The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel. (Joel 3:16)

When I first came to the Lord, over fifty years ago, it was a blessing to come to church and sing "What a Friend We Have In Jesus." While this is always good, it seems today the Spirit of God is pressing for more warlike services.

A row of people waving banners and hurling them downward in unison of praise and spiritual battle may seem inappropriate when the outside community is laboring in spiritual darkness. But this is the way God operates. Let us work with God and not attempt to save the world with our own wisdom, strength, and talents. Nothing of eternal worth is going to be accomplished in the Kingdom except as God binds the strong man, and God will not bind the strong man until we follow God's procedures.

Divine authority is being given to the elders so there may be discipline among the troops. The soldiers are dead-living people. They have been crucified with Christ and now Christ is living in them. They are learning to march every one in his rank without turning to the left or right. One does not thrust the other. All eyes are on the Commander in Chief, the Lord Jesus Christ.

The saints of all ages are cheering us onward while they themselves are being prepared in the heavenlies. No doubt the white war stallions are being trained to fight along with their riders.

It is the day of vengeance of our God. The time of Satan and his forces is short and they are filled with wrath. It is Christ against Anti-Christ, God against Satan, the Holy Spirit against the False Prophet.

The Lord Jesus is looking for faithful officers in our day. The one trumpet is sounding that summons the leaders.

And if they blow but with one trumpet, then the princes, which are heads of the thousands of Israel, shall gather themselves unto thee. (Numbers 10:4)

When the second trumpet sounds it will be time for all Israel to gather together and march forward into the land of promise.

As much as possible, make certain that you and your loved ones are prepared for the time of judgment that even now is appearing on the horizon. The day of redemption will be glorious beyond belief for God's faithful soldiers. The day of redemption will be terrifying beyond belief for those who have rebelled against God, particularly the sinners in the churches.

The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings? (Isaiah 33:14)

Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand; (Joel 2:1) (from The Day of Redemption)