Reality.

Have you ever had that feeling that no matter how hard you try, you just can't seem to fit in?

I know.

That feeling sucks.

Deep rooted prejudice, personal comfort zones that are extremely defensive against possible "intruders", even with those who bear friendly intentions.

The list goes on.

What am I supposed to do...? =/

Different.

For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

Psalm 139:13,14

God made every single one of us unique. From the nerd to the weirdo, the extremely introverted to the charismatic leader.

All of us are created different.

There was a time as a child when I was uncomfortable with whom I really was. The crazy kid who just can't seem to grow up, still living in his own world of guns and castles.

There was a time when I felt totally out of place in school because I don't enjoy the things others enjoyed. I was the rebel of the crowd, always the enemy that chooses the other way.

I'm sure many of you will in some point of your life experience such a feeling, that you're just to weird to be part of a group, even in church life, and afraid that acceptance may be a scarce resource.

But somewhere along the line, I've given up trying to be like everyone else, and be who I really am.

In God, I am secure. I am fearfully and wonderfully created. God didn't screw up when He made me, He intended me and you this way.

It's not denying or suppressing who you really are. I don't mean we let loose our evil nature and then claim immunity in the name of "uniqueness". It's about accepting some parts of our lives that may seem weird by the standards of normality.

Oh well.

This led Shaun to declare one day "I'm sick of trying to be someone else; I'll just be myself."

And from that day on it was chaos unleashed. Heh.

So often we spin a web of lies, trying to cover up who we really out due to our insecurities and fears that we might not be accepted. Army has taught me that these are "luxuries" that we cannot afford if we truly want to grow and move on.

Something wonderful happens when we stand in the presence of a loving and almighty God, I can't really explain that, but when we are found in the security of our creator, we are free to be whoever, whatever we are. That's why I will never let go of the cross, because He will never ever let me go, I'm always in His grip of grace.

This truth made me see others and myself in a different light.

And hopefully I can learn not only to accept other fellow weirdos, but to love them too.

War in the Heavens.

Then he continued, "Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia. Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the future, for the vision concerns a time yet to come."

Daniel 10:12-14

So he said, "Do you know why I have come to you? Soon I will return to fight against the prince of Persia, and when I go, the prince of Greece will come; 21 but first I will tell you what is written in the Book of Truth. (No one supports me against them except Michael, your prince.

Daniel 10:20-21

God gave me a revelation on spiritual warfare a few days ago. Daniel sought God with all his heart and his prayers were heard on the first day. But the angel only appeared after 21 days later, having to battle the prince of Persia. Only after with the help of the chief angel (or Archangel) Michael could he had prevailed. This is an exciting account on spiritual warfare -

1. God hears our prayers, and He answers those who seek Him with all their hearts. (v12)

2. The enemy seeks to destroy whatever God has planned, but the enemy will not prevail. (v13)

3. There is really an intricate system in the kingdom of darkness. Since the prince of Persia was mentioned, there must be certain hierarchy in the enemy's camp. We must systematically tear down the enemy's defenses and not be ignorant in dealing with the enemy. An interesting fact - Do take note of the prince of Greece (v20), who "would be coming soon in Daniel's time" concerning the future of Israel. 4 Empires had conquered and dominated Israel - Babylon, Persia, Greece, and finally Rome. This could possibly be a reference to territorial spirits that operates against God’s people.

4. Our prayers and intercession releases God's angels, and brings God's intervention into the situation. There are like coordinated artillery and mortar fire, raining down His wrath from the heavens, demolishing every stronghold, every pretension, every principality that seeks to exalt itself against God.

In this season, there is a heightened level of spiritual warfare in our midst, especially when the Out2Play and Joint event draws nearer and nearer. Even as we go about our business, being busy with all the preparation, let us not neglect the spiritual aspect. Let us draw our rifles (Sword of the Spirit) and our searchlights (God's truth) to root out the enemy, blasting them to smithereens by calling down artillery and laying siege to the strongholds and sins that so easily entangles us. Remember, the entire armed forces of Heaven are ready to do war, let's engage the enemy!

No one is neutral - all will have to fight.

To war!