‘Prepare ye the way of the Lord’
Topping up your oil & trimming your wick July 2024
Fight the good fight. 1 Tim 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Eph 6:12 The closer we get to the return of the Lord the more intense the battle will become. More and more restrictions will be placed upon Bible believing Christians through the religious freedom bills, the misinformation and disinformation laws, ultimately seeking to silence the truth of God’s Word, while threatening your right and your freedom to live, act, and speak according to God’s Word and values in the nation of Australia.
The latest proposals from the Federal government involve expanding the eSafety Commissioner’s existing powers to further ‘protect’ Australians from “new and emerging harms”. The risk with such laws is that they can be used improperly to censor and silence the views of those that the government disagrees with, particularly the Judeo - Christian worldview. There has never been a more important time for Christians to stand up for truth and righteousness. It takes courage to stand up for your convictions in a world that increasingly tries to silence biblical views.
A good place to begin fighting the good fight is the exhortation of 1 Peter 1:13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
This expression, to gird up the loins of your mind is a figurative call to be prepared, focused, and ready for action. We are to gather up our thoughts, guard our thinking, and not permit our minds to wander from the truth of God's Word. A girded mind is one that is ready for action and is not easily influenced by the ungodly mind-set of those around us, nor is unsettled by any unbiblical and hostile worldviews.
Peter knew that when we are faced with difficulties and dangers, our hearts can become unsettled, and our minds confused. In a Christ-rejecting sinful world that is at enmity with all that is godly, a girded mind is one that is strong in the Lord.
Peter also said we need to set our hope on the grace that will be brought to us at the revelation of Jesus Christ. We have an eternal inheritance kept for us in heaven, and this assurance from God Himself that Christ will one day return for His Church – the Bride, we are to anchor our hope on this glorious truth. We must keep an eternal focus as we face the challenges set before us, a focus that will keep us strong, imparting endurance into our daily walk. Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. 2 Corinthians 3:12 Although we rest our hope on the Lord Jesus Christ, we are still called to fight the good fight of faith and run the race in the here and now.
In girding up our minds, we need to keep an eternal focus, doing whatever we can to stand up for truth and righteousness, but if we are not active in prayer, we are entering the battle without one of the most powerful weapons God has given us. As the apostle Paul reminds us, The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 2 Cor 10:4. As the spiritual warfare escalates all around us, prayer is a weapon we cannot afford to neglect. The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self controlled so that you can pray. 1 Peter 4:7 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Col 4:2 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. Eph 6:18 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philip 4:6-7.
When we are steadfast in prayer, the vast resources of heaven will be ours. In prayer we will be encouraged to keep our eyes on our Almighty God rather than be discouraged by what is happening around us. Prayer is the primary means by which God has chosen to release His power on earth. Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him. Isaiah 64:4 To make a difference in these last days in the lives of our children, our grandchildren, our extended families, our neighbours, our work colleagues, our politicians and the nation of Australia, we need to gird up the loins of our mind, keep an eternal perspective and be a people of prayer as we fight the good fight claiming back the ground the enemy has stolen, walking forth in victory.
Greg and Judy’s Update: Greg’s surgery for his hip replacement went well. It was originally anticipated he would be in hospital for 4 to 5 days but ended up being 17 days later that he was eventually discharged. Greg is continuing his rehabilitation program at home. Judy and I are trusting to be fully back at work in early August. We are both very thankful for your ongoing prayers and loving support, it is greatly appreciated.
Our ministry plans for the second half of this year are as follows; August we will be in Port Macquarie and then the Gold coast. September we will be in the Adelaide area for 2 to 3 weeks. October some more local speaking appointments, like Cobar. In mid-November we will be speaking at the Awake to Israel one day conference then travelling to Tasmania for a 4-week ministry trip arriving home in mid-December.
Please note we have a new mailing address; it is best to address correspondence to G and J Willis at PO BOX 95 Parkes NSW 2870.
Prayer Points: Praise God for the open doors and may the Lord prepare the hearts and minds of people to receive the Word of God and that much fruit for the Kingdom will come from the ministry meetings.
We praise God for our Prayer Warriors who are co-labouring with us. We know there are a number of you who have your own health issues, we continue to lift you all up before the Lord. And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philip 4:19
Continue to pray for the hostages held by Hamas. May the Lord encourage them and bring hope in the midst of their dire circumstances and may they know the presence of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is with them.
He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. Psalm 121:4