Category: Daily Battle Orders

via TJC

Then the LORD said to Abram, “Leave your country, your kindred, and your father’s household, and go to the land I will show you….Genesis 26:1

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. Hebrews 11:13-14

I am a Kingdom Man in America. 

We’re talking a lot about American history these days. That’s ok by me. I am an American, and I love my country. Outsiders are perplexed in their attempt to understand us. I am a Kingdom man in America, and we are one American people –  for better or worse. 

The one thing that truly unites us is that our Christian experiences (plural) all bear witness to outrageous circumstances. Whether we were escaping famine, gambling on uncertain futures, dragged here in chains, running from one set of wolves to another set of wolves….American Christianity was birthed in the experience of outrageous and momentous activity, and the resulting toughness, the resulting resilience, creativity and will to freedom, the resulting insanity, explosion of ideas and activity, is our unifying keepsake as Americans and Christians….it is what it is…but it is! 

The Pilgrims took their name from Hebrews 11:13-14.  They were leaving a place where, if they practiced their Christianity instead of the King of England’s, they were punished by prison and death. You can argue about revisionist history and smallpox filled blankets, but nobody disagrees that the Pilgrims were RENEGADES: 

• If they weren’t “good Christians” then they were put to death or punished. 
• If they didn’t tow the King’s line in their lives or in the marketplace, they were cancelled. 
• Their gatherings were outlawed. 

So, they remembered how Abraham and his family wandered from place to place—“strangers and pilgrims on the earth,” desiring a “better country, that is, an heavenly” “We, too, are pilgrims,” they said, “on our way to heaven.” Ever afterwards, these English people were called “Pilgrims.”

They left that place across the high and rough seas. When they arrived here, they found only winter, dark forests, and death. The road to freedom would be a tough one.

Daily Battle Order: 

Answer these questions for yourself: Can you identify with the Pilgrim “spirit” that drove people to such boldness in seeking a better place – a new place for themselves? Do you agree that this spirit has found its way into our modern American spirit, especially as Christians in 2021? The conflicts we face today are just as real as what the pilgrims faced, a battle between rifts in society, perceived righteousness and being sojourners for the Kingdom. The first step to gaining that spirit is recognizing you are in a fight. 

via TJC

“Remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2:12-14‬[expander_maker id="2" more="Read more" less="Read less"]

This week we are going to talk about the various groups that came and melded to create America. We will talk about their experiences, how that affected their beliefs, and ultimately what part that played into creating christianity in America today. How do we take these complex pieces and parts and meld them for good, to expand and work for God’s Kingdom? I am a Christian man in America. How did my past lead me here and how do I move forward? 

To jump right in, today we are talking about explorers. There are a great number of theories of how humans expanded into North America. Based on archeology, we have evidence of the first indigenous migrating across the plain between Asia and what is Alaska today (before the two split). There were other early explorers, the Vikings, coming over to what is now Canada and the east coast. These two are largely believed to be the main source creating what we think of as the native and indigenous Americans. And then of course we all know soon after, we saw many years of exploration from European countries such as Spain and Portugal. 

The earliest explorers were expanding looking for food and resources. Others came for land and expanded possessions. Spain commissioned the famous Columbus, among other reasons, with the hope of expanding Catholicism. He failed miserably on that effort, but diving into how we became, we start with an extremely layered, complex, and often messy past. Just as we sit today, our country began with a convergence of opposing ideals, principles, beliefs, goals, and expectations. 

Jesus broke down all of these during His time on earth. He crossed cultural lines and boundaries. Whether it was the Samaritan woman or a Roman commander, Jesus did not shy away from overlooking these worldly barriers and history that we created, to serve the one true Kingdom. He showed us again and again that the good news is for everyone. No matter how we came together or why, we have an opportunity and a purpose to cross those worldly divides. 

Tomorrow we will dig into the first group, a major part of the expansion from Europe: Pilgrims. 

Daily Battle Order: 

Pray hard this week. Today, the world has worked hard to spin, misrepresent, whitewash, politicize, and flat out ignore our history. We can’t ignore how our layers came together, good or bad, but we also cannot hate others because of it. Jesus faced these divides and cultures head on, in the hope that He would be able reach just one more person with the truth. Pray for your ability as a kingdom man to identify with the only identity that truly matters. Are you helping to create a dividing wall of hostility, or working to break it down? [/expander_maker]

via TJC

The Lord God has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary.  Morning by morning he awakens; he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught.  Isaiah 50:4  NASB[expander_maker id="2" more="Read more" less="Read less"]

The purpose of today’s DBO is to introduce the theme for The Joshua Commission (TJC) in 2021: Awaken Kingdom Man!

The synopsis is this: Wake Up.  Take On Your Responsibilities.  Move Out.

Remember Nehemiah, and the rebuilding of the wall around Jerusalem?  If not, you are encouraged to read the book of Nehemiah in God’s Word.  An amazing historical account of one team, one fight.  It started after Nehemiah asked about and was given information regarding the status of the city of Jerusalem and its inhabitants, the “remnant”.  

“And they said to me, ‘The remnant there in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame.  The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire.”

Nehemiah 1:3  NASB

Upon hearing these words, Nehemiah immediately sat down, wept, fasted, prayed, confessed sin, sought God’s ear, His blessing, and His mercy.  Nehemiah was awakened to the situation.

The next step that Nehemiah took was to take on his responsibilities.  He took action to rebuild.  He requested passports for safe travel and a requisition for building materials.  He didn’t ask for them, but the king gave him officers of the army and horsemen to travel with him.  He was not alone.  Once prepared, Nehemiah then moved out to accomplish the task to rebuild the wall around the City of Jerusalem.

Kingdom Men, we too must awaken to the situation in our country and in our world.  2020 was our wake-up call.  We must take on our responsibilities by humbling ourselves before our King to weep and fast and pray and confess sin and seek God’s ear, His blessing, and His mercy.  Then we must make preparations according to the Lord’s guidance and move out according to His direction.

Daily Battle Order: 

The battle cry of Awaken Kingdom Man is to pull out what God has already put into you.  The Kingdom is at war.  You were created for victory.  Just as Nehemiah was not alone, you too are not alone.  The Joshua Commission is committed to waking you up, to assist in preparing and equipping you to take on your God given responsibilities, and to be with you as you move out in the direction that God is leading you.

Join us throughout 2021 as we maintain focus on the Awaken Kingdom Man theme through Daily Battle Orders, Special Task Orders and Projects, and Battlefield Trainings at Chickamauga, Selma, Fredericksburg, Wounded Knee, and Gettysburg. 

Join us on Monday when we will kick off Awaken Kingdom Man by focusing on America’s Christian Heritage.[/expander_maker]

via TJC

“Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people.” -Exodus 33:13 ESV[expander_maker id="2" more="Read more" less="Read less"]

I want to start this DBO off with optimism in my tone of voice. We are in a new year, which means that the earth is in a relative position to the Sun, but culturally, it is a time for reevaluation, projection, and change. Let’s focus on a part that we leave out during this time of year, the “hope” for things we cannot change.

The theologian, Reverend Reinhold Niebuhr, is credited for the Serenity Prayer, that is, “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, And the wisdom to know the difference.” We try to execute the part where we are able to make changes, but we sometimes get lost with the things we cannot change. Right now, a lot of us are in positions where we cannot make [immediate] changes to our world. We can’t force policies on our county, state, or country. We couldn’t visit everyone we typically see during the holidays. At times, it can be hard to gather the strength to humble ourselves and lean on hope. 

2020 was not the year people were expecting. We may feel like we may be wandering in this uncertain period for an unknown duration. People are not happy, and complaining didn’t seem to change, from what I see on social and mainstream media. Nevertheless, what I saw when this all kicked off, during initial quarantine, were families walking together outside. Hearing that co-workers had leftover food from cooking together with their family. Everyone wanted to develop a green thumb, and neighbors were sharing advice on growing plants and vegetables. Families started to develop weekly teleconferences, so immediate and extended family could see each other regularly. Seeing this allowed me to see the love of God in the world. This gave me “hope.”

Daily Battlefield Order:

There are uncertainties that we will be aware and unaware of in our future. We have to seek God in our midst, as we know He is there. We have to be grateful and worship Him, even during uncertainty. “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Cor. 13:13.  Seek the love, then have faith and have hope.

Prayer for the New Year: Lord, help us to find thankfulness in the midst of trial, share Your hope in the midst of sorrow, and be your hands and feet in this New Year.  You know what this New Year holds, as You hold the future.  As stated in The Joshua Commission Creed, grant us Your strength to “stand in the gap for our neighbors and defend social justice for the marginalized.” Awaken our hearts and minds to be focused on Your purposes for which you created us.  We ask this humbly in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior, our Redeemer, our Rock, and our Strength.  Amen.

Join us tomorrow for an introduction to the TJC theme for 2021, Awaken Kingdom Man!

The Joshua Commission appreciates the opportunity to share lessons and testimonies of God’s love through the Daily Battle Orders. 2020 certainly shed light on many facets of our culture, community and each of us individually. In 2021 TJC is taking a much more PROACTIVE position disciplining Kingdom Men to prevail through increasing challenges. As a Not-For-Profit Para-Church Ministry we rely on your donations to improve our operations and expand the Kingdom’s influence. Please take the time to go on our website (joshuacommission.org) and subscribe, and donate if these DBO’s are of value to you. We aren’t asking you to partner with us, we are saying you are needed to lock shields with your brothers in the battles to come.[/expander_maker]

via TJC

Rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.

Romans 12:12-13 (NASB)[expander_maker id="2" more="Read more" less="Read less"]

We carry out a significant portion of our faith when we move our lips in constant prayer; seeking to be guided by the Spirit in our heart to give thanks and praise, confess our sins, make our requests known, to clarify our true needs, and to see the Spirit move in our lives and rejoice in answered prayer. We intercede in prayer out of love for our brothers and sisters. A faith so strong, and a prayer seemingly so rightly spoken, but absent love is nearly as great as not believing at all!

When we come alongside each other as true brothers in Christ and in love, our testimonies of changed hearts and lives through obedience to the Spirit are immeasurable! Obedience requires action or movement through submission. It happens when we acknowledge the Spirit’s movement as a call on our heart to comply with an order. We see this most evidenced through prayer, repentance, and discipleship. 

TJC has been a direct witness and recipient to personal losses, as well as powerful answers to prayer, claiming God victorious!

• We are forever grateful to have known, loved, and served alongside our Senior Elder, Don Carlson who went to be with the Lord in August.
• We remember our brothers and the losses of friends and family in and throughout 2020.
• We continue to sing of the mercies of the Lord and rejoice in witnessing the miracles of two daughters having been restored from brain cancer.
• We praise God for multiple new jobs, transitions to new careers and new homes even during COVID-19.
• We are humbled and grateful at His divine intervention into marriages, families, and work relationships
• We thank Him for the ability to keep our operations moving forward and growing through our battlefield training at Gettysburg, the addition of new authors and warriors, and partnerships and cohorts growing deeper in lasting relationships.

We highlight a few to bring Honor and Glory to God for his endless mercy and goodness.

Daily Battle Order: 

We close out a tough year in 2020 with prayer and praise:

Our Father and Our God, In and throughout all that has taken place in 2020 we rejoice! We know of the suffering, the losses, the perplexities, and so often feeling pressed and crushed from all sides. Even so, we rejoice because you are in control. It is you alone who gives and takes away at your word only. You have taught us not to despair. We were never abandoned. Trials come so that our faith can be proven genuine and further results in praise, glory, and honor when Christ is revealed. When we are tried and we endure, we will receive the crown of life. And yet in all these things, you have poured out your blessings. Souls have been saved. Lives have been changed and renewed. Battles have been won and the victories are yours! We will do well to renew our spirits often by dwelling on the many blessings of 2020 that far exceed the trials, the hurt, and the losses. Thank you for being there through it all as a Father, as a comforter through the bad, and celebrator in the good! May our obedience speak as resounding gratitude in love. In the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.

The Joshua Commission appreciates the opportunity to share lessons and testimonies of God’s love through the Daily Battle Orders. 2020 has certainly shed light on many facets of our culture, community and each of us individually. In 2021 TJC is taking a much more PROACTIVE position disciplining Kingdom Men to prevail through increasing challenges. As a Not-For-Profit Para-Church Ministry we rely on your donations to improve our operations and expand the Kingdom’s influence. Please take the time to go on our website (joshuacommission.org) and subscribe, and donate if these DBO’s are of value to you. We aren’t asking you to partner with us, we are saying you are needed to lock shields with your brothers in the battles to come.

Join us tomorrow when we will begin a new year together with prayer and sharing hope in 2021.[/expander_maker]

via TJC

I shall remember the deeds of the Lord;

I will certainly remember Your wonders of old.

I will meditate on all Your work,

And on Your deeds with thanksgiving. – Psalm 77:11-12 (NASB)[expander_maker id="2" more="Read more" less="Read less"]

For Americans, 2020 has been a year unlike any other. This has been a time of shifting landscapes and swirling events, leaving many confused. We have witnessed a deadly virus and a deeply divided country. All have witnessed and experienced real-life challenges and real-life losses.

I had a dear brother with whom I had spent a year closely walking in a small church group. He and I had been part of a teaching team. We functioned as a unit. Our work was like a well-oiled machine. It was wonderful! Then in early 2020, out of the blue, he announced he was leaving the church. No commentary, no back story. 

A few months later, I posted a quote by a woman whom I respect. I thought her insights were valuable. This brother contacted me, with anger and frustration in his voice. He made, what I thought were, bizarre accusations towards me. I was rocked. Where did this come from? I asked him to help me, to explain what he was seeing? He simply ended our relationship, leaving me confused.

2020 had other such losses: We at TJC had a dear brother and fellow elder report to us that the Lord told him to say ‘Goodbye’ to his sons. He was obedient. In a few months, he departed into the presence of our Father. All of us have known similar experiences: Losses of jobs, loved ones, relationships, and resources.

With each challenge and loss, there seemed to be a collective, deadly confusion. And yet, the Lord God Almighty never panics nor does he call us to panic. Meditating on these events, the Lord brought to my mind the sons of Issachar.

Throughout history, when God moves or presents challenges to the world, He has always looked for those sons who were ready to stand against the confusion; men to whom He would impart the right words, an accurate message meant to steady and focus His children. He is looking for such men today. 1 Chronicles 12:32, says of the sons of Issachar, they were ‘men who understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do.’

Is that not exactly what people today are craving? To know what is going on in these uncertain times and then what should we do?

As sons, part of this challenge is to never view people as our enemy. People are who God loves and for whom He sent His Son to die. It is for challenging seasons such as this, that the Lord gave us guidance on how to deliver a steady message, but do so with love.

Love is not irritated, provoked, exasperated, aroused to anger, and does not take into account the evil which it suffers. Are we sons leaning into our Father, prepared to impart the message of steadiness in love?

When my dear brother severed our relationship, I had to make a choice. I had to come to the Lord with my ears wide open and ready to listen. In doing so, I found life. It is good for men of God to steady their minds and hearts, choosing to actively trust that our Father knows exactly what He is doing. I am reminded of the words of the song ‘You Are God Alone’:

You are God alone from before time began

You were on Your throne

You are God alone and right now

In good times and bad

You are on Your throne

And you are God alone

Daily Battle Order:

As men of action, let us determine to not give in to a spirit of fear or confusion. The world is looking for men to whom they can turn for comfort and wisdom. Be that Kingdom man who will enter lion’s dens and market places, with an understanding that we were made FOR and to IMPART victory. 

Join us tomorrow for our end of the year DBO where we will focus on answered prayers and will have a special end of the year video to share.

**The Joshua Commission appreciates the opportunity to share lessons and testimonies of God’s love through the Daily Battle Orders. 2020 has certainly shed light on many facets of our culture, community, and each of us individually. In 2021 TJC is taking a much more PROACTIVE position disciplining Kingdom Men to prevail through increasing challenges. As a Not-For-Profit Para-Church Ministry, we rely on your donations to improve our operations and expand the Kingdom’s influence. Please take the time to go on our website (joshuacommission.org) and subscribe, and donate if these DBO’s are of value to you. We aren’t asking you to partner with us, we are saying you are needed to lock shields with your brothers in the battles to come.**[/expander_maker]

via TJC

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. ~Romans 5:3-5[expander_maker id="2" more="Read more" less="Read less"]

As we wrap up 2020, it’s easy to look back and ask “Where was God?” “Doesn’t He know what kind of year 2020 was?” There’s a song I love called Waymaker. One of the lyrics is “Even when I don’t see it, You’re working. Even when I can’t feel it, You’re working. You never stop, You never stop working.” If 2020 has taught us anything, it is that this facet of God’s character is true. He is always at work and in His time. As Kingdom Men, this should be an encouragement to us, but also an anchor for our stories, our testimonies.

Like each of you TJC has experienced our share of highs and lows in 2020. But, there is a beauty to being in the dark room and like a picture, developing. So here are some of the highlights that show what the Lord has been developing in TJC this year.

We kicked off this year calling it a “Year of Vision”. It was the snapshot, the theme we thought God would be rolling out for TJC.  Some of you are probably old enough to remember a time before digital film, when in order for the photographer to see the image of what they photographed they had to take the roll of film into a dark room for processing and development. That’s what God did with our “Year of Vision”. He set everything up, He took the picture and then took it into the dark room for processing and development. We didn’t know that in the dark room was COVID-19, quarantine, racial unrest, job loss and death. We wanted to turn the lights on and get out and get back to normal. But by turning the lights on, we would have rushed out and lost the picture. 

As we look back at 2020 for TJC, God gave us a picture that was far different from what we thought we would see developed. But it is a better picture, a greater and more authentic vision. It is more clear that the Kingdom Is At War. We’re more certain that You Were Created for Victory. It’s more important that TJC Disciples Kingdom Men. From DBOs to Gettysburg, Virtual training to COVID Care and Outreach. TJC has been used as an agent to make beauty in the dark room. We didn’t do it alone. Each one of you was alongside us in prayer, in your generosity, in words and in deeds. You showed that LOVE DOES! Whether by supporting the over $5,000 that was given in COVID relief for families facing hardships, or funds for bereavement travel when times are tight. Or, literally using your backs and shoulders for boys to stand on as they overcame their fear to reach their goals together at Devil’s Den. This is a brotherhood of Kingdom Men who serve in truth and love. You show the Gospel with your hands and feet (and backs).

Now, I don’t understand how the chemicals and processing work in a dark room, and even if I did, I don’t think it takes away from the fact that something was captured, then processed and developed and then shared for others to partake in the beauty. That’s miraculous. There is tension, toxins and waiting in the process. But the results can be spectacular. 

Daily Battle Order: 

Take a moment today to see what God has been developing in your life this year.  It may be time to bring that story out of the dark room and into view so those around you may share in its beauty. 

The Joshua Commission appreciates the opportunity to share lessons and testimonies of God’s love through the Daily Battle Orders. 2020 certainly shed light on many facets of our culture, community and each of us individually. In 2021 TJC is taking a much more PROACTIVE position disciplining Kingdom Men to prevail through increasing challenges. As a Not-For-Profit Para-Church Ministry we rely on your donations to improve our operations and expand the Kingdom’s influence. Please take the time to go on our website (joshuacommission.org) and subscribe, and donate if these DBO’s are of value to you. We aren’t asking you to partner with us, we are saying you are needed to lock shields with your brothers in the battles to come.

Tomorrow we will reflect on how God is still working in our challenges and losses from 2020.[/expander_maker]

via TJC

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29:11‬ ‭NIV‬‬ [expander_maker id="2" more="Read more" less="Read less"]

“The least of you will become a thousand, the smallest a mighty nation. I am the Lord; in its time I will do this swiftly.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭60:22‬ ‭NIV‬‬

2020 has been a difficult year.  When I return to these verses, favorites of mine when I need hope and security, they can feel a little harder to wrap my head around right now.  How have the difficulties and struggles of this past year challenged you?  Have you searched for where God has been at work to prosper you when it feels like so much has been trying to harm you?  After ten plus months of a pandemic and an even longer season of political division amongst us, have you found yourself questioning God’s timing and plan?  I have been tempted more often than I want to admit and have fallen into the trap more than once.

The temptation is real but as kingdom men, warriors, followers of Christ, believers in a Father God who promises us He PLANS for our welfare, we have all we need to not get caught in the traps a year like 2020 has presented us.  This week we will reflect on the year past and set the stage for the year to come.  We pray that these daily battle orders have been more than just encouragement and also a key training resource and even a brotherhood that gives you strength for the fight.  It has certainly been that for me.

Consider the promise in Isaiah that the LEAST of us can become a thousand and the SMALLEST a mighty nation.  Tough times can make me feel LEAST or SMALL but I choose to focus on becoming a THOUSAND and taking part in growing a MIGHTY NATION (God’s Kingdom not an earthly one).  That’s what we desire for you and all the men of The Joshua Commission.  This week we will look back at challenges from 2020 to remind us where God has already taken us and brought us through, but will also look forward with hope to where He is leading us in 2021.  As Kingdon Men let’s prepare for what our Father is bringing in His timing.  He promises that in the right time (His eternal plan) He will move swiftly.  Let’s be ready!

Daily Battle Order: 

Take time today to reflect on your personal challenges from 2020.  Write them down.  Celebrate the ones God has already pulled you out of and thank Him.  If you fell into some traps that you haven’t gotten out of yet, give them to the Father and renew your faith in His plan.  Keep that list handy as we close out the year and look for God’s plans to prosper you (spiritually, tangibly, relationally or other).  We pray the Joshua Commission will be a key part of His plan for you.

The Joshua Commission appreciates the opportunity to share lessons and testimonies of God’s love through the Daily Battle Orders. 2020 certainly shed light on many facets of our culture, community and each of us individually. In 2021 TJC is taking a much more PROACTIVE position disciplining Kingdom Men to prevail through increasing challenges. As a Not-For-Profit Para-Church Ministry we rely on your donations to improve our operations and expand the Kingdom’s influence. Please take the time to go on our website (joshuacommission.org) and subscribe, and donate if these DBO’s are of value to you. We aren’t asking you to partner with us, we are saying you are needed to lock shields with your brothers in the battles to come.

Join us tomorrow as we look back at where God was at work in and through TJC in 2020..[/expander_maker]

via TJC

‭“We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love;” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭6:3-6‬ ‭ [expander_maker id="2" more="Read more" less="Read less"]

I encourage you to go read the rest of this passage through to the end of 2 Corinthians 6. It goes on to explain Paul’s hardships. This week we have walked through some of the hardships we see today. We started out with Jesus, how he exists as God’s gift, and then how we as kingdom men fit into His existence. As you can see from even the writers for TJC, the stronger you walk in your faith, the harder the enemy comes at you. None of us are immune. 

That’s why this time is so important. We have nothing else, besides Him. Everything that is good and worthwhile in this world is rooted in Him. He searches and rescues every single lost member of His kingdom, whether our time gone astray is short lived or deeply ingrained. 

Men, in tough times or not, He is unchanged. For believers, we must accept His yoke. For non-believers, let us be the hands and feet and be the stronger ox. There is fruit in every experience. This week is the framework, the direction, and the way to understand God’s greatest gift, Jesus Christ. 

Yesterday, we celebrated the birth of Christ. I don’t know where you are at. I don’t know if you have accepted Christ and are ready to give Him your yoke. God may have placed you in someone’s life to show them that His yoke is light, or He may have placed someone in your life to show you the same. 

Daily Battle Order: 

Look around you. God’s searching for you, searching to use you, or both, to expand His kingdom. God sent His only Son to die for our sins so that we literally just have to do one thing…come home. If we get you to understand and remember one thing this week, remember that. 

**The Joshua Commission appreciates the opportunity to share lessons and testimonies of God’s love through the Daily Battle Orders. 2020 has certainly shed light on many facets of our culture, community and each of us individually. In 2021 TJC is taking a much more PROACTIVE position disciplining Kingdom Men to prevail through increasing challenges. As a Not-For-Profit Para-Church we rely on your donations to improve our operations and expand the Kingdoms influence. Please take the time to go on our website (joshuacommission.org) and subscribe, and donate if these DBO’s are of value to you. We aren’t asking you to partner with us, we are saying you are needed to lock shields with your brothers in the battles to come.**[/expander_maker]

via TJC

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). Matthew 1:22-23[expander_maker id="2" more="Read more" less="Read less"]

The last few Christmases have been rather non-traditional for me. Yet through it all, God has never left me. Instead, He and He alone has carried me through some very unexpected and challenging times and has given me unexpected joy in the midst of my struggles. 

In 2018, my family woke up Christmas morning at St. Jude’s in the ICU. My daughter was 2 years old at the time. She had spent the last 48-72 hours on a ventilator following a 6-hour brain surgery. Four weeks earlier, my wife and I were expecting our second child, we thought our 2-year-old daughter was as healthy as could be, and we were planning our normal Christmas routine. Over the next four weeks, we had a miscarriage, we found out our daughter had a terminal brainstem tumor, and we woke up in the ICU on Christmas with her. This is not the Christmas we had planned just four weeks prior. But that day, I received the greatest gift I could ever imagine. The doctors deemed that my daughter was strong enough for us to hold that morning. And so Christmas morning, my daughter was able to get out of bed for the first time in 3 days, and I got to hold her in my arms. And a few days later, the doctors aligned their prognosis with God’s and told me that my daughter’s diagnosis was not terminal. 

In 2019, I had pneumonia and was bedridden for all of our Christmas festivities. I was unable to enjoy most of our traditions. Again, my plans did not go the way I wanted. However, God showed me how blessed I truly was. I was able to wake up in my own home and not the ICU. My daughter got to run around and enjoy time with both sets of grandparents and all of her cousins. Even though I was sick, I could see how far God carried my family.

This year, once again, Christmas is not what I imagined. Again, most of my plans did not come into fruition. Like most of you, I am unable to gather with family due to the pandemic. On top of that, my uncle, my dad’s older brother died this week from COVID-19. I do not know what unexpected perspective God is going to give me from this situation, but I do know He is with me. 

Daily Battle Order: 

Today, we celebrate Christmas. The day God sent His Son to walk among us, to show us what love is and to give us the greatest gifts, his example and our salvation. That way, all of us may be restored into a relationship with Him and can have eternal life. God is always with us and because Jesus took on human form and all of our sins, Jesus understands our hardships and struggles. As a result, we worship a God who is both always with us and can always identify with our situations, both good and bad.

**The Joshua Commission appreciates the opportunity to share lessons and testimonies of God’s love through the Daily Battle Orders. 2020 has certainly shed light on many facets of our culture, community and each of us individually. In 2021 TJC is taking a much more PROACTIVE position disciplining Kingdom Men to prevail through increasing challenges. As a Not-For-Profit Para-Church we rely on your donations to improve our operations and expand the Kingdoms influence. Please take the time to go on our website (joshuacommission.org) and subscribe, and donate if these DBO’s are of value to you. We aren’t asking you to partner with us, we are saying you are needed to lock shields with your brothers in the battles to come.**[/expander_maker]