American flags, fireworks, special foods, parades, and memories fill almost 250 years of celebration-July 4th! In those days we were sure we had arrived, independence at last and the fighting was to be over… or was it?

Since the Civil War, we have been involved in at least six wars with congress declaring war on eleven separate occasions! One writer explains that warfare reveals a complex tapestry of human ambition, emotion, and ideology that often leads to violence on a grand scale. If this is so, then when will the fighting be over?

To answer this question, we need to know where it all began, and this answer still surprises many. Yes, heaven, itself was the place, and the conflict was so widespread that it traveled light years to this planet! Rev. 12:7 Like a universal disease conflict has ravaged every corner of this planet we call home. The cries for relief can be heard from deep within the hearts of all people, cries for peace! (Ps. 119:165)

Since war and conflict began in heaven, that is where we must look for a solution. Can we find light amidst this overpowering darkness? Yes, there is good news, and it is found in Jesus who is the Light of this world (Jn 8:12) He left heaven to end this painful conflict and gave His life so that we might have eternal life! (John 3:16) In Him is the answer, He is where we find the identity of the enemy and the solution to his deception.

When the enemy of light, Lucifer was his name, now known as Satan, the devil, the evil one, made his decision to deceive the angels in heaven fully one-third of that population fell to the deceptions of Satan and ultimately followed him away from their perfect home. (Rev. 12: 7-9)

On earth, in a peaceful and beautiful garden Satan found a place to vent his rage and anger. Not content to leave Adam and Eve, the tenders of the garden, to their happy work, he sought to continue his deception and his strategy of war and conflict. Unfortunately, he was partially successful as he polished these dangerous tools in preparation for being used on every generation that followed. (Gen. 3:1-6) Six thousand years ago this trail of darkness began its journey winding through the centuries of time to today.

The bottom line, choosing good over evil. In your daily life, right over wrong, and darkness over light. Yes, there are tough situations; He knows and will help you; you are not alone! Heb. 13: 3 Freedom to forgive opens the door to peace. He is love and will share that love with you, giving you the opportunity to share it with others…It will cast out fear! He loves you more than you could ever measure. (Ps. 139: 15-17)

Here at Grace Abounds we just returned from a large Kentucky encampment where we met many wonderful people and were able to bless through music, prayer, sharing the Word, introducing the “MuHea” project and much more. You will be hearing about this exciting effort soon. We are faith based and cannot keep this ship moving on the waters that are becoming stormy in this time of earth’s history. Without your help financially and your prayers we cannot reach the people desperate for encouragement and answers to the problems they face today. Any amount, especially monthly donations, is extremely helpful in meeting expenses.

Until next time…, Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound (be more clearly seen), but where sin abounds, grace does much more abound!! (Romans 5:20)