"Spiritual Terrorism"

“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith.”

1 Peter 5:8–9

That word "terrorism" has entered our world in a big way.  It's purpose is to do harm. It's power is hate. It's hope is to put fear into hearts and to take away our peaceful existence. It is evil manifested through certain humans to harm other humans.

At least that's my take on it.  But terrorism isn't a new concept.  From the beginning of time evil has been allowed by God to enter our world. And Satan, the devil, has been allowed to roam this earth, bringing fear and destruction into people's lives.

Peter writes a warning to the Christian community of this spiritual terrorism. We are called to "stay alert" and to "watch out for the enemy" whose sole purpose is to seek out the weak ones of the flock and even the strong ones who have a moment of weakness. His ultimate purpose is to do harm.  His power is hate for God, especially Jesus, and for us, Christ's followers.  And we see evidence of this terrorism in families, marriages and even in churches.  Christians are not exempt from Satan's attacks to draw us away from God and each other.  These attacks aren't often noticeable but are subtle and crafty as we have seen in the temptation with Eve or even with Jesus Himself.

Peter gives bold instruction.  He speaks almost in military tones. Ordering the Christian soldier to be on guard for Satan's attacks.  And then to be courageous in standing up to this spiritual bully.  And for us to be strong in our faith.   Not depending on faith in ourselves but faith in the One who came to be with us, "Emmanuel", our God with us.  Jesus has won the war against our enemy by defeating sin and death.  We are His forever. He is our champion.  In His name we can claim victory over Satan.  Perfect love drives out fear and Jesus is that perfect love.  Listen also to Paul's warning to the church at Ephesus.

Ephesians 6:10-12

10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

(Read Ephesians 6:13-18 for putting on that armor.)

   

Calling God's people to pray our hearts out! 

Prayer could be defined in many ways.  As I thought of how I might define prayer, I tried to personalize my understanding, so I write...  
Prayer for me is the deep expressions of my heart communicated to the One who holds my very life in the palm of His hand and my silent openness to hear God's voice in return.

I believe that prayer for the Christ-follower is the power source that keeps us on the narrow path of his calling upon our lives.  I believe that the one thing that the modern day church needs is not necessarily more programs or even more outreach, although these are wonderful.  I do believe God is calling His church to humble themselves and pray.  God is calling His people to pray their hearts out for a world that we mistakenly think is ours, but ultimately belongs to Him.  Jesus is coming soon. When He comes, what will He find our churches doing. What will He find me doing.  I hope he finds us fully engaged with Him in prayer and being led by His Spirit to do our part in bringing Christ and His gospel to those He puts in our daily path.

 Listen to the prayerful request of King Solomon at the dedication of the temple from ~2 Chronicles 6:40 (NIV)

“Now, my God, may your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place." 

And God said,

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 
Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place."  ~2 Chronicles 7:14-15 (NIV)

I suggest that we make these verses our own personal prayer. Here is my prayer hoping it inspires you to offer your own.

Gracious, holy Father in heaven, in humility I offer myself fully to you.  I seek You with all my heart.  I confess and turn from those things, my sin, that separate me from you. Thank You Jesus, for your sacrifice on the cross for my sin.  Thank you for forgiving me.  Thank you for healing my sin-plagued soul and cleansing me with your love and grace. I praise you and honour you.  Keep me alert to your leading and guiding, so that when you return, you shall find me faithfully and prayerfully at work in your kingdom.  Amen!

May you who now reads this message, be encouraged, as you consider how much God loves you and wants you to know his plan for your life.  
Turn to Jesus and live.  Pastor Don