As we conclude the series on spiritual warfare, I find the comment so true that someone said...when you preach on spiritual warfare all hell can break loose. One of the questions I'm left with afterwards is, do we really get it? Do we understand how Satan works and how he uses us so often to accomplish his tasks? Do we get how we can be the ones used to bring about distractions and diversions to get us off the main road which should be to get the gospel out there, to encourage our family in Christ, to win the lost?
To say much of anything about this sermon I would just have to write every note I took and every thought that went through my mind as I've pondered it. I can only say that the whole thing was my favorite and I'm praying God will use it to grow us up into mature believers who refuse to allow Satan to use them, develop a powerful prayer life that is more about getting to know the heart of God rather than focusing on our own selfish desires. May we be a people who refuse to bow to idols and instead stand firm not willing to retreat.
We dive into the book of James next week. I CAN'T WAIT!! I have a feeling James is going to tell us which way is up and he's not going to pull any punches with us. What comes to mind as I think about James' teaching...
Christians make great claims but don't always back them up with their actions.
God's people cling tightly at times to this world and its values.
We so often contradict the gospel with our lives.
James tells us to live the Christian faith, not just talk it.
Proof of faith is a changed life.
And on, and on, and on...
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
Monday Morning Perspective
I cannot imagine how anyone left the service yesterday without having been overwhelmed by the presence of the Lord all over themselves. Incredible is not a good enough word to describe the music. Soloists were fabulous and the choir was unbelieveable. So great seeing so many packed into the choir loft. Thank you to all of you for your commitment and faithfulness. Awesome hearing you all sing, but also being able to watch you worship!! It was one of those goosebump, hair standing on my arms, want to jump up and shout before my insides burst asunder kind of services. I'm determined no rock is going to cry out on my behalf, I hope you are too.
I meant it when I told Eddie he ought to nail the message after the worship time but I had no worries. He nails it every time! As we continued looking at spiritual warfare, we were reminded that our enemies are not our brothers and sisters in Christ. The battle is in the spiritual realm and Satan is working every angle to destroy lives, homes, and relationships. We don't have to be unbelievers for Satan to use us as people often think. Satan can use believers to wreck havoc and cause confusion and problems. We need to constantly keep that in mind and make sure we are not allowing him to do that in our own life.
I love how Eddie took the armour piece by piece describing how a real soldier used it and then what it means in our Christian walk. I love how the belt of truth is first. How necessary the truth is in life...knowing it, believing it, speaking it and living it. Then I love how it all ends with the Sword of the Spirit. It's so much more than a book. It is God's living, active Word to us. It's interesting that it's the only offensive weapon in this list. Maybe because it's the only thing that really can defeat the Enemy. We can't do it on our own or in our own strength. We need the power of Christ in us to defeat him and there is power in His Word.
How interesting that we ended with the challenge that there is nothing in this list that covers our back. We are not called to run or retreat. We are called to be on the move, moving ahead in His might to further His kingdom. Not cowering to criticism, fear, hateful and selfish people, not trivial matters or those who are not kingdom-minded. We keep pushing ahead. Sharing the gospel with the lost, encouraging the weak, growing and maturing in our faith. This is a great reminder for me on days when I'd rather pull the covers over my head or stay in the bubble of my home and hide from the world. God never calls us to do that!!
I meant it when I told Eddie he ought to nail the message after the worship time but I had no worries. He nails it every time! As we continued looking at spiritual warfare, we were reminded that our enemies are not our brothers and sisters in Christ. The battle is in the spiritual realm and Satan is working every angle to destroy lives, homes, and relationships. We don't have to be unbelievers for Satan to use us as people often think. Satan can use believers to wreck havoc and cause confusion and problems. We need to constantly keep that in mind and make sure we are not allowing him to do that in our own life.
I love how Eddie took the armour piece by piece describing how a real soldier used it and then what it means in our Christian walk. I love how the belt of truth is first. How necessary the truth is in life...knowing it, believing it, speaking it and living it. Then I love how it all ends with the Sword of the Spirit. It's so much more than a book. It is God's living, active Word to us. It's interesting that it's the only offensive weapon in this list. Maybe because it's the only thing that really can defeat the Enemy. We can't do it on our own or in our own strength. We need the power of Christ in us to defeat him and there is power in His Word.
How interesting that we ended with the challenge that there is nothing in this list that covers our back. We are not called to run or retreat. We are called to be on the move, moving ahead in His might to further His kingdom. Not cowering to criticism, fear, hateful and selfish people, not trivial matters or those who are not kingdom-minded. We keep pushing ahead. Sharing the gospel with the lost, encouraging the weak, growing and maturing in our faith. This is a great reminder for me on days when I'd rather pull the covers over my head or stay in the bubble of my home and hide from the world. God never calls us to do that!!
Monday, March 14, 2011
Monday Morning Perspective
On this Monday morning I am still so pumped about yesterday. What an incredible crowd we had in worship! The choir had a great crowd and led powerfully in worship. I must say I was a bit shocked because of the time change. Losing that hour is always tough but so glad to see that our Millbrook family didn't let a little thing like lack of sleep stand in their way of getting to worship.
We started a 3 part series on spiritual warfare...God's timing is perfect ALWAYS! If ever we need this message, it is now. Like Eddie said, way too many Christian soldiers are asleep in the barracks and many are getting beaten up. Jesus has won the war but most of us have battles we have to fight every day so let's take on the challenge and make Satan fearful as soon as our eyes open and our feet hit the floor every morning. We are caught up in this war whether we like it or not and we need to be prepared and ready for the fight. Knowing our enemy and how he works and realizing how he attacks and his strategy is powerful.
Be strong in the Lord. Don't try to fight the Enemy alone, he is way too powerful for us. And may we all realize who the Enemy is and it is NOT one another!
Are you a soldier in God's army? Have you enlisted? That's the first step. Can't wait for next week.
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