The proud warrior stood in the face of his enemy
To battle with all of his might
The crowd gathered round
They were filled with intensity
To see who would win in the fight
Now most folks would cheer for the proud warrior’s legacy
Hoping for bloodshed and death
The time was approaching
The battle was almost here
When from the shadows the lamb now appeared
Offering a rose to the warrior that day
In total humility and love
But the proud warrior offered no more than a sword
As the battle had finally begun
The news spread like wildfire
The warrior was victorious and strong
But history would prove that his victory wasn’t victory at all
And pride goes before a fall
The lamb died that day for us all
The masses continued to follow the warrior
So proud of the wars he had won
But for those who believed in the humble contender
They bowed the knee for what he had done
They sang “Jesus Rose of Sharon bloom here within my heart
Bloom here with radiance, humility and love
Bloom here within my heart
Just as I Am, oh Lamb of God”
(Repeat)
The proud warrior stood in the face of his enemy to fight
Giving it his all with every strength, every weapon and all his might
The crowd gathered around as the intensity did grow
Waiting to see what weapons they would choose; who would deliver the final blow
Most cheered for the proud warrior, much fewer for the contender
They were hoping for bloodshed and violence, and that the other would have to surrender
Chronos…the battle time came near
The time was approaching as the intensity grew stronger
When will the battle start?, they asked…how much longer?
As the lamb of God in starking humility approached the proud warrior from the shadows
He reached out his hand and simply offered the proud warrior a rose
And with one blow after another, the proud warrior offered to the crowd a slaying
The crowd cheered in delight; but there remained a handful who dropped to their knees and started praying
The news spread like wildfire; how the proud warrior was victorious and strong
But history would prove this victory wasn’t a victory at all, as the score of this battle was called wrong
Kairos…the battle was not over
The masses continued to follow the proud warrior because they themselves were proud
But the lamb of God had a remnant of believers, and to him they humbly bowed
Scripture: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” – Ephesians 6:10-12
Devotional:
Have you ever stepped out to do something good, only to be met with resistance, criticism, or even hostility? It’s a painful reality that good deeds are not always met with appreciation. Sometimes, they invite opposition. But why?
Because we live in a world where good and evil are at war. Every act of kindness is a declaration that darkness will not have the final say. Every moment of compassion is a small victory against the cruelty of this world. And yet, the enemy does not sit idly by.
It can be discouraging when our efforts to help others are misunderstood or rejected. The enemy whispers, “Why bother? Just walk away.” But God calls us to stand firm. He reminds us that we do not battle against people, but against spiritual forces that seek to discourage, divide, and destroy.
Imagine a world where no one showed up to fight evil with good. Where sadness had no answer in joy, sorrow no relief in kindness, and despair no comfort in love. That is what happens when we choose to retreat, when we allow fear or frustration to silence the good that God has placed in our hearts.
But the Spirit calls us forward. Step in front of opportunity before it passes you by. Give what you can, even when it’s not easy. Stand strong, even when opposition comes. Do not fear, for God’s strength upholds you.
Yes, good deeds may invite difficulty. But they also invite the presence of God. They bring light where darkness looms. They plant seeds of hope in places of despair. And in the end, they reflect the love of Christ—who faced the ultimate rejection for the greatest act of love.
So today, choose to keep doing good. Choose to keep showing up. Choose to fight darkness with light. And when the enemy whispers that it’s not worth it, let your heart reply: “I will not grow weary in doing good, for in due season, I will reap a harvest if I do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Thank You for calling me to be a light in this world. I confess that at times I feel discouraged when my kindness is met with resistance. But Lord, I know that I am not fighting against people, but against the darkness that seeks to overcome good. Strengthen me to stand firm. Equip me with Your armor so I may continue to do what is right, even when it is difficult. Help me to show love, joy, and mercy, trusting that You are working through every act of kindness. I surrender my fears and frustrations to You, and I ask for the courage to keep walking in Your goodness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Writing:
We were at a park where many homeless gathered. We bought burgers and fries from 5 Guys…and were handing them out. A woman with her daughter and grandchild stepped off the bus…and started arguing with some guys that had some burgers and fries. She wanted theirs. I tried to tell her…”We can get you some too”…but that wasn’t her interest. She just wanted to argue, apparently. I stepped away and said…”No good deed shall go unpunished.” What does that mean?
It is said “No good deed shall go unpunished”
For this is just the way the world works… …it is what it is
Because for every action there is a counter action… …the Good deed of Joy brings Sadness …the Good deed of Happiness brings Sorrow …the Good deed of Peace brings Turmoil …the Good deed of Healing brings Woundedness …the Good deed of Fulfillment brings Emptiness
And so, I commit to do no Good deed… …to prevent the certain punishment that follows …thus I am justified for my inaction …I am not held accountable to Evil …I am satisfied
And the Spirit dwelling within me touches my soul…and whispers… …do you expect the actions of Goodness to go unanswered? …as if Evil will stand still to allow Goodness to prevail? …that Evil will simply bow down…and be trampled upon? …that Evil will surrender…simply because a Good deed is done? …have you not heard there is a war raging between Good and Evil? …if no one stands against Evil… …if you don’t show up… …who will?
…and the light grows dim …and it vanishes …and the darkness surrounds me …and the emptiness engulfs me …and in the quietness …I cry out…but there is no answer
In the desolate wasteland of Evil… …I see Sadness…but there was no Good deed of Joy …and I see Sorrow…but there was no Good deed of Happiness …and I see Turmoil…but there was no Good deed of Peace …and I see Woundedness…but there was no Good deed of Healing …and I see Emptiness…but there was no Good deed of Fulfillment
And the Spirit dwelling within me touches my soul…and whispers… …step in front of opportunity, before it passes you by …don’t walk…but run…into the stadium of Mercy …simply do what you can …give Joy as you can …give Happiness as you can …give Peace as you can …give Healing as you can …give Fulfillment as you can
…and then…stand strong against the shouts of Evil…for they will come… …do not be afraid …do not be defeated …but know the Good deed done today is a blessing of much needed Mercy to a hungry soul
Ephesians 6:10-12: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the (evil strategies) of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places”
Most people will show sincere gratitude when they know someone cares…
She arrived 12 weeks early in the middle of the night
They swooped her away and took her out of sight
The doc came back at 3 AM with a warning
There’s a 50/50 chance she won’t see the morning
But she proved them all wrong day after day
She was a fighter refusing to give up her way
Mommy and daddy held to their dreams of hope
Prayin’ hard every hour was the only way they could cope
[Chorus]
She was a fighter, not in anordinary in any way She wasn’t givin’ up, gettin’ stronger every day It was up to her and God now to make this beautiful pearl Because it became clear real fast, daddy couldn’t save his little girl
She could fit in a shoe box with plenty of room to spare
Daddy couldn’t take his eyes off her, watchin’ her gasp for air
Hooked up to wires and tubes and wrapped in her cocoon
It was clear she wasn’t comin’ home anytime soon
But the day did come when she was strong enough to thrive
They took their baby girl home, thanking God she was alive
They gave her all the love and attention every baby needs
And if that wasn’t enough, they prayed for strength on their knees
[Chorus]
She was a fighter, not in an ordinary in any way She wasn’t givin’ up, gettin’ stronger every day It was up to her and God now to make this beautiful pearl Because it became clear real fast, daddy couldn’t save his little girl
She grew up so quick and turned into a sweet beautiful girl Her contagious quirky smile with those pretty blonde curls She was feisty and funny and loved to get attention Accepting everyone as her friend without pretension
Life wasn’t easy for her, she struggled to make the grade
But she didn’t give up or quit, in spite of the hand she played
She was no ordinary girl in an ordinary town
She’d be there for you, and never let you down
[Chorus]
She was a fighter, not in an ordinary in any way She wasn’t givin’ up, gettin’ stronger every day It was up to her and God now to make this beautiful pearl Because it became clear real fast, daddy couldn’t save his little girl
The clouds rolled in, the storms were fierce and strong In her teenage years she struggled to belong At every twist and turn there were obstacles to overcome Her heart became broken, she was empty, she grew numb
It was easier for her to quit than survive another day
And the unordinary girl gave up, she lost her way
The voices in her head told her she had failed
Rather than keeping her shit together, she bailed
[Bridge] She thought she had it made All her plans were laid But she reached the baracde And then she was swayed To the dark side
Her dreams were dismayed She lived her life afraid She’d been played And so she strayed To the dark side
Daddy fell into the trap that was waiting on him to wane
He turned to his bottle and lines on the table to numb the pain
It was more than he could take, his little girl’s plight
And he lost the will to live, he lost the will to fight
He turned his back on his family, giving up on all that once mattered
Where was Jesus now? Now that his life was shattered
Everyone around him left because they couldn’t stand the sight
Of a man who withered into nothing, refusing to seek the light
[Chorus]
She was a fighter, not in an ordinary in any way She wasn’t givin’ up, gettin’ stronger every day It was up to her and God now to make this beautiful pearl Because it became clear real fast, daddy couldn’t save his little girl
Like every pearl that grows from a grain of sand
So too this beautiful woman was shaped by God’s hand
For He never left her side in spite of her struggles and pain
It’s always through hardship and failure that we find true gain
She found her daddy at the bottom of his cave
Drinkin’ his way to oblivion, drinkin’ his way to the grave
She reached down in the pit and pulled him up to stand
They held each other tight, and walked out of the cave hand-in-hand
[Chorus]
She is a fighter, not in an ordinary in any way She isn’t givin’ up, gettin’ stronger every day It’s up to her and God now to make this beautiful pearl Because it’s clear real fast, daddy can’t save his little girl
