The 101st

The 101st Airborne Division has become renowned for its bravery, rapid deployment, and prowess against the enemy. I have friends who have served with distinction in that historic unit.

King David was a great and valiant military leader. Even more so, David was a passionate spiritual leader who went hard after God. He knew what it was to fall into sin, but he also knew that God is “rich in mercy”. I love the sweet sound of this scripture, “But God who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us” (Ephesians 2:4 KFV). David learned not only how to fight the enemies of Israel but also the enemy of the soul – Satan.

We need to call on God’s airborne division and fight against “principalities and powers in heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:10-18). In the 101st Psalm David reveals his militancy against the powers of sin and Satan. We are to be gate-keepers of our hearts and homes. David was determined not to compromise with the enemy. “I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. When will you come to me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me” (Psalm 101:2-3).

Victory starts in our hearts and homes. It must be a priority to please God in our homes. Family relationships are where true godliness must first be developed and demonstrated. The purpose and direction of our hearts must be to seek God in prayer. Read and meditate on God’s Word, pray and share the Word together as a family and show love and care to members of your family. Make no mistake about it; the enemy is out to destroy families. Be a part of God’s “101st Airborne”. Be militant against the devil and sin.

Today it is common for people to be entertained by using their eyes to view violence, sexual immorality, sensuality, pornography, acts of perversion, and evil of all kinds to gratify the lust and desires of the flesh. Through numerous forms of media, every imaginable form of evil is dramatized and made available for young and old consumers alike. We must show uncommon valor to stand up against the devices of the enemy that is bombarding our nation and families. Like David, we must guard our hearts and eyes from viewing or being entertained by things that God Himself regards as vile. God calls the righteous to hate and shun evil. (Psalm 97:10) and to guard their lives and families by setting nothing before their eyes that would displease or grieve the Holy Spirit. (Romans 1:32). “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8). We must show uncommon courage and speak up for common decency in the public arena of America.

My grandchildren love Disney’s “101 Dalmatians”. I’ve probably watched the video or read the book with them too many times to count. Dalmatians Pongo and Perdy and their human “pets” Roger and Anita are overjoyed by the arrival of 15 puppies. But the evil Ms Cruella DeVil and her cohorts scheme to steal the puppies. Ms DeVil has a penchant for spotted fur coats. Pongo and Perdy rally the town’s animals to rescue the 101 Dalmatians stolen by Ms DeVil.

While “101 Dalmatians” is a hilarious comedy, Satan is dead serious about stealing the virtue and soul of our hearts and children. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about seeking whom he may devour: Who resist steadfast in the faith” (I Peter 5:8-9). There is pardon, protection, and power in the blood of Jesus Christ that was shed on the cross for our redemption and salvation from the power of sin and death. (I Peter 1:13-23)

If you have been wounded or fallen victim to the enemy of your soul, you can experience victory, restoration, and renewal. “I will sing of your love and justice; to you, O Lord, I will sing praise” (Psalm 101:1).

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9).

Be a part of God’s “101st Airborne”. Take a vigilant stand against the enemy of your heart and home.

by: Cliff Sanders