This event took place over fifty years ago, but I still remember it like it was yesterday. Let me share a wonderful verse for us as we begin a new year of Daily Prescriptions. “This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy…that thou mightest war a good warfare” (1 Timothy 1:18).

I rode in the hearse with the funeral director. As we returned to the funeral home following the committal service at the cemetery as he started to share with me. He was somber following the burial that had taken place with full military honors. Many years before this, the funeral director had been captured and held as a prisoner of war. Though our conversation was brief, I will never forget how he described the price he and others paid in defending our nation.

“I still cannot eat carrots, Pastor. When I was a POW, I often was fed spoiled carrots. Still can’t eat them, and folks don’t have any idea what price has been paid by service folks.”

It made me think of the description that Paul used with his son in the faith. Young Timothy would have to remember that living for the Lord would necessitate spiritual warfare. This battle against sin, sinful philosophies, and Satan is daily in its scope and focus. Battle well, dear believer! War a good warfare. Keep focused on the Lord and stay in His Word today.

Be encouraged and challenged with me today: We need to pray for each other and remember that we are in the battle together!