In the midst of a world filled with chaos and division, the church is called to be a beacon of light and hope. Yet, as we navigate these turbulent times, many of us, including myself, often feel unqualified to lead and bring perspective. The recent events in our nation have stirred a myriad of emotions—shock, grief, anger, and even joy for some. But amidst these emotions, we must remember that we are not in a new war. Scripture reminds us that we were born into a world at war, a spiritual battle that has been raging since the Garden of Eden.

The Apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:12 that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers over this present darkness. As Christians, we are called to oppose wrong ideas and speak truth into broken worldviews, but we must never see those we disagree with as the enemy. Our true battle is not against people, but against the spiritual forces of evil.

In Matthew 24, Jesus warns that in the last days, lawlessness will increase, and the love of many will grow cold. This is a danger we must guard against. We cannot let fear, anger, and bitterness take root in our hearts. The enemy would love nothing more than to harden our hearts with outrage until there is no love left.

So, how do we fight this battle? We fight by fixing our eyes on the Lord and calling down the fire of His presence and power. We need the fire of God’s love to combat the fire of men’s rage. Our world needs a church marked by outrageous, radiant love and boldness in Christ.

In Acts 4, when the early church faced opposition, they didn’t pray for God to strike down their enemies. Instead, they prayed for boldness to proclaim the name of Jesus and for God to perform signs and wonders. They understood that the real war was for souls, against sin and the evil one.

As we face the challenges of our time, let’s embody unconditional love, radical generosity, great faith, and relentless boldness. Let’s fight for the souls of lost men and women, for the hearts of our prodigals, and for our marriages and families. Let’s make war against darkness through prayer, intercession, and sharing our faith boldly.

Throughout Scripture, fire from heaven often signifies God’s presence, blessing, and revival. Whether it was the fire that consumed the sacrifices in Leviticus or the fire that fell at Pentecost, God’s fire purifies, empowers, and revives. In our lives, we may need a controlled burn to remove the clutter and parasites that hinder our growth.

As we invite the fire of the Lord’s presence, let’s ask Him to start with us. May His fire purify our hearts, empower us for His work, and revive our spirits. In a world filled with fury and wrath, let’s fight with the fire of heaven, bringing hope and transformation through the power of the Gospel.

Let us stand together, inviting the fire of the Lord to burn brightly in our lives and in our communities. Come and burn, Lord, start with me.