The Fight

Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Good morning, Lord

Father in Heaven, open my heart and mind, Holy Spirit. Fill my consciousness and complete Your joy in me as I take up my cross and follow...In Jesus' name…

Memory verse: 1 John 1:8–9

8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the 

truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all 

unrighteousness.

Verse of the day- Psalm 119:30 I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws.

Today’s reading:  Psalm 31-32 Acts 23:16-35 

What ‘The Fight’ Really Is

“Strive to enter through the narrow door” (Luke 13:24),

Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world; if it were, My servants would fight to prevent My arrest by the Jews. But now My kingdom is not of this realm.” (John 18:36)

“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession before many witnesses.” (1 Timothy 6:12)

The same root, Greek word-‘agōnizesthe’ is seen all three places. You can see the root of our word agony here.

It is the same now as it was then. We are to fight to take hold and hold on to the kingdom of Christ. We need to see that the apostles-all the followers of Christ were as human as we are and wanted to physically fight for the Lord they loved and the reason they did not was because of Jesus-He was there to stop it.(Peter cut off an ear…)

The alternative to entering the narrow gate, “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction” (Matt. 7:13) is destruction.

Our fight is with our flesh. We are not fighting against anyone. We are told to love our neighbors and our enemies-not to do harm. Our fight is against our own sin.

Jesus demands from His followers serious personal discipline. He tells us to fight-Paul tells us to fight. Jesus says for us to watch-“Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Mark 14:38)

The danger in our lives is that we have become as comfortable as the well-to-do Jews of that time. The numbers tell us that we are in the top 5% of the wealth in the world when we live with the comforts we enjoy.

Jesus tells us to be vigilant and fight.

Now, in every war there are lulls in battle. But we are always on the front lines because the battle is in our hearts and minds. There is no time to let our guards down-but-the scripture is full of promises to us who are serious about the fight.

Our growing faith is a key-we must be seeking growth-

5 ”Let your gentleness be evident to all, the Lord is near.

6 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.…” Philippians 4.

Tell the Lord that you want to rest in His gentle power; and you want to free yourself from worry and thank Him for His provision knowing that He is guarding your heart and mind.

The battle is His. (1 Samuel 17:47)

...because He loves us...He will do it…

Father In Heaven,

May I lift Your name high and may I learn from You how to fight for entry through the narrow gate. Give me stronger faith for today. Forgive me for putting down my weapons. Lead me away from lethargy.

Great and mighty warrior God,

In the name of Christ Jesus,

Amen