Stardate 12.13.2025
I know the enemy’s playbook like the back of my hand.
There are days — even seasons — when I’d rather not acknowledge that truth, because when the enemy goes on offense, pain is often part of the strategy.
My prayer warriors are aware of a private battle unfolding, and they’ve stepped up in powerful ways. Without breaking confidentiality, I want to say this clearly: thank you. Your faithfulness matters more than you know. We are hopeful the loved one you are praying for will be able to breathe on his own soon.
Speaking of playbooks, one of my family’s all-time heroes is coming out of retirement this Sunday at the age of 44 to play professional football. When it comes to reading defenses and outsmarting opponents, Philip Rivers has always been elite.
Like me, he treats age as a number — not a limitation.
And there’s something else I deeply respect about him: he’s a man of faith.
That’s the secret weapon.
Faith is what disrupts the enemy’s carefully scripted plans.
It’s no coincidence that faith shows up when the pressure is highest. The enemy counts on fatigue, fear, and distraction. Faith counters all three.
If you need a little hope to go along with your faith today, let me offer something I believe with my whole heart. A beloved pastor once wrote it on a whiteboard during a retreat my wife and I attended — big letters, no explanation needed:
God Wins.
The enemy already knows the outcome of this spiritual warfare. That’s why the resistance feels stronger. We’re late in the game, and desperation always shows itself when defeat is near.
So if you find yourself up against the wall, dig deep.
Tap into faith.
Hold tightly to hope.
And don’t forget love — it pairs beautifully with both.
Above all, keep developing your prayer life. Here’s the one I return to again and again, starting the moment I wake up:
“Oh Jesus, I surrender myself to You. Take care of everything.”
Sometimes victory begins with surrender.
Have a great day, friends.
Captain’s Addendum
Spock: “Doctor, the captain appears unusually confident despite acknowledging active opposition.”
Bones: “That’s called faith, Spock. When you know the outcome, you stop panicking about the play-by-play.”
Spock: “An intriguing concept. If the final result is predetermined, emotional distress becomes inefficient.”
Bones: “Careful — you’re starting to sound like a preacher.”
Spock: “I am merely stating a conclusion based on available evidence.”
Bones: “Well then welcome to the faith club, pointy ears.”
Michael’s Reflection:
Knowing the enemy’s tactics doesn’t make the battle easier — but it makes fear optional. When I remember who ultimately wins, I can breathe, pray, and keep walking forward one faithful step at a time.
Scripture for the Journey
“No weapon formed against you shall prosper.” — Isaiah 54:17
Thank you for sharing this moment with me. May you carry this truth into prayer or quiet reflection today: the outcome is not in doubt. God wins — and that changes everything. I will be joining my wife in my favorite place to pray and meditate later today on the 12th floor after the snow storm passes and the roads are safe.



