The Kingdom In The Midst Of Our Enemies

 The Word:

“… In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33 ESV

“Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” – 1 John 4:4 ESV

We live in a time of unprecedented danger from biological and nuclear weapons. Recently the world witnessed a Russian attack on a nuclear power plant in Ukraine.

“For the first time in history, a nation at war attacked a nuclear power plant Friday with potentially catastrophic effect. Russia launched a missile barrage in the middle of the night, setting off explosions and fires, and raining down bullets so Ukrainian firefighters couldn’t battle the fire. They did eventually get it under control and the most vulnerable targets survived, but nuclear control experts were flabbergasted and furious; a meltdown could have killed tens of thousands. Director Rafael Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency called on European nations to create a no-fly zone for the Ukrainian reactors, and Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said, “It is a question of the security of the whole world!” (Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant via AP)

Now we hear of possible dangerous biological agents stored in research labs in Ukraine. We hear different views (and conspiracy theories) of why Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine. Intercessors have a responsibility to pray for fellow believers in Russia and Ukraine. We cannot trust the news media – we need discernment. We live in a world influenced by the Father of lies. We all live in enemy territory whether we are in a hot war zone or not. In reality, our enemies are spiritual. God has given us prayer and the proclamation of the gospel as weapons against evil ideologies.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer died a martyr at the hands of Adolf Hitler during the closing days of World War 2. He was an example of a man who stayed faithful to Jesus to the end. God is calling each of us to embrace the Kingdom of God over nationalism or globalism. Patriotism can be a good thing, but our ultimate allegiance must be to King, Jesus.

“Jesus Christ lived in the midst of his enemies. At the end all his disciples deserted him. On the Cross he was utterly alone, surrounded by evildoers and mockers. For this cause he had come, to bring peace to the enemies of God. So the Christian, too, belongs not in the seclusion of a cloistered life but in the thick of foes. There is his commission, his work. ‘The kingdom is to be in the midst of your enemies. And he who will not suffer this does not want to be of the Kingdom of Christ; he wants to be among friends, to sit among roses and lilies, not with the bad people but the devout people. O you blasphemers and betrayers of Christ! If Christ had done what you are doing who would ever have been spared.’ (Luther) (1)

Watch And Pray:

Father, Jesus said that in this world, we have tribulation. While fear is gripping people, you have called your children to be peacemakers in our spheres of influence. Help us discern the times in which we live. Help Your children to overcome this present evil age. And to be a people of prayer and to become watchman on the walls. Guide our prayers by The Holy Spirit. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

(1) Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Christian Community

Why Do The Nations Rage? A Reflection On Psalm Two

 “Why do the nations rage

and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rulers take counsel together,
against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying,
“Let us burst their bonds apart
and cast away their cords from us.”
He who sits in the heavens laughs;
the Lord holds them in derision.
Then he will speak to them in his wrath,
and terrify them in his fury, saying,
“As for me, I have set my King
on Zion, my holy hill.”
I will tell of the decree:
The Lord said to me, “You are my Son;
today I have begotten you.
Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,
and the ends of the earth your possession.
You shall break them with a rod of iron
and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”
Now therefore, O kings, be wise;
be warned, O rulers of the earth.
Serve the Lord with fear,
and rejoice with trembling.
Kiss the Son,
lest he be angry, and you perish in the way,
for his wrath is quickly kindled.
Blessed are all who take refuge in him.” – (Psalm 2 ESV)

The nations are in turmoil and they always have been. Carl Marx was just one of many evil men throughout history who sought the destruction of God’s people. Atheistic communism was a demonically inspired plan to erase freedom to worship God from the earth. And to enslave the masses under totalitarian rule. Excessive materialism is another tactic of evil principalities and powers to lead God’s people into apostasy. The fruit of apostasy (falling away) is a rebellious self-sufficient lack of dependence on God.

The question: “Why do the nations rage?” Because ever since the garden of Eden, man has believed the serpents lie that we can be like God(Gen. 3:5.)

The rejection of God’s rule is senseless.

Satan is behind the insanity of leaders who seek to hinder the work of God on the earth. The devil knows that his time is short (Rev. 12:12), so he and his principalities and powers work through political leaders to create wars. Religious leaders along with Herod and Pilate united together to kill Jesus. And ever since, leaders of nations have been the puppets of invisible evil overlords – seeking to root out Christianity from the earth.

Psalm two shows us a picture of the future. Jesus has risen from the dead and laughs in disgust at their attempts to overthrow his kingdom.

Jesus will confound the rulers of this age. He will triumph over the arrogance of those who mount a rebellion against his rule. Leaders of this world who hate Christ are blind men leading blind followers.

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” – (1 Timothy 2:1-2 ESV)

Watch and Pray:

Father, deliver your people from leaders who foolishly devise plots against Jesus Christ and his people. I ask for the salvation of world leaders. May they experience your mercy and seek your wisdom. Some have collaborated throughout history to free themselves from Your righteous rule. But, their plans are futile. Father, you have installed King Jesus as head of your Church. You have given him the nations and will bring the power of earthly rulers to an end. Let Your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Deliver us from evil. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Pray For The Children: The Identity Crisis

We live in a time where it’s dangerous to be a child. It always has been throughout history because of war and starvation worldwide. But, with the advent of the internet and radical social change, it is much worse now.

Our children are under spiritual attack.

While some children live in active war zones, others are experiencing an assault on their minds. The latter have not experienced the terror of bombs dropping on their homes. Sadly their thinking is being assaulted by their culture.

America and the western world are facing an identity crisis. This should not be happening with Christian kids, but it is.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” – (2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV)

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” – (Ephesians 2:10 ESV)

As parents and grandparents, we must be watchmen on the walls for our children. Our job is to pray for and teach them the Christian faith. If our children know who they are in Christ, they can resist cultural pressure. But, that information alone is not enough. Young people must also experience the love of Christ for themselves. This is where prayer and action are most valuable.

It takes the power of the Holy Spirit to transform the human heart. And our children need to see the love and good works demonstrated by parents and grandparents. Many of us have failed in the past. But most of us still have an opportunity to contribute as spiritual mentors. The next generation needs our prayers and support.

God ordained the family before he formed the Church. So, Satan has been at war with families since the time of Adam and Eve. Strong and healthy families are the backbone of the Church and society.

Watch and Pray: Father, move upon parents’ and grandparents’ hearts to teach the younger generation how God sees them. As believers, our identity is in Christ. God is not the author of gender confusion. (1) You made us all male and female. Lord Jesus, help us to destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God. And to take every thought captive to obey Christ. (2) In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.

(1) 1 Corinthians 14:33
(2) 2Corinthians 10:5

The Renewed Mind

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” – Romans 12:1-2 ESV 

When we come under the power of temptation, we must learn to rely on the Holy Spirit. The person with a renewed mind has hidden the Word of God in their heart (Psalm 119:11.) The transformation of our inner being is crucial in our battle with the world, the flesh, and the devil.

The un-renewed Christian mind falls back into old sin patterns that conform to the culture. Without day and night meditation on Scripture and the things above, we drift into sin and deception (Colossians 3:2.) And we become unfruitful and ineffective in God’s call on our lives.

Our thinking directs our actions and behavior. What we believe is critical as we live our lives before God. The mind focused on truth experiences the abundant life. The soul filled with the truth experiences incremental change.

Praying for the renewal of the inner being must become part of our daily prayer life. Praying Apostolic prayers will help in the process of discovering all that God has given us in Christ Jesus. Praying and obeying Scripture will bear fruit in our lives.

Watch and Pray:
Father, we present our bodies to you today. Reveal the mind of Christ to us as we diligently seek your face. Teach us to guard our hearts against all forms of evil thinking. Help us renew our minds in Scripture daily so that we can discern good and evil. Give us the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so that we may grow in our knowledge of you. Help us to become a people who glorify Your name. Amen

Surrounded By Enemies: Pray For Ukraine

 

“The Lord is my light and my salvation;

whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?
When evildoers assail me
to eat up my flesh,
my adversaries and foes,
it is they who stumble and fall.
Though an army encamp against me,
my heart shall not fear;
though war arise against me,
yet I will be confident.” – (Psalm 27: 1-3 ESV)

What would our first response be if surrounded by hostile forces? King David trusted in his covenant-keeping LORD. Davids’s failures did not keep God from loving him. His gaze was on the beauty and splendor of Yahweh (Psalm 27:4.) The God who makes war cease (Psalm 46:9) also trained his hands for battle (Psalm 144:1.) As Christians, we see that real war is in heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12.) Hostile unseen forces guide leaders to do evil. The manifestation of spiritual warfare is played-out on earth.

Prayer: Father, deliver the Ukrainian believers from the evil one. LORD, surround them with songs of deliverance (Psalm 37:2.) And even though an army is deployed against them, help them not to fear. Be a shelter in the day of danger and hide them in an inaccessible place. May they experience Your presence in this danger.

In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

A Reflection On Psalm One

 

The Word:

1Blessed is the man (the person)
    who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
    nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
2 but his delight is in the law (instruction) of the Lord,
    and on his law he meditates day and night.

3 He is like a tree
    planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
    and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.
4 The wicked are not so,
    but are like chaff that the wind drives away.

5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
    nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
6 for the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
    but the way of the wicked will perish. – (Psalm 1 ESV)

A Reflection:

Psalm 1: 1-3 presents a picture of a person who lives under God’s blessing. The word blessed means happy. This happiness is not contingent on material blessing or what the world apart from God craves. Divine favor from God is a result of living life in his Kingdom. And finding pleasure reciting quietly (meditating) and obeying God’s Word. This type of meditation requires intense study and reflection. This approach to life produces soul prosperity and well-being.

It’s Kingdom living (Matthew 5-7.) Like a tree transplanted to a riverbank from its natural habitat. Its roots grow deep so that the tree is nourished and grows strong.

The contrast could not be starker between those who walk in obedience to God’s word and those that do not. By nature, we all gravitate to the advice of the world. We must protect our minds from ungodly influences. Internal change happens as we allow the Word and the Spirit to transform our thinking.

Those who do not delight in God’s ways go down a destructive path. They may seem to flourish for a season, but they bear no fruit.

Prayer: Father, help us avoid the path of those who reject your truth. Lord, give us a hunger and desire to delight in your word. And help us to obey you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Praying For The Sick

 Jesus never met a disease that he liked. The fact is, sickness is an enemy in both Old and New Testaments. God can indeed teach us perseverance and patience through our infirmities. And no one should feel condemned for being sick. But the Health and Wealth prosperity message has caused some Christians to feel spiritually inferior for having health problems. And this is sad because all sickness is not the result of personal sin. I believe the Bible encourages us to pray for the sick. And as followers of Jesus, we must pursue healing as part of our journey as his disciples. So let’s pray aggressively for the health of those who God puts in our paths.

(I copied the Scriptures below from Sam Storms blog http://www.samstorms.org. )

Some New Testament Verses on Sickness and Disease

Just consider this tiny sampling:

• And he [Jesus] went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people. So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, those having seizures, and paralytics, and he healed them. (Matthew 4:23-24)

• And he [Jesus] called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. (Luke 9:1-2)

• Then a demon-oppressed man who was blind and mute was brought to him [Jesus], and he healed him, so that the man spoke and saw. (Matthew 12:22)

• Now he [Jesus] was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. And behold, there was a woman who had had a disabling spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not fully straighten herself. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said to her, “Woman, you are freed from your disability.” And he laid his hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and she glorified God. (Luke 13:10-13)

• God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. (Acts 10:38)

• But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” — he said to the paralytic — “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!” (Mark 2:10-12)

• Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. (James [Jacob] 5:14-15)