A Mighty Fortress

304 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from 2Ti 4:17,18) But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. 18 And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen! (2 Ti 4:17,18) Paul is speaking of his first trial in Rome where he was greatly opposed by Alexander the coppersmith. Everyone had abandoned Paul because it was dangerous to be associated with him and his message of Christ alone for salvation. Try to get the picture. A courtroom where life and death is at stake and you are the defendant with absolutely no one in your corner. The prosecutor and Alexander probably felt pretty smug! Snuff out Paul and this Christianity thing will be over once and for all right? But Paul had a defense attorney by his side and He would not be stopped! And I am reminded of the words of Luther's classic Hymn: A Mighty Fortress! A mighty Fortress is our God, A bulwark never failing Our helper HE amid the flood, Of mortal ills prevailing For still our ancient foe, doth seek to work us woe His craft and pow'r are great, And armed with cruel hate. On earth is not his equal. Did we in our own strength confide, Our striving would be losing. Were not the right man on our side, The Man of God's own choosing. Dost ask who that may be” Christ Jesus, it is He! Lord Sabaoth His name, from age to age the same, and He must win the battle And tho' the world with devils filled, should threaten to undo us. We will not fear for God has willed, His truth to triumph through us The prince of darkness grim, we tremble not for him His rage we can endure For lo his doom is sure one little word shall fell him. That word above all earthly pow'rs No thanks to them abideth The Spirit and the gifts are ours, thro' Him who with us sideth Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also The body they may kill, God's truth abideth still His kingdom is forever. On Earth is not his equal. Are you up against it today? Do you feel like you are the last one standing. Is the great enemy pressing in on all sides, hounding you, squeezing you? Accusing you? Take heart from this passage in Timothy. Let the words of this hymn fill your heart! Sing it loud and clear knowing that the right man is standing at your side, then stand!