"One Riot, One Ranger." Legend has it that a Texas town facing a riot called for the Texas Rangers to help. When the Ranger arrived the town folk were upset that only one came, and asked why just one. The Ranger quipped; "One riot, one ranger." While very loosely based on an actual event the story illustrates the reputation of the Rangers as a group of tough, brave men. Formed and forged during a lawless time of transition they had to be tough to survive and to succeed in stopping bandits, raiders, thieves and murderers.

One of the theme's flowing through both the Old and New Testament is the importance of God's people being brave in the face of seemingly overwhelming opposition. One text advised them to not be afraid when going to battle against a larger army because God was with them (Deuteronomy 20:1). God went on to instruct the priests to remind the people before a battle; "Don't be faint-hearted. Don't be afraid, don't panic, and don't be terrified to face them." (20:2-3)..

While the NT doesn’t call us to pick up a physical sword to fight God's enemies we are called to pick up the "sword of the Spirit" for battle against our spiritual enemies (Ephesians 6:10-17). They may use physical force to stop or even kill us, but in Christ we are "more than conquerors" (Romans 8:35-39). For most of us here in America the battle is purely words and ideas; on the job, in school, at social events. Yes, the numbers are against us, but let's change the motto to: "One Riot, One God."