---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Byron Wicker
To: People Who Keep Company with God
Date: 6/16/2011 9:02:04 AM
Subject: Men With Faces Like Lions

Dear People Who Keep Company With God,

Can you believe that we are already at the mid-point of the year? And what a year it has already been. We had a major earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand, a devastating Tsunami in Japan, the Arab Spring and the fall of long time governments in the mid-east and some of the most powerful and destructive tornadoes ever hitting populated areas in the U.S. And right in the middle of all of this it seems our government’s policies toward Israel are becoming more and more hostile. We all are holding our breath waiting for what is coming next while hoping and praying that our nation does not melt down.

In the midst of this, there is opportunity for us to rise up with the same war-like spirit David possessed (2 Sam. 22:35). He was called by God to be a man of war (1 Chron. 28:3) and is a great example of boldness and valor in a very difficult national crisis. While others trembled and cowered in fear, David was ready to face and defeat Goliath (1 Sam. 17).

However, there was another time later in David’s life when he was distracted from his calling to war. It was in a time when kings go out to battle that David stayed home (2 Sam. 11:1). And the consequences were devastating. I think many of us would rather have the building anointing Solomon possessed (1 Chron. 28:6), but it is not a time to build. It is a time to war. David proved it is better to be in the middle of God’s purposes and plans, even if it is in a war than be hanging out at home.

The tribe of Gad is another great and compelling example of fierce, lion-like men of war, ready for battle.

They came to David at the stronghold in the wilderness, mighty men of valor, men trained for battle, who could handle shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and were swift as gazelles on the mountains. 1 Chronicles 12:8

Several years ago, Bob Jones prophesied about men and women who will arise with hearts like the men of Gad in troubling times.

“The Gaddites were the ones who crossed the Jordan during flood season suggesting a season of trouble. This company will be determined warriors well equipped who will not retreat in battle; Nor will they be denied victory and will put to flight all that stands between them and the divine purposes for which they are commissioned. Although it will be during seasons of distress in the world, these commissioned warriors will march tirelessly with resolute determination, resting assuredly in their covenant relationship with the Lord.” (See I Chronicles 12:14-15).

We are in some troubling times now, however, I sense a grace to seize the moment and arise and not cower in fear, disappointment and hurt. We are in the year of the lions and there will be those who rise up and be strong and courageous. Don’t break rank, it is our time to arise and shine. We were made for this and can rest assured in the power of the finished work of the cross.

Through our God we will do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down our enemies. Psalm 60:12

Many Blessings, BW