This morning I finished book four in ‘The Terrestria Chronicles’, The Crown of Kuros. It’s an allegory about restoring ‘the crown’, our heart, to King Emmanuel. Ed Dunlop, the author, did a beautiful job of illustrating both the strategies of evil in this world along with the intensity in which each one of us must battle against our selfishness by being obedient to Our King. This victory can only be won through the power of Christ, but we must fight to be obedient to our Lord in a world where the devil’s snares are set up at every passing.  John 10:10 The thief’s purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich a satisfying life. 1 Peter 5:8 Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Despite our adversary, there is hope in our King! We claim Jesus’ Victory in our obedience. We claim His Victory when we believe enough to surrender in obedience. I’m not talking about works-based faith either; we do not earn His grace; we restore our heart to the King!

A student asked me a couple weeks ago – what do I tell someone who says, “Jesus is stupid and He doesn’t exist.” Now given the statement, I could’ve argued about the contradiction in the statement itself… How can Jesus be stupid if He doesn’t exist? BUT! the truth is, I have come to believe that God’s strength is not in our words, but in our surrender. If we want to help others see the light of Christ, our surrendered Lives are the testimony. If we skip the Light, we are but more words, no matter how nice they sound. This is what I told the student, Live Him.

In closing, I want to encourage you and me. The battle for obedience in this world, the restoring our heart to the rightful King, is not a passive battle. Stand firm in His Love and let His Light shine.

(The pic is from the Live Nativity at the Jorgenson Farm yesterday. Thanks everyone for taking part! And to the Jorgenson’s for their gracious hosting and love for Jesus… and letting us come and take part.)