Onward Christian Soldiers, was one of my favourite hymns when I was young. I remember at church the minister had problems getting us to sing at all. A lot to do with the high notes of the many hymns of that day that we couldn’t reach. I remember it wasn’t just my favourite, but the whole church would sing it confidently on top of our voices. One of my favourite verses of that hymn is

Like a mighty army moves the church of God. Brothers we are treading where saints have trod before. We are not divided all one body we. One in hope and doctrine and one in charity.

We are in the last hour of the last day, which I think many of us realise by now. And there will never be a time in history like what we about to step into. My prayer is that we will all become the most courageous saints that has ever walked this earth. Because we are going to need courage to do the will of God in these days. We will be hated for our faith. Many of us will be treading where the saints have trod before and some I believe even greater still. Because God is doing a new thing according to the modern prophets of today.

We need to praise God as often as we can and if possible sing uplifting songs that move our spirit in true worship. When we make a habit of speaking or singing life into our lives, it will strengthen us in the battle against Satan and the troubles we are currently in and that of the future. God is more likely to answer prayers more powerfully to those who praise God the most. We have to remember it is not a religion God wants, but a loving relationship with Him.

I had a dream from God when I was young that Satan’s army was on the left side, violent with all the things of a nasty evil war. What I saw on the right side was God’s army all singing praises to God. Jumping up and down with great joy and worshiping God.

Nehemiah 8:10. The joy of the Lord is your strength.

When we put our minds on the goodness of God, God responds not only with His presence, but with His power. Prayer and praising God is so powerful a tool against the enemy that is all we have to do at times. God is quiet able to defeat the army of Satan by Himself, but He wants us to share in the victory. And we do that by praising Him, glorifying Him, worshiping Him, and being obedient to His will and then the result will be, you become a powerful overcomer for God. Victorious warrior in Christ Jesus army.

Luke 6:23. Be happy! Yes, leap for joy! For a great reward awaits you in heaven.

True followers of Christ in the last days will be hated by the world, and by many people who call themselves Christians that are not truly following Jesus will hate us too. Back to the dream I had, the thing is not only was God’s army giving God praise they were of one accord. No two Christians are going to agree on everything, but we can be united by obeying God’s Commandments, which is love.

John 13:34-35. “So now I am giving you a new commandment; love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are My disciples.”

God’s word is not to be tampered with. And when God has truly got you to correct somebody, you do it out of the love for God and the person you have been told to correct. You know when God is telling you to do so, He puts it in your spirit. What I have noticed and I believe many of you also have found, many people don’t want to hear the truth unless it pleases them.

In an army the soldiers have to obey their officers and we have to obey Jesus who is our commander. The Bible explains clearly the will of God and how to obey Him. So there is a genuine war going on between good and evil. People are twisting the truth knowingly to suit themselves, on one hand, and on the other there are Christians with different doctrines that genuinely love God. Jesus tells us how to discern a true prophet from a false one, by their fruits. In other words are they obeying the commandment of love or not? Love is not always lovely dovey. Love can correct a person because they genuinely want that person saved, but before you go ahead and correct someone, make sure it is Gods’ will for you to do so. A lot of times it is best to agree to disagree or simply turning the other cheek. Humility has to be present also. Many people unfortunately just want to be right and cause division through self-righteousness.

The hymn Onward Christian Soldiers is one of my favourites, because it assures me we are victorious in Christ Jesus. I sing it most days, not long after I get out of bed. My voice is horrible but I love to sing, especially praise and worship songs. The hymn strengthens my faith and it makes me joyful that I belong to such a powerful army of God, who will help usher in the Kingdom of God on earth. I love all the verses of that hymn, but I just write one more verse down to remind us we are supposed to be united not divided.

Onward then ye people join our happy throng. Blend with ours your voices in the triumph song. Glory, praise and honour unto Christ the King. This through countless ages men and angels sing.

The chorus

Onward, Christian soldiers! Marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus, going on before.

Prayer is so powerful and we need to pray for everybody not just our family.