet into the darkness.  We make ourselves miserable and most likely everyone around us. 

How do we rise above this type of fear in order to get through whatever circumstance is causing us to be fearful?  We must dig deep and allow the Spirit to guide and comfort us.  One of the most known scriptures is Psalm 23:4 (KJV) which says, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil:  for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”  2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT) says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline.”  In Matthew 6:26-27 (NLT), Jesus says, “Look at the birds.  They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them.  And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?  Can all you worries add a single moment to your life?” 

If you don’t believe in God or have given in to your fear, it’s never too late.  Turn to Him, turn to His Word, you will be comforted.  If you believe in God and His Word is truth, you must embrace these truths.  No matter what you’re going through, He is with you.  If you lean into Him, He will give you the spiritual power to rise above your fear in love and with self-control. 

If you’re struggling with fear and need help, reach out to someone for support.  A loved one, a friend, or someone through church.  Sometimes God will provide unexpected people in your life at just the right time.  Don’t fail to recognize when He’s at work.

If I may be of service, I’m an email away.  Go to my website battlecrygoodvsevil.com and hit the contact Bruce tab and let me know how I can help.

The Other Side (Copy)

Over two years ago, I was diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus.  It was deemed inoperable, and the kind that spreads.  In my mind, it was pretty much a death sentence.  But, by the grace of God, and thanks to some amazing doctors, nurses, treatment, and medication, I am currently cancer free.  What I went through physically, emotionally, and spiritually, has motivated me to start writing again.  God has a plan and I don’t want to miss it.  I don’t want you to miss it.  If you or anyone you know has been diagnosed with cancer, my future blogs will be about how to use the strength of the Spirit to rise above the physical and emotional challenges of both the cancer itself and the treatment.

If you or anyone you know can use some support, please share this blog, and don’t hesitate to reach out.  Go to my website battlecrygoodvsevil.com and hit the contact Bruce page, I am an email away.

The Other Side

Over two years ago, I was diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus.  It was deemed inoperable, and the kind that spreads.  In my mind, it was pretty much a death sentence.  But, by the grace of God, and thanks to some amazing doctors, nurses, treatment, and medication, I am currently cancer free.  What I went through physically, emotionally, and spiritually, has motivated me to start writing again.  God has a plan and I don’t want to miss it.  I don’t want you to miss it.  If you or anyone you know has been diagnosed with cancer, my future blogs will be about how to use the strength of the Spirit to rise above the physical and emotional challenges of both the cancer itself and the treatment.

If you or anyone you know can use some support, please share this blog, and don’t hesitate to reach out.  Go to my website battlecrygoodvsevil.com and hit the contact Bruce page, I am an email away.

It’s been a long two years!

It’s been almost two years since my last blog. In March 2021, I received a call from my G. I. doctor who said, “I don’t have good news. You have esophageal cancer, it’s the kind that spreads, and it’s inoperable.” Immediately, I heard the Spirit say, “The world isn’t the Good News, I’m the Good News.” After a long two-year process of chemo, radiation, and healing, I am happy to say, I am currently cancer free. Although I still have some physical effects from treatment, I’m blessed beyond measure. The Good News is, I never lost faith, I never gave in to the devil, and I’m on the other side of this suffering and pain. Although I stopped blogging, I never stopped writing. I will begin blogging about how I spiritually rose above this earthly affliction to become a stronger vessel for Christ. He obviously has a plan. So, if you, a family member, or anyone you know, is suffering from an earthly physical or mental affliction, my hope any prayer is my writing will motivate and inspire others to spiritually rise above their suffering and pain.

If you would like to talk to Bruce or ask him anything, please don’t hesitate to reach out.  It’s free!  Simply visit the website battlecrygoodvsevil.com and hit the contact Bruce tab.  It directly connects you to Bruce by email.  Bruce is a Christian counselor by degree, but more importantly, a spiritual counselor by God.

Battle Cry Good vs. Evil is available in paperback or eBook through the website, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes, and Walmart.com.  To get future blogs, be sure to “like” and “follow” Battle Cry on Facebook.

Oath and Allegiance

When a person enlists in the military, they are required to take an oath pledging to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and pledge allegiance to the same.  Here’s the way it is written, read, and repeated by all who serve in the military.  "I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice.  So help me God."  Notice against all enemies, foreign and domestic and “so help me God?”

As a U S Navy veteran of four years, I remember the exact moment I took that oath and pledged my allegiance.  I remember it vividly because of the emotion I felt realizing that I might actually have to sacrifice my life while serving my country.  Memorial Day commemorates those who not only took this oath and pledged their allegiance, but did in fact, give their lives.  Why do you think they did that?  They must have believed in what that oath and their allegiance truly stood for.  What do we do to remember and honor these fallen heroes?  We take a holiday.  To be honest, how many really stop and give it much thought?  How about the other 364 days of the year?  Are those kneeling during the National Anthem thinking about these fallen heroes?  Does removing the pledge of allegiance and prayer from of our schools honor these fallen heroes?  Does disrespecting government, state, and local authority honor these fallen heroes?  Does the blatant disrespect for police officers, including screaming and spitting in their faces, honor these fallen heroes?  Does the continued rhetoric we see all across America honor these fallen heroes?  Do we think they sacrificed their lives so we could be divided, hateful, and violent?  Does the killing of innocent people, especially children, rioting in our streets, and damaging local property, honor these fallen heroes?    

How loosely do we throw the word freedom around?  Even something as precious as freedom, has become more about self and less about God and country. 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.  To maintain order, people in positions of author­ity are responsible to hold us accountable for our actions. 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?

Author’s comments:  Spiritual warfare is about fighting for the freedom to carry out our good intentions. All the physical and emotional evidence indicates we are losing the battle, but there’s Good News.  It’s never too late.  At any time, we have the freedom to stop following our sinful desires and Satan’s lead.  We can start following the Spirit’s lead.  We can learn to rely on the Holy Spirit for the spiritual strength we need.  Let’s use this Memorial Day as a new start­ing point.  Let our actions bring the honor these fallen heroes deserve.    

If you would like to talk to Bruce or ask him anything, please don’t hesitate to reach out.  It’s free!  Simply visit the website battlecrygoodvsevil.com and hit the contact Bruce tab.  It directly connects you to Bruce by email.  Bruce is a Christian counselor by degree, but more importantly, a spiritual counselor by God.

Battle Cry Good vs. Evil is available in paperback or eBook through the website, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes, and Walmart.com.  To get future blogs, be sure to “like” and “follow” Battle Cry on Facebook.

The “At Least” Challenge

Here’s the challenge.  Starting today, right now, every time you find yourself complaining about your circumstances, end the complaint with “at least.”  For example, if the weather isn’t as you expected or hoped it would be and you find yourself complaining, end the complaint with “at least.”  “At least I still get to enjoy the day either doing what I planned to do, or I’ll adjust and do something else.”  If you receive disheartening news about your personal health and you’re frightened, overwhelmed, or depressed, and find yourself complaining, end the complaint with “at least.”  “At least it’s not the worst news.”  “At least there’s a pathway to healing.”  When a loved one has been in a car accident and you find yourself complaining about the circumstances, end it with “at least.”  “At least they weren’t injured.”  And if they were injured, “at least they’re alive.”  Although it’s a challenge to be thankful in all circumstances, that’s what God calls us to do.  First Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT) says, “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”  This isn’t saying the circumstance itself is God’s will for you, it’s saying His will for you is to be thankful in all circumstances! Finding reasons to be thankful is the Lord’s pathway to the strength and the hope you need to rise above any and all circumstances.   

A thankful Spirit produces a positive attitude,. Also, when others observe you making a negative comment and then finishing it with positive one, they see your strength and your peace in Christ.  It shines the Light into the darkness and allows those observing to witness something different in the way you live your life.  Your Light sparks those in the darkness to wonder why, regardless of the circum­stances, you seem to always rise above it all.  What a beautiful testimony to what God is doing in your life. What a great way to fulfill your calling to advance the Kingdom of God.

Author’s comments:  Remaining positive in all situations is a challenge in itself.  It’s not always easy, and you might even fall short under certain circumstances.  Satan wants you to go deep and go dark.  Once he gets you there, he wants to keep you there and ultimately defeat you.  As soon as you recognize you’re losing the battle, dig deep, and call on the name of the Lord.  He will strengthen you.  Philippians 4:13 (NLT) says, “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”  If you believe it, live it!

If you would like to talk to Bruce or ask him anything, please don’t hesitate to reach out.  It’s free!  Simply visit the website battlecrygoodvsevil.com and hit the contact Bruce tab.  It directly connects you to Bruce by email.  Bruce is a Christian counselor by degree, but more importantly, a spiritual counselor by God.

Battle Cry Good vs. Evil is available in paperback or eBook through the website, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes, and Walmart.com.  To get future blogs, be sure to “like” and “follow” Battle Cry on Facebook.

Why All the Suffering?

Do you ever find yourself questioning why God allows all the suffering?  Some will watch their innocent children suffer with sickness and disease.  Some children will suffer the consequences of medical procedures and treatments, and some will die at a young age.  Some children will be taken advantage of, or abused.  We hope and pray, but can’t help wondering, why doesn’t God intervene? Why would a loving God allow the innocent children to suffer?  There are also adults who suffer with sickness and disease. From our viewpoint, whether young or old, too many people die an untimely death that doesn’t seem fair. Some people will have accidents that can cause pain and suffering that lasts a lifetime.  Some accidents kill in an instant.  Sometimes life unfolds in a way that just doesn’t make any sense at all.  Then, when we add a loving God into the equation, it becomes even more confusing.  How does a loving God know and not intervene?

To help us understand, it’s important to be reminded of our history.  In the beginning, we were innocent and free of sin.  God warned the first man not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Genesis 2:16–17 (NLT) says, “But the Lord God warned him, ‘You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden—except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.  If you eat the fruit, you are sure to die.’” Realizing man needed a helper just right for him, God created woman. Both man and woman lived in the garden and were enjoying a personal relationship with God, until Satan successfully influenced the woman to eat the fruit from the forbidden tree.  Genesis 3:4-7 (NLT) says, “‘You won’t die!’ the serpent replied to the woman. ‘God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.’  The woman was convinced.  She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her.  So she took some of the fruit and ate it.  Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too.  At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness.  So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves.” Because of their disobedience, both gained the knowledge of good and evil, and were banished from the garden. 

Fast forward, and here we are today.  But now, instead of it involving two people in a garden, it involves a fallen world.  Even though we live in a fallen world with so much pain and suffering, we still continue to follow our sinful nature and Satan’s lead, instead of following the Spirit’s lead.  God, knowing there is no hope of rising above the despair on our own; He sent His one and only Son to save us.  Christ suffered not because He deserved it, but because we deserve it.  Romans 8:16–18 (NLT) says, “For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.  And since we are his children, we are his heirs.  In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory.  But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.  Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.”  What a promise, right?

Author’s comments:  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.  Our example of being positive and thankful at all times is our opportunity to shine the Light of hope in Jesus Christ.  When people observe us, they should see our strength of Spirit and our peace in Christ.   

If you would like to talk with Bruce or ask him anything, please don’t hesitate to reach out.  It’s free!  Simply visit the website battlecrygoodvsevil.com and hit the contact Bruce tab.  It directly connects you to Bruce by email.  Bruce is a Christian counselor by degree, but more importantly, a spiritual counselor by God.

Battle Cry Good vs. Evil is available in paperback or eBook through the website, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes, and Walmart.com.  To get future blogs, be sure to “like” and “follow” Battle Cry on Facebook.

The Spiritual Battle Exists Between Thought and Action

The mission of Battle Cry, as was stated in the early stages of writing the book, is to shine the Light into the darkness, to increase knowledge and awareness of God and spirituality, and to gain a better understanding of the spiri­tual battles that occur within us.  We must recognize, acknowledge, and respond to the influence of the Spirit of God (the Light), yet at the same time, we must also recognize and acknowledge the influence of Satan (the dark).  Simply put, you can’t believe in one without the other.  

It would be very naïve of us to see how much of the written Word is about the devil, yet still deny his existence.  Job 1:6–7 (NLT) says, “One day the members of the heav­enly court came to present themselves before the LORD, and the Accuser, Satan, came with them.  ‘Where have you come from?’ the LORD asked Satan.  Satan answered the LORD, ‘I have been patrolling the earth, watching every­thing that’s going on.’”  Isn’t it interesting, Satan would be allowed to come before the Lord with the members of the heavenly court?  Then, he uses the opportunity to tell the Lord he has been patrolling the earth, watching everything that’s going on.  

One of our biggest mistakes is we marginalize Satan by lightheartedly visualiz­ing this little figure with a pitch fork and a tail.  This depic­tion is false.  There’s nothing at all lighthearted about Satan. He’s foul, cruel, and heartless.  His spiritual presence is so massive he can patrol the earth and watch everything that’s going on.  With this kind of presence, is there any wonder why he is successful at spiritually attacking and keeping us separated from God?  God is love and Satan is hate.  Satan’s hate is revealed in his relentless campaign of evil and dark­ness.  He hates that we have the opportunity to be in a lov­ing relationship with God, and he wants us to miss it.  He wants us to fail, and fail miserably.  He wants to foster hate within each one of us.  He wants us to hate ourselves and he wants us to hate one another.  

The spiritual battle between good and evil exists between a thought and an action.  After a decision is made, a direction in life is taken, and it becomes our reality.  Our reality is a culmination of every spiritual battle we encounter and every decision we make.  If you wonder how true this is, look around at how the darkness has affected our families, our friends, our towns, and our cities.   We can see the devil has a foothold.

Author’s comments:  If you want to experience a spiritual transformation, then listen to the prompting of the Spirit and make better decisions.   Romans 8:11 (NLT) says, “The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you.  And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.”  If you wonder who’s influening you, a spiritual response to life is full of love, not hate!

If you need help, please don’t hesitate to reach out.  It’s free!  Simply visit the website battlecrygoodvsevil.com and hit the contact Bruce tab.  It directly connects you to Bruce by email. Bruce is a Christian counselor by degree, but more importantly, a spiritual counselor by God. 

Battle Cry Good vs. Evil is available in paperback or eBook through the website, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes, and Walmart.com.  To get future blogs, be sure to “like” and “follow” Battle Cry on Facebook.

Life Is Like A Rollercoaster Ride

Life can feel like a rollercoaster ride.  At times it can be very scary, at other times it can be fun. When we get scared it’s very important to not lose faith.  We must keep the faith to remain spiritually strong.  It helps us rise above adversity by knowing in our heart, better times will come. Our faith is challenged by the trials and tribulations we encounter.  We lose faith because we have difficulty understanding why things go horribly wrong.  But ironi­cally, we always seem to have just enough faith to blame or cuss God. When we are weak in faith, the devil uses the opportunity to shoot those fiery arrows of doubt.  Then, while in a state of self-pity and doubt, just as quickly as things went horribly wrong, they go wonderfully right, and we regain our faith. When things are going wonderfully right, do we take the opportunity to praise and thank God as quickly as we blamed or cussed God for our troubles?

Faith is at the very core of Christianity.  The word faith is synonymous with belief and trust. 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:  Faith requires we step out of our comfort zone to believe in something we can’t fully see or understand.  Ironically, because of our God-given ability to acquire knowledge, we think we should be able to fig­ure everything out.  The mind literally gets in the way of faith because Satan uses the thought processes to spiritually attack, causing us to have doubt and question our faith.

If you need help, please don’t hesitate to reach out.  It’s free!  Simply visit the website battlecrygoodvsevil.com and hit the contact Bruce tab.  It directly connects you to Bruce by email. Bruce is a Christian counselor by degree, but more importantly, a spiritual counselor by God.

Battle Cry Good vs. Evil is available in paperback or eBook through the website, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes, and Walmart.com.  To get future blogs, be sure to “like” and “follow” Battle Cry on Facebook.

Sheep or Goat?

In Matthew 25:31-46 (NLT) Jesus says, “But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne.  All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.  He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left.  Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world.  For I was hungry and you fed me.  I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink.  I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home.  I was naked, and you gave me clothing.  I was sick, and you cared for me.  I was in prison, and you visited me.’  Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you?  Or thirsty and give you something to drink?  Or a stranger and show you hospitality?  Or naked and give you clothing?  When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’  And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’  Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons.  For I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me.  I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me a drink.  I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home.  I was naked, and you didn’t give me clothing.  I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’  Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’  And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’  And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.”

Author’s comments:  Who are the least of these?  It can be a loved one, a neighbor, or a stranger.  It can be you at any time of your life.  The answer to the sheep or goat question is found in the action you take when faced with decisions that impact the Kingdom.  If you’re following Jesus and acting like a sheep, then you’re a sheep.  You are blessed. You can look forward to your impending destiny and truth, eternal life with God.  In contrast, if you judge, condemn, ignore, denounce, or criticize those in need, then you might be a goat.  If you claim to be a follower of Jesus, but act like a goat, then you might be a goat.  It’s never too late to transform from goat to sheep.  Truly following Jesus is a spiritual transformation of the heart, mind, and soul.

If you need help, please don’t hesitate to reach out.  It’s free!  Simply visit the website battlecrygoodvsevil.com and hit the contact Bruce tab.  It directly connects you to Bruce by email. Bruce is a Christian counselor by degree, but more importantly, a spiritual counselor by God.

Battle Cry Good vs. Evil is available in paperback or eBook through the website, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes, and Walmart.com.  To get future blogs, be sure to “like” and “follow” Battle Cry on Facebook.

Knowing God

We’ve all heard the saying, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” 

Do you know God?  A personal relationship with God,

is by far the most important relationship you can have,

because it meaningfully impacts all of your other relationships.

God’s pure and unconditional love changes everything!

“Knowing God is not a brain thing, it’s a heart thing!”

Bruce Dillender

Author, Battle Cry Good vs Evil

Chapter 13 Knowing God

battlecrygoodvsevil.com

Knowing God

We’ve all heard the saying, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” 

Do you know God?  A personal relationship with God,

is by far the most important relationship you can have,

because it meaningfully impacts all of your other relationships.

God’s pure and unconditional love changes everything!

“Knowing God is not a brain thing, it’s a heart thing!”

Bruce Dillender

Author, Battle Cry Good vs Evil

Chapter 13 Knowing God

battlecrygoodvsevil.com

The Unexpected

We spend our whole life preparing for the expected.  When we are young, we expect to go to school and get educated.  As we get older, we expect to get a job and become independent.  As we grow older, we expect to mature and become more financially stable.  As we get up in age, we expect to take it easy and enjoy the fruits of our labor.  Then one day, in the far distant future, we expect to die.  All of these expectations are normal.  But does anything feel normal anymore?  We seem to be experiencing more of the unexpected than the expected.  So how do we endure or survive the unexpected?  We must control what we have control over and the rest we give to God.  We can never stop believing that God is on the throne, God has a plan, and God never stops loving us in all circumstances.  Romans 8:35–37 (NLT) says, “Can anything ever sepa­rate us from Christ’s love?  Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hun­gry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?  (As the Scriptures say, ‘For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.’)  No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.”  Think of what Paul was going through when he wrote this.  He literally suffered and had to endure tragedy, oppression, starvation, deprivation, impending danger, and the threat of death.  In Matthew 10:22 (NLT) Jesus says, “And all nations will hate you because you are my followers.  But everyone who endures to the end will be saved.” The use of the word endures refers to the expectation of challenge, even survival.  Is there anyone who doesn’t feel like life is becoming more of a challenge?

Despite our belief in God and our relationship with Christ, the great choices we make, what we do right or wrong, there will be seasons in our life.  The seasons refer to every aspect of our lives, the ups and downs, the good, the bad, and the ugly.  During the challenging times, we might need to depend on others.  Who can you depend on, your family, your friends, your church family, or your neighbors?  Although it’s nice to have people you can depend on, when it comes down to faithful dependence in all circumstances, it comes down to God.  How about you?  During the challenging seasons, can you depend on yourself to step up and stay strong?  Once we learn to endure and rise above our challenges, we need to help those who are still in need.  We must truly come together as the church.  Not a building, but collectively as a people, believers in Christ. Sometimes this becomes most apparent in acts of kindness from strangers.  This is how we endure and survive the unexpected.    

If you need help, please don’t hesitate to reach out.  It’s free!  Simply visit the website battlecrygoodvsevil.com and hit the contact Bruce tab.  It directly connects you to Bruce by email.  Bruce is a Christian counselor by degree, but more importantly, a spiritual counselor by God.

Battle Cry Good vs. Evil is available in paperback or eBook through the website, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes, and Walmart.com.  To get future blogs, be sure to “like” and “follow” Battle Cry on Facebook.

Idolatry

When anything of this world becomes more important to us than God, we are engaging in idolatry.  It distracts us from developing a personal relationship with Christ and it reveals our true heart.  Idolatry comes in many forms, but one example is when we lift celebrities and place them on a ped­estal, giving them permission to act as though they are godlike, idols in fact.  This reaction to celebrities encourages them to think they are more import­ant than they really are.  It produces arrogant and prideful behavior. We encourage their behavior by spending our hard-earned money on the products they produce.  How many deserve our continued support?  Our sup­port encourages more of the same behavior.  We empower them.  Once we empower them, Satan uses them to influence us.  They can’t wait to share their opinion on anything and everything, and quite frankly, we can’t wait to hear it.  They think they know everything from how to run the country to what religious belief we should all embrace.  When celebrities use their popularity to influence how we think, we should be especially cautious.

Now let’s get real.  There’s nothing wrong with enjoy­ing the things of this world.  Matter of fact, God blesses us with the things of this world to enjoy.  We can enjoy the sports and the athletes, the music and the artists, the movies and the actors.  The problem comes when we allow the things of this world to become more important to us than God.  When it’s easier to say we love the things of this world, than it is to say we love God, we have a spiritual problem.

If you want insight into whether you’ve allowed Satan and the things of this world to take God’s place in your heart, answer these questions.  How much time a day, a week or a month do you spend on the computer, phone, or watching TV?  In comparison, how much time a day, a week or a month do you spend with God?  How much time do you dedicate to spiritual development, reading and studying the Bible?  How much time do you spend praying or just talking with God? How much time do you spend just being quiet with God?  What do you conclude from your answers?  The Good News is it’s never too late.  Start mak­ing better use of your time.  Start spending more time with God.

Galatians 5:19–21 (NLT) says, “When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impu­rity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that any­one living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.”

If you would like help with your spiritual journey, don’t hesitate to reach out.  It’s free!  Simply visit the website battlecrygoodvsevil.com and hit the contact Bruce tab.  It directly connects you to Bruce by email.  Bruce is a Christian counselor by degree, but more importantly, a spiritual counselor by God.

Battle Cry Good vs. Evil is available in paperback or eBook through the website, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes, and Walmart.com.  If you can’t afford to order a book, contact Bruce. To get future blogs, be sure to “like” and “follow” Battle Cry on Facebook.

Who Are You?

Are you a good person?  Are you kind to your family, friends, neighbors, and strangers?  Are you responsive to helping those in need?  How you respond to life, both physically and emotionally, reveal a lot about who you are.  Are you a spiritual person?  Your spirituality is directly influenced by the Holy Spirit.  Only through the strength of the Spirit can you transform into the person God wants you to be.  Paul says in Ephesians 4:22–23 (NLT), “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.”  Paul is teaching us, the Spirit has the ability to actively renew your thoughts and attitude, inspiring you to make more good choices.  It will give you the courage to fight your personal desires and the influence of Satan, resulting in better choices being made.  Satan will tell you to keep being who you are and don’t let anyone change you.  He’ll have you convinced, you couldn’t change if you wanted to.  Here’s the Truth. Everyone needs to change and everyone can change.  If we’re not changing, we’re not transforming into the person God wants us to be.  We need to transform from less of an existence of the flesh, to more of an existence of the Spirit.

To transform spiritually, you can’t concern yourself with the past.  Your past does not define you; your past refines you into something beautiful, something Godly, and something spiritual. Spirituality is a refining process that transforms you into a better version of yourself.  If you stop spiritually transform­ing, Satan will use your complacency to spiritually attack.  He wants to influence you to move away from the Light and back toward the darkness where you’ll make more bad choices.

If you think you’ve fallen short your whole life and you don’t have a chance, you’re dead wrong. Matter of fact, the more broken you can admit you are, the more likely you are to realize how much you need God. To begin experiencing a relationship with God, declare you accept His gift of grace and forgiveness. Ephesians 2:8–10 (NLT) says, “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.  Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.  For we are God’s masterpiece.  He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”  Don’t you want to be a part of the good things God planned for you? 

If you would like help with your spiritual journey, don’t hesitate to reach out.  It’s free!  Simply visit the website battlecrygoodvsevil.com and hit the contact Bruce tab.  It directly connects you to Bruce by email.  Bruce is a Christian counselor by degree, but more importantly, a spiritual counselor by God.

Battle Cry Good vs. Evil is available in paperback or eBook through the website, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes, and Walmart.com.  To get future blogs, be sure to “like” and “follow” Battle Cry on Facebook.

Happy New You 2

This is the second of a two part blog.  If you missed the first one, please go to the website battlecrygoodvsevil.com and read it, then continue to the next paragraph.  If you’ve read part one, please proceed.   

So how’s it going?  Are you stepping in a new direction?  If not, what’s stopping you?  Are you still focusing too much on the big picture?  Then stop focusing on the big picture and long-term goals and start focusing on short-term goals.  Short term goals should be achievable.  Once you achieve these goals, you can better determine the next goals.  Before you know it, you’ll be achieving the long-term goals that were once overwhelming you.

Don’t forget to focus on your spiritual health!  Your spiritual sickness may be the reason you’re struggling in the first place.  Does the thought of you being spiritually sick bother you?  Do you think you are righteous, or do you know you are a sinner?  If you know you are a sinner, Jesus came to specif­ically call you.  Matthew 9:10–13 (NLT) 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.’”  When Jesus says “sick people need a doctor,” He is referring to spiritual sickness. Spiritual sickness manifests itself in sin.  The manifestation of sin in our lives gives evidence to the fact, we are all spiritually sick, and we all need Jesus!

If you would like help with your spiritual journey, don’t hesitate to reach out.  It’s free!  Simply visit the website battlecrygoodvsevil.com and hit the contact Bruce tab.  It directly connects you to Bruce by email.  Bruce is a Christian counselor by degree but more importantly, a spiritual counselor by God.

Battle Cry Good vs. Evil is available in paperback or eBook through the website, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes, and Walmart.com.  To get future blogs, be sure to “like” and “follow” Battle Cry on Facebook.

Happy New You

New Year’s resolutions are a shallow attempt to effect change in our lives.  How many years and how many broken promises?  The only way to truly change, is to lean into Christ.  He is the foundation we need to effect change in our lives that is truly effective.  We can’t do it alone.  Many know the Truth but fail to tap into the power of the Holy Spirit.  Many don’t know the Truth and need someone to guide them. This is why we see so much darkness in the world. 

When you look back on your life, how have you treated yourself?  How have you done with the choices you’ve made and the paths you’ve taken?  Have you taken good care of yourself?  Stop blaming everyone else for your shortcomings.  Stop waiting on everyone else to motivate you. Motivate your­self.  Read and study the Bible more.  Spend more time with God to become more spiritually stimulated and aware. Then, as you depend on the strength of the Holy Spirit, you become more confident.  God will help you become the person He created you to be.  Philippians 4:13 (NLT) says, “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” 

You want to really see change?  Start with you!  Start being the Light in your own life to effect change that others will see.  Then you can help guide others to make changes in their own life.  This is our purpose.  This is our calling.  One relationship at a time.

So what stops you from stepping in a new direction?  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.  Start by cutting down on portion size.  Eat less, more frequently.  Eat because you need to, not because you want to.  If you have a habit of late night snacking, instead of eating unhealthy sugary snacks, eat healthier snacks like fruit and nuts.  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. 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 get you there.

If you would like help with your spiritual journey, don’t hesitate to reach out.  It’s free!  Simply visit the website battlecrygoodvsevil.com and hit the contact Bruce tab.  It directly connects you to Bruce by email.  Bruce is a Christian counselor by degree but more importantly, a spiritual counselor by God.

Battle Cry Good vs. Evil is available in paperback or eBook through the website, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes, and Walmart.com.  To get future blogs, be sure to “like” and “follow” Battle Cry on Facebook.

Same Storm, Different Ship

Scripture often refers to our bodies as vessels.  You are like the captain of your own vessel.  Your hands are on the wheel.  You control your course and destiny. Unless you hand over the control, no one can take the control and steer your vessel.  Satan tries to take control by taking advantage when you’re in the midst of troubled waters.   

How might you identify if you’re losing control of your vessel?  Has Satan used your pride to mask your lack of confidence?  Has Satan influenced you into thinking, the hell with the world and what everyone else thinks?  Has he told you to just keep being who you are, and don’t let anyone change you.  Has he convinced you that you couldn’t change if you wanted to?  Here’s the truth.  Everyone needs to change. Everyone can and should change.  If we’re not changing, we’re not developing, and we’re not spiritually transforming into the person God wants us to be.  We need to transform from less of an existence of the flesh, to more of an existence of the Spirit.  This spiritual transformation continues our entire life.  It’s our only Way to the Truth and the Life.

Like never before, the time to effect change is right now.  God wants you to lean on the Spirit for guidance and strength.  He wants to help you control your own ship in these troubled waters.  Become better today than you were yesterday. It’s a process. Keep pushing!

If you would like help with your spiritual journey, don’t hesitate to reach out.  Simply visit the website battlecrygoodvsevil.com and hit the contact Bruce tab.  If you’d like to be in a weekly drawing for a free book, hit the free book tab.  Bruce is a Christian counselor by degree but more importantly, a spiritual counselor by God. 

Battle Cry Good vs. Evil is available in paperback or eBook through the website, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes, and Walmart.com.  To get future blogs, be sure to “like” and “follow” Battle Cry on Facebook.

Thank You!

To date, we have surpassed 300 Facebook followers and 2000 website visits from the United States and 16 other countries.  Your willingness to share the book, website, and blog, with family and friends is helping to achieve the stated and published mission of Battle Cry.

The mission of Battle Cry is to shine the Light into the darkness, to increase knowledge and awareness of God and spirituality, and to gain a better understanding of the spiri­tual battles that occur within us.  Satan is fully aware that by reading Battle Cry and referencing the Bible, you will gain insight into the power struggle that exists between good and evil.  If you have random thoughts influencing you to stop reading, don’t stop reading.  Rely on the strength of the Spirit to get you through.  Your dependence on God is your only hope of defeating Satan, whose “soul” purpose is to keep you separated from God.

We are currently in the midst of spiritual battle both unseen and seen.  It’s unseen as we fight the Good fight from within.  It becomes seen when we loose the battle within, allowing our behavior to culminate into division, hateful rhetoric, and violence.  This is the time to dig deep to find the spiritual strength needed to rise above our circumstances.  The more spiritual battles we win from within, the more we’ll eliminate evil behavior.  It starts from within each and every one of us! In Acts 26:18 (NLT) Jesus says, “To open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are set apart by faith in me.”

As a small token of my appreciation for the Battle Cry Facebook followers and website visitors, until further notice, they’ll be weekly drawings for free books.  If you want to be included, just go to the website and hit the “contact Bruce” tab.  Tell me something.  Why are you interested in the book? What would you like to see discussed in future blogs.  If you’ve read or are reading the book, how has it affected your spiritual journey.  Ask questions about spirituality.   Each week, I’ll randomly draw a name from those who contacted me.  I’ll follow-up with an email congratulating you.  Simply respond by letting me know who to send the book to and the address.  I’ll send the book absolutely free, including postage.  If requested, I’ll sign the book!  Disclosure:  I personally do this and no information is shared with anyone else.  Period!      

Bruce is a Christian counselor by degree but more importantly, a spiritual counselor by God! Battle Cry Good vs. Evil is available in paperback or eBook through the website, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes, and Walmart.com.  To get future blogs, be sure to “like” and “follow” Battle Cry on Facebook.