A very TELLING thing

 Ecclesiastes 7:12

King James Version

12 For wisdom is a defence, 

and money is a defence: 

but the excellency of knowledge is, 

that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.

Six days after president Trump was inaugurated into the Oval Office, Pete Hegseth was appointed Secretary of Defense on 26 January 2025.

Just like many, I, too, waited for both to go into office.

One without the other won't do.

Those who look to GOD for security, those who work for Him, those who have given their lives for the LORD, those who support the "weak", those who defend their nations, those appointed by Him are all soldiers of CHRIST.

We all work together for the defense of GOD's commands, according to GOD's will, for the survival of people, and nations -- especially Israel, GOD's chosen nation.

We are called "watchmen".

Now, it's very telling that in the Trump administration, the Department of Defense is alternately called the "Department of War".

The DOW history can be summed up here --

The beginning:

"Shortly after the establishment of a government under President George Washington in 1789, Congress reestablished the War Department as a civilian agency to administer the field army under the president (as commander-in-chief) and the secretary of war.[5] Retired senior General Henry Knox, then in civilian life, served as the first United States secretary of war."

-- "DOW -- 18th  century", Wikipedia

The end:

"In the aftermath of World War II, the American government (among others around the world) decided to abandon the word 'War'* when referring to the civilian leadership of their military."

-- "Post-war Organization", Wikipedia

And now?

On September 5, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order authorizing "Department of War" and "secretary of war" as secondary titles to the main titles of "Department of Defense" and "secretary of defense." 

-- "Department of Defense -- Name", Wikipedia

It was also a sign of the times.

That America needs to be ready.

She is merely reinforcing what Trump already said, even during his campaign.

"Peace, through strength."

As well as what Hegseth already said before, too:

1. RESTORE the warrior ethos.

2. REBUILD our military.

3. RE-ESTABLISH deterrence.

-- "STRONGER fighting FORCE"

Have they both accomplished it?

Have a look at what DOW shared on its website:

"365 Days of Of Peace Through Strength"

Isn't it contrary, then?

Wherein Trump wants peace?

And yet restores the Department of War?

Hardly, if we go by what's happening in the world today.

Wherein many nations have declared war, on both Israel, and America.

Trump and Hegseth have been consistent.

They both want peace for America, and the world.

But in doing so, Hegseth reminds us of his motto as he led his platoon in his early days:

"Those who long for peace, 

must prepare for war."

President Trump is merely bringing back America to the forefront, with peace, power, and prosperity.

America has suffered too long, through woke policies imposed upon her.

Now, through Trump, Hegseth, their cabinet, and the American people, America will regain respect once again.

And yes, she's preparing for any war "eventuality".

Only because others have challenged her to it.

Let that not catch you by surprise.

For the last two years, we've been alerting you to it, especially "spiritually".

Let our selves, homes, families, communities, cities, industries, and nations not be laid bare before our enemies.

It's time to "FORTIFY your FORTRESS".

And if you want to win, there can be no victory, unless you have CHRIST.

Matthew 28:18

King James Version

18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, 

All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

John 15:5

King James Version

5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: 

He that abideth in me, and I in him, 

the same bringeth forth much fruit: 

for without me ye can do nothing.

1 Corinthians 15:57-58

King James Version

57 But thanks be to God, 

which giveth us the victory 

through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, 

be ye stedfast, unmoveable, 

always abounding in the work of the Lord, 

forasmuch as ye know that your labour 

is not in vain in the Lord.

Mercifully, both Trump and Hegseth seem to honor the LORD, and have acknowledged His power over their life and work.

Look to the LORD JESUS, folks!

Listen to the HOLY SPIRIT, Who JESUS left us with as He went back to sit at the right hand of GOD.

Only the TRIUNE GOD has REAL power.

PEACE comes through JESUS alone.

Therein lies your victory.

*NOTE:

The only American organizations retaining the name "War" are these service "war colleges":

Army War College (AWC)

Naval War College (NWC)

Air War College (AWC)

All these "train U.S. military officers in tactics, operations and strategies".

Related material:

VICTORY through JESUS

VICTORY through CHRIST verses

BEING part of GOD's army

STRONGER fighting FORCE

SUPPORTING the WEAK

Articles on AMERICA

GOD's GLORY blogs

BORN AGAIN classics

The REAL battle

 Ephesians 6:11-12

King James Version

11 Put on the whole armour of God, 

that ye may be able to stand 

against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, 

but against principalities, 

against powers, 

against the rulers of the darkness of this world, 

against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Any war is a spiritual war.

And we happen to be ignorant on many fronts.

Much as man refuses to think so.

We think the enemy before us is real.

What is more real is the enemy BEHIND the enemy.

The one who thought up all that war.

Who do we think that is?

Do we really think Israel is battling Ham and Hez alone?

Do we really think they're battling Iran, and other allies alone?

Do we really think any battle can be won by ourselves?

That's why Satan's laughing.

Even as he, himself, has a "serious learning disability".

Man has no idea who he's really fighting.

Neither has he any idea who instigated the wars.

Much less know he's a pawn in all these.

A spiritual battle is quite simple.

There are only two fighting it.

Satan fighting against GOD.

The least, took on the GREATEST.

The created, took on the CREATOR.

Which is a no-win situation.

The enemy is truly deluded.

And because he cannot defeat GOD, he uses "proxies".

He uses men, and particularly women.

He even "jumbled" all the genders.

Which resulted in even more perverse thinking.

Corruption reaching the core and marrow of our being.

And we wonder why we get sick.

Mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually.

With Satan at its core.

Now, turn everything around.

Imagine you're born again.

Being taught by the HOLY SPIRIT.

Following the LORD's commands.

Believing in JESUS.

Loving GOD.

Repenting of your sins.

Living by the Bible.

How can you possibly lose?

Not content with defiling us, the enemy went for the jugular.

He wants to destroy Israel.

He assembled all the envy, and hatred, among people.

Israel is successful, because GOD made her successful.

She is  GOD's holy nation.

Anyone who fights against Israel fights GOD.

Anyone who challenges Israel, challenges GOD.

How do you think GOD will respond to such attacks?

Yes, Israel is far from perfect.

She has sinned many times against GOD.

She hasn't acknowledged JESUS as Messiah.

But she has not lost GOD's love for her.

He chose her for His own, perfect purpose.

He judges her, as He sees fit.

You think Israel had it easy?

She has caused herself to stumble too often.

Her idolatrous nature invited GOD's wrath constantly.

But GOD's love prevails.

This is the real battle.

Between GOD, and Satan.

Between Israel, and the world.

Between love for GOD, and love for self.

Satan will manipulate your mind.

He will feed on your emotions.

Especially if you are harboring lust, greed, pride, envy, and vanity.

He will fuel your heart with hatred.

He will fill your mind with malice.

He will feed your soul with envy.

He will give you illusions and delusions of power.

Why else these wars?

World domination is simply a lust for power.

It's all pride, lust, greed, ego, vanity, delusion.

All the while, Satan gloats.

He has infiltrated the minds of men.

He has corrupted the women.

He has made the men corrupt the women.

He has made women corrupt the men.

Worse, they're headed for the children.

Incurring JESUS' wrath.

The LORD warned all of us:

Matthew 18:6-7

King James Version

6 But whoso shall offend 

one of these little ones which believe in me, 

it were better for him that a millstone 

were hanged about his neck, 

and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

7 Woe unto the world because of offences! 

for it must needs be that offences come; 

but woe to that man 

by whom the offence cometh!

Neither can you touch Israel:

Zechariah 2:8 

King James Version

8 For thus saith the Lord of hosts; 

After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations 

which spoiled you: 

for he that toucheth you 

toucheth the apple of his eye.

GOD expressed His love for Israel:

Genesis 12:3

King James Version

3 And I will bless them that bless thee, 

and curse him that curseth thee: 

and in thee shall all families of the earth 

be blessed.

So, when I look at all the wars, I can only shake my head at man's ignorance.

For they know not who leads them to their destruction.

If GOD leads you, you will surely experience life, and victory.

If you let Satan lead you, expect death, and defeat.

GOD will always lead you to heaven.

Satan will always lead you to hell.

ETERNAL LIFE?

Or eternal fire?

You choose.

Related material:

The REAL enemy

CAUSE of wars

Spirit BEHIND wars

Being FREE of the spirit of war

CHOOSING is EASY

The FORGOTTEN principles

It's all PREPARATION now

CHRIST's soldier

FULL ARMOR

GOD's GLORY blogs

BORN AGAIN classics

HOW a GREAT king FIGHTS

 

1 Samuel 29:6

King James Version

6 Then Achish called David, and said unto him, 

Surely, as the Lord liveth, thou hast been upright, 

and thy going out and thy coming in with me 

in the host is good in my sight: 

for I have not found evil in thee 

since the day of thy coming unto me unto this day: 

nevertheless the lords favour thee not.

How would a great king fight?

What would it take for him to fight?

How would he defend his people?

Where would he get his counsel from?

How would he recover his people, who have been taken captive?

How would he treat his soldiers?

How would he divide the spoil?

What ensures his victory?

What does he attribute his victory to?

Compare David's experience with what Israel is going through right  now.

Notice the similarities.

Notice the differences.

1 Samuel 30:1-2

King James Version

30 And it came to pass, when David and his men 

were come to Ziklag on the third day, 

that the Amalekites had invaded the south, 

and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, 

and burned it with fire;

2 And had taken the women captives, 

that were therein: 

they slew not any, either great or small, 

but carried them away, 

and went on their way.

1 Samuel 30:3-5

King James Version

3 So David and his men came to the city, 

and, behold, it was burned with fire; 

and their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, 

were taken captives.

4 Then David and the people that were with him 

lifted up their voice and wept, 

until they had no more power to weep.

5 And David's two wives were taken captives, 

Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, 

and Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite.

1 Samuel 30:6

King James Version

6 And David was greatly distressed; 

for the people spake of stoning him, 

because the soul of all the people was grieved, 

every man for his sons and for his daughters: 

but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.

1 Samuel 30:7-8

King James Version

7 And David said to Abiathar the priest, 

Ahimelech's son, 

I pray thee, bring me hither the ephod. 

And Abiathar brought thither the ephod to David.

8 And David enquired at the Lord, saying, 

Shall I pursue after this troop? 

shall I overtake them? 

And he answered him, 

Pursue: 

for thou shalt surely overtake them, 

and without fail recover all.

1 Samuel 30:9-10

King James Version

9 So David went, 

he and the six hundred men that were with him, 

and came to the brook Besor, 

where those that were left behind stayed.

10 But David pursued, 

he and four hundred men: 

for two hundred abode behind, which were so faint 

that they could not go over the brook Besor.

1 Samuel 30:11-12

King James Version

11 And they found an Egyptian in the field, 

and brought him to David, 

and gave him bread, and he did eat; 

and they made him drink water;

12 And they gave him a piece of a cake of figs, 

and two clusters of raisins: 

and when he had eaten, his spirit came again to him: 

for he had eaten no bread, nor drunk any water, 

three days and three nights.

1 Samuel 30:13-14

King James Version

13 And David said unto him, 

To whom belongest thou? 

and whence art thou? 

And he said, I am a young man of Egypt, 

servant to an Amalekite; 

and my master left me, 

because three days agone I fell sick.

14 We made an invasion upon the south of the Cherethites, 

and upon the coast which belongeth to Judah, 

and upon the south of Caleb; 

and we burned Ziklag with fire.

1 Samuel 30:15

King James Version

15 And David said to him, 

Canst thou bring me down to this company? 

And he said, 

Swear unto me by God, 

that thou wilt neither kill me, 

nor deliver me into the hands of my master, 

and I will bring thee down to this company.

1 Samuel 30:16-17

King James Version

16 And when he had brought him down, 

behold, they were spread abroad upon all the earth, 

eating and drinking, and dancing, 

because of all the great spoil that they had taken 

out of the land of the Philistines, 

and out of the land of Judah.

17 And David smote them from the twilight 

even unto the evening of the next day: 

and there escaped not a man of them, 

save four hundred young men, 

which rode upon camels, and fled.

1 Samuel 30:18-19

King James Version

18 And David recovered 

all that the Amalekites had carried away: 

and David rescued his two wives.

19 And there was nothing lacking to them, 

neither small nor great, neither sons nor daughters, 

neither spoil, nor any thing 

that they had taken to them: 

David recovered all.

1 Samuel 30:20

King James Version

20 And David took all the flocks and the herds, 

which they drave before those other cattle, 

and said, 

This is David's spoil.

1 Samuel 30:21

King James Version

21 And David came to the two hundred men, 

which were so faint that they could not follow David, 

whom they had made also to abide at the brook Besor: 

and they went forth to meet David, 

and to meet the people that were with him: 

and when David came near to the people, 

he saluted them.

1 Samuel 30:22-25

King James Version

22 Then answered all the wicked men and men of Belial, 

of those that went with David, and said, 

Because they went not with us, 

we will not give them ought of the spoil 

that we have recovered, 

save to every man his wife and his children, 

that they may lead them away, and depart.

23 Then said David, 

Ye shall not do so, my brethren, 

with that which the Lord hath given us, 

who hath preserved us, 

and delivered the company 

that came against us into our hand.

24 For who will hearken unto you in this matter? 

but as his part is that goeth down to the battle, 

so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff: 

they shall part alike.

25 And it was so from that day forward, 

that he made it a statute 

and an ordinance for Israel unto this day.

1 Samuel 30:26-31

King James Version

26 And when David came to Ziklag, 

he sent of the spoil unto the elders of Judah, 

even to his friends, saying, 

Behold a present for you of the spoil 

of the enemies of the Lord;

27 To them which were in Bethel, 

and to them which were in south Ramoth, 

and to them which were in Jattir,

28 And to them which were in Aroer, 

and to them which were in Siphmoth, 

and to them which were in Eshtemoa,

29 And to them which were in Rachal, 

and to them which were in the cities of the Jerahmeelites, 

and to them which were in the cities of the Kenites,

30 And to them which were in Hormah, 

and to them which were in Chorashan, 

and to them which were in Athach,

31 And to them which were in Hebron, 

and to all the places where David himself 

and his men were wont to haunt.

Now you saw how a man of GOD, a great king, governs.

You saw how David sought GOD first -- BEFORE battle.

You saw how he fought his enemies, and recovered his people.

You saw how he honored his tired soldiers who could fight no more.

You saw how he divided the spoil.

You saw the kinds of battle GOD prepares His people for.

Most importantly, you saw how GOD cares for His people.

Especially an anointed king of His.

And a chosen nation of His.

GOD ensures the faithful's victory.

But VICTORY, and GLORY, always belong to GOD.

David knew that, thus, his approach.

Are you a man of GOD?

Then, you know how we fight.

And win wars -- of any sort.

ALWAYS from the SPIRIT of GOD.

ALWAYS for GOD's GLORY.

ALWAYS through JESUS.

For these are evil times.

Expect constant ambush from the enemy of CHRIST.

Who feeds upon unbelievers.

That's where the real battle is.

2 Corinthians 4:4

King James Version

4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded 

the minds of them which believe not, 

lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, 

who is the image of God, 

should shine unto them.

Ephesians 6:12

King James Version

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, 

but against principalities, 

against powers, 

against the rulers of the darkness of this world, 

against spiritual wickedness in high places.

I thank John MacArthur for his sermon, which gave me this  Samuel chapter to weave from -- so very apt for these times.

Related material:

SPIRITUAL WARRIORSHIP

SOLDIER of CHRIST

WARRIOR of the SPIRIT

Image: Free Bible Images

The LORD's restraint

 

The PRINCE of PEACE:

John 14:27

King James Version

27 Peace I leave with you, 

my peace I give unto you: 

not as the world giveth, give I unto you. 

Let not your heart be troubled, 

neither let it be afraid.

What did JESUS think of war?

What did He think of violence?

How much did He love us?

Let Scripture tell us the ways of the LORD.

One particular instance stands out:

Matthew 26:46-56

King James Version

46 Rise, let us be going: 

behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.

47 And while he yet spake, 

lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, 

and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, 

from the chief priests and elders of the people.

48 Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, 

saying, 

Whomsoever I shall kiss, 

that same is he: 

hold him fast.

49 And forthwith he came to Jesus, 

and said, 

Hail, master; 

and kissed him.

50 And Jesus said unto him, 

Friend, 

wherefore art thou come? 

Then came they, 

and laid hands on Jesus and took him.

51 And, behold, 

one of them which were with Jesus 

stretched out his hand, 

and drew his sword, 

and struck a servant of the high priest's, 

and smote off his ear.

52 Then said Jesus unto him, 

Put up again thy sword into his place: 

for all they that take the sword 

shall perish with the sword.

53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, 

and he shall presently give me 

more than twelve legions of angels?

54 But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, 

that thus it must be?

55 In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, 

Are ye come out as against a thief 

with swords and staves for to take me? 

I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, 

and ye laid no hold on me.

56 But all this was done, 

that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. 

Then all the disciples forsook him, 

and fled.

We really have no idea GOD's power.

Worse, we have no idea His long-suffering love for us.

And the restraint He shows, in not wiping out humanity.

Every time man boasts, I can only think of GOD's POWER.

Oftentimes coursed through His angels.

And that's for the next post.

Related material:

JESUS

PEACE through JESUS

GOD, wars, and PROPHETS

Image: Free Bible Images

Being FREE of the spirit of war

 2 Corinthians 3:17

King James Version

17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: 

and where the Spirit of the Lord is, 

there is liberty.

How to be free from the spirit that induces the lust for wars?

In CHRIST is liberty.

In SPIRIT is liberty.

In Scripture is liberty.

These verses tell us more:

Mark 1:15

King James Version

15 And saying, 

The time is fulfilled, 

and the kingdom of God is at hand: 

repent ye, 

and believe the gospel.

John 3:5-7

King James Version

5 Jesus answered, 

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, 

Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, 

he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; 

and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, 

Ye must be born again.

John 14:1

King James Version

14 Let not your heart be troubled: 

ye believe in God, believe also in me.

Galatians 5:16-21

King James Version

16 This I say then, 

Walk in the Spirit, 

and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, 

and the Spirit against the flesh: 

and these are contrary the one to the other: 

so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, 

ye are not under the law.

19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, 

which are these; 

Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, 

emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, 

revellings, and such like: 

of the which I tell you before, 

as I have also told you in time past, 

that they which do such things 

shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Galatians 5:22-23

King James Version

22 But the fruit of the Spirit 

is love, joy, peace, 

longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

23 Meekness, temperance: 

against such there is no law.

Galatians 5:24-26

King James Version

24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh 

with the affections and lusts.

25 If we live in the Spirit, 

let us also walk in the Spirit.

26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, 

provoking one another, 

envying one another.

Ephesians 2:1-7

King James Version

2 And you hath he quickened, 

who were dead in trespasses and sins;

2 Wherein in time past 

ye walked according to the course of this world, 

according to the prince of the power of the air, 

the spirit that now worketh 

in the children of disobedience:

3 Among whom also we all had our conversation 

in times past in the lusts of our flesh, 

fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; 

and were by nature the children of wrath, 

even as others.

4 But God, 

who is rich in mercy, 

for his great love wherewith he loved us,

5 Even when we were dead in sins, 

hath quickened us together with Christ, 

(by grace ye are saved;)

6 And hath raised us up together, 

and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

7 That in the ages to come 

he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace 

in his kindness toward us 

through Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 2:8-10

King James Version

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; 

and that not of yourselves: 

it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

10 For we are his workmanship, 

created in Christ Jesus unto good works, 

which God hath before ordained 

that we should walk in them.

James 4:7

King James Version

7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. 

Resist the devil, 

and he will flee from you.

James 4:8

King James Version

8 Draw nigh to God, 

and he will draw nigh to you. 

Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; 

and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

James 4:9

King James Version

9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: 

let your laughter be turned to mourning, 

and your joy to heaviness.

James 4:10

King James Version

10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, 

and he shall lift you up.

James 4:11-12

King James Version

11 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. 

He that speaketh evil of his brother, 

and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, 

and judgeth the law: 

but if thou judge the law, 

thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.

12 There is one lawgiver, 

who is able to save and to destroy: 

who art thou that judgest another?

Lastly, the most difficult lesson of all:

Romans 12:19

King James Version

19 Dearly beloved, 

avenge not yourselves, 

but rather give place unto wrath: 

for it is written, 

Vengeance is mine; 

I will repay, 

saith the Lord.

In GOD is peace.

In GOD is strength.

In GOD is justice.

Find out how JESUS responds to violence.

Click here for the next post.

Related posts:

cause of wars

spirit behind wars

born again classics

The HOLY SPIRIT

SPIRIT of GOD

Image: Clipart Library