This excerpt is from Max Lucado, as written in the "Inspirational Study Bible". Sissy

An ancient legend tells of a general whose army was afraid to fight. The soldiers were frightened. The enemy was too strong. Its fortress was too high and weapons too mighty.

The king, however, was not afraid. He knew his men would win. How could he convince them?

He had an idea. He told his soldiers that he possessed a magical coin. A prophetic coin. A coin which would foretell the outcome of the battle. On one side was an eagle and on the other a bear. He would toss the coin. If it landed eagle-side up, they would win. If it landed with the bear-side up, they would lose.

The army was silent as the coin flipped in the air. Soldiers circled as it fell to the ground. They held their breath as they looked and shouted when they saw the eagle. The army would win.

Bolstered by the assurance of victory, the men marched against the castle and won.

It was only after the victory that the king showed the men the coin. The two sides were identical.

Thought the story is fictional, the truth is reliable: assured victory empowers the army.

That may be the reason God gives us the Book of Revelation. In it He assures victory. We, the soldiers, are priviledged a glimpse into the final battlefield. All hell breaks loose as all heaven comes forth. The two collide in the ultimate battle of good and evil. Left standing amidst the smoke and thunder is the Son of God. Jesus, born in a manger-now triumphant over satan.

Satan is defeated. Christ is triumphant. And we, the soldiers, are assured of victory.

Let us march.

-- Sissy Sylvester-Barth (iblong2Him@ilovejesus.net), September 18, 2001

Answers

God is in control! By the way Sissy, I've been wondering how your surgery turned out?

-- Barb (bjconthefarm@yahoo.com), September 18, 2001.

Thank you for your post Sissy! I have read on three forums now that people think the country needs to repent for its' sins or God will abandon us as a nation. I would like to point out (gently, I hope) that before folks can repent of anything they have to be aware of their sins. The only way folks can repent is to FIRST seek God. I am so encouraged that everywhere on the television, we are now hearing people in high places in our government telling people to pray. I watched as senators and congressmen really listened to the ministers at the National Cathdral and at the prayer vigil held in Washington last week. I looked at their faces, into their eyes and saw many, not all, who were under a great deal of emotional stress during the prayers. For those who continue to speak of past wrongs done by America to others or to decry the moral decline of our country, I would ask them to just think about how wonderful it is to see so many of our citizens seeking God. If you seek Him, you WILL find Him as He has promised. With thousands and hopefully millions of Americans seeking God for the first time in their lives, our nation cannot help but to change as they come to realize their sins of the past and enter into an age of renewal with God. I have great hope that America will again become one nation, under God. You just have to seek God first and then KNOW what you need to repent for. God bless.

-- lesley (martchas@bellsouth.net), September 18, 2001.

Thankyou for asking. My surgery was successful and easy! Thankyou all for your prayers, as when the doc got in there, they were able to fix all the adhesions, remove a 'growth' that turned out to be nothing, and did this all with just the laproscopy, and not the big 'cut'!! I praise our Father for His love and healing. I praise Him also, for all you who lifted me up in prayer. Thankyou. In His Grace, Sissy

-- Sissy Sylvester-Barth (iblong2Him@ilovejesus.net), September 18, 2001.

Sissy, praise God!!! He is so wonderful and He is in control! Thank goodness.

-- Barb (bjconthefarm@yahoo.com), September 18, 2001.

Nice story

Even better medical report.

Talk to you later.

-- Bob in WI (bjwick@hotmail.com), September 18, 2001.