Fighters Diary

Drawing Near.
In this Sunday Edition of *The Fighters Diary Podcast*, Pastor Tedd Lees makes a compelling call to draw near to God through persistent, fervent prayer. Keying off from Hebrews 4:12–16, Tedd reminds us that God has made a way for us to come boldly and confidently before His throne of grace through Jesus Christ and His blood. Our relationship with God is not meant to be distant or theoretical—it is a living, intimate connection that brings His purpose, power, and goodness into our everyday experience.
 
Tedd challenges us to recognize the spiritual battle that often accompanies the pursuit of God. Distractions, resistance, and the “parade” of thoughts that arise when we begin to pray can keep us from making the connection God desires. Through the example of Jacob wrestling with God, we are reminded that persistence in prayer is an expression of faith—a willingness to contend, to hold fast, and to refuse to let go until we receive what God has purposed.
 
Prayer is more than presenting a list of needs. It is an opportunity to hear God's heart, respond to His leading, and walk in the authority He has given us. As Tedd emphasizes, persistent, fervent prayer is an exercise in authority, and hearing the Word of God must be followed by practical obedience. The question is not simply whether we have heard the message, but whether we are responding to what God is saying.
 
This message calls us to examine our own prayer lives and consider what might be standing between us and the intimate relationship God has made available. The invitation is clear: draw near, pursue Him diligently, and remain steadfast in the battle of prayer. Through Jesus, the way has been made—and as we draw near to God, He will reveal what only He can reveal.
 
In This Episode:
 
The Connection God Intended: Discover why drawing near to God is essential to experiencing His purpose and goodness in our lives.
 
The Battle of Prayer: Recognize the resistance, distractions, and competing thoughts that often arise when we pursue God—and learn why we must press through.
 
Jacob at Peniel: Explore the account of Jacob wrestling with God and receiving a blessing, a new name, and a transformed identity.
 
Persistent, Fervent Prayer: Understand prayer as an ongoing pursuit of God and an exercise in spiritual authority.
 
Hearing God's Heart: Learn why one genuine connection with God can bring clarity, purpose, and direction that nothing else can provide.
 
Prayer and Obedience: Consider why hearing the Word of God must be followed by practical obedience and a willingness to act.
 
Drawing Near and Seeing Change: Reflect on the relationship between pursuing God and experiencing His work in our lives, our fellowship, and the lives of others.
 
Key Takeaways:
1. God Makes Himself Real as We Make Ourselves Available.
God has created us for relationship with Him. As we draw near and become intimately aware of His presence, His purpose becomes a living reality in our experience. Our responsibility is to respond to His leading and make ourselves available to Him.
 
2. Prayer Is Where the Battle Is Fought.
When we set our hearts to pursue God, resistance will come. Distractions and competing thoughts can keep us from making the connection God intends. We must learn to press past the “parade” and remain focused on the most vital pursuit of our lives.
 
3. Jesus Has Made the Way for Us to Draw Near.
We do not approach God through our own accomplishments or worthiness. We come through Jesus Christ and His blood. He is our great High Priest, who understands our weaknesses and enables us to approach the throne of grace with confidence.
 
4. Persistent Prayer Is an Exercise in Authority.
Tedd emphasizes that persistent, fervent prayer is not passive. It is an expression of faith and a means of contending for the will of God. Like Jacob, we must learn not to let go during the battle.
 
5. Hearing God Must Lead to Obedience.
A powerful message, a genuine encounter, or a clear word from God is not the end of the process. What matters is how we respond. As the Lord commanded Moses, he acted—and the people followed. Our response to God's Word reveals whether we are truly living out what we have heard.
 
6. Drawing Near Is the Path to Experiencing God's Goodness.
God has prepared things beyond what we can presently see or understand. As we diligently seek Him, He reveals His heart, leads us in His purpose, and brings us into the goodness of His presence.
 
Scripture References
- Hebrews 4:12–16 — The living and powerful Word of God, Jesus our great High Priest, and the invitation to boldly approach the throne of grace.
- Genesis 32:24–30 — Jacob wrestles with God, receives a blessing, and names the place Peniel, declaring that he has seen God face to face.
- Jude 3 — The call to contend earnestly for the faith.
- Luke 18:1 — The necessity of always praying and not losing heart.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:17 — Pray without ceasing.
- Romans 12:12 — Be persistent and devoted to prayer.
- Colossians 4:2 — Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful and thankful.
- Ephesians 6:18 — Pray at all times in the Spirit, with perseverance and supplication.
- 2 Corinthians 4:13 — Believing and speaking in faith.
- Psalm 65:4–5 — The blessing of being chosen and brought near to dwell in God's presence.
- 1 Corinthians 2:9 — The things God has prepared for those who love Him.
 
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
1. What does drawing near to God look like in your everyday life?
2. What distractions or forms of resistance tend to arise when you make time to pray?
3. How does the example of Jacob wrestling with God challenge your understanding of persistent prayer?
4. In what ways have you experienced God making Himself real as you have made yourself available to Him?
5. Is there something God has spoken to you that requires a practical response of obedience?
6. How might your personal prayer life affect your family, fellowship, and the people around you?
7. What might God want to reveal to you as you continue to pursue Him?
 
Closing Encouragement
God has made the way for us to draw near through Jesus Christ. The invitation is not simply to know about Him, but to experience Him - the reality of His presence and purpose in our lives through our relationship with Him in the power of the Holy Spirit.
 
The battle is real, but we are not without help. Through persistent, fervent prayer, we learn to hear His voice, respond in obedience, and contend for what He has purposed.
 
Let us overcome the obstacles that stand between us and God. Let us remain consistent in our pursuit. And let us discover the goodness that awaits those who diligently seek Him.
 
It is your choice to respond and move and seek Him God doesn’t force you into obedience or force you into a relationship with Him.  It is a loving choice of desire, response, trust and kindness - a base all healthy relationships are founded on.
 
Choose to Draw near to God. Choose to Hold fast. Choose to Contend in prayer.
And fight the good fight of faith!
 
Tedd Lees is the pastor of New Wine Fellowship in Manawa, WI
email: pastortedd@fightersdiary.com
info@fightersdiary.com
©2026 Fighters Diary Podcast  ©2026 Tedd Lees. Message used by permission.
 

Right Standing.  
What does it mean to be right with God, and how should His righteousness influence and challenge our choices in life?
In this Sunday Edition of The Fighters Diary Podcast, Pastor Tedd Lees unpacks what it means to be in right standing with God through Jesus Christ and to live a life worthy of the Gospel.. This is more than a feeling, religious activity, or personal performance. It is a gift made possible through the life, death, blood, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, received through faith and lived out through your created purpose in relationship with Him.
Drawing from Philippians 1:27–28, Exodus 25 and 36, and Acts 5, Pastor Tedd challenges us to examine what our daily lives and conversations reveal about what we truly believe. Are we living in the peace, joy, and confidence of the Holy Spirit, or are fear, worry, and the cares of this world hindering us from walking in God's purpose?
God calls us to more than simply attending church or knowing the right words. He calls us to intimate fellowship with Him, to find the place where He meets with us, to wait on His instruction, and to become *wise-hearted* — ready to hear His voice and respond in faith and obedience.
Discover how spending time in God's presence prepares us to recognize His leading, overcome fear, and step boldly into the purpose He has given each of us. Like Peter and John, we are called to stand firm, obey God rather than men, and continue moving forward even when following Jesus comes at a cost.
Does your conversation — what you say and do — reveal that you are living a life worthy of the Gospel?
Your right standing with God is a loving gift. Living in a manner worthy of your calling is your response.
Find your place with God. Hear His voice. Trust His leading. Choose to move.
 
In This Episode
- Understanding righteousness: Right standing with God is a gift and a place where God is and made possible through Jesus Christ's life, death, shed blood, and resurrection. It is not something we earn through religious activity or personal performance.
- Living worthy of the Gospel: Philippians 1 calls believers to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel and to stand firm together in faith.
- Examining our conversations: What we say can reveal what we believe, where our confidence rests, and whether fear or faith is influencing our daily lives.
- Finding your place with God: Just as God called Moses to a particular place of meeting, we are encouraged to seek the place of fellowship where we can wait on God and receive His direction.
- Becoming wise-hearted: God gives wisdom and stirs hearts toward His purposes. Our responsibility is to respond to His leading and become willing participants in His work.
- Overcoming fear and intimidation: God's purpose is not for fear to keep us from moving forward in faith. We are called to stand firm and trust Him even when circumstances are difficult.
- Obedience in action: The example of Peter and John reminds us to continue obeying God when doing so brings opposition or personal cost.
- Moving forward in faith: Knowing who we are in Christ should lead to a life of practical response, faithful action, and wholehearted devotion to God's will.
Questions for Personal Reflection and Intimate Prayer
1. Does my everyday conversation reflect faith, peace, and confidence you God, or does it reveal that fear and worry are hindering me?
2. Am I merely attending church and identifying as a "believer" or "christian", or am I a true believer actively following Jesus and responding to His Word?
3. Have I established a place and a practice of meeting with God, listening, waiting, and receiving His instruction?  (Do I know how to test that the instruction truly is the Holy Spirit?)
4. What might God be stirring in my heart that requires a practical step of obedience?
5. Where have fear, distraction, pride, or the cares of this world kept me from moving forward in faith?
6. If my words and actions reveal what I truly believe(pisteuo), showing the true quality or purity of my faith (pistis), what are they saying about my trust in God?
7. What would it look like for me to live more fully in a manner worthy of the Gospel today?
Right standing with God is not earned; it is made possible through Jesus Christ. Yet this gift calls for a response. We are invited to grow in fellowship with God, become attentive to His voice, and allow His Word to shape our attitudes, conversations, decisions, and actions.
If fear, unbelief, or distraction has been holding you back, bring it honestly before God. Seek His direction, respond to His correction, and take the next step He places before you. Do not settle for knowing the truth without putting your faith into action.
Find your place with God. Hear His voice. Trust His leading. Choose to move.
Fight the good fight of faith.
 
Tedd Lees is the pastor of New Wine Fellowship in Manawa, WI
email: pastortedd@fightersdiary.com
info@fightersdiary.com
©2026 Fighters Diary Podcast  ©2026 Tedd Lees. Message used by permission.
 

Peace.  
What is the peace of God, and how do we actually receive and experience it?
Pastor Tedd Lees unpacks the supernatural peace that only God can provide—the peace Jesus promised His followers. This isn't the peace the world gives. It's more than the absence of conflict. It answers questions before they're even asked. It speaks louder than our struggles, our hurts, and the noise of a broken world.  And it comes packaged with the very presence of the One True God.
In this teaching:
- Key Scriptures: Isaiah 57:16, and Psalm 85:8
- Why you can't earn this peace through good works, giving, or effort
- What makes God's peace a "supernatural event" you must receive
- The spiritual battle trying to prevent believers from accepting this peace
- Why prayer is the true battleground where peace is accessed
- Personal testimony: experiencing God's peace so completely that "nothing is broken and nothing is missing"
- Insights from Isaiah 57 on God healing those who return to Him
Whether you're dealing with anxiety, discouragement, or life's chaos, this message offers a path to genuine spiritual stability. The Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit—and this particular type of peace is available to anyone willing to seek for it and receive it through pursuit of the God who promises peace to him who is far off and to him who is near.
"When you have the peace of God… nothing is broken and nothing is missing."
Tedd Lees is the pastor of New Wine Fellowship in Manawa, WI
email: pastortedd@fightersdiary.com
info@fightersdiary.com
©2026 Fighters Diary Podcast  ©2026 Tedd Lees. Message used by permission.