Satan’s Battle with Christians

Satan’s Battle with Christians

Satan is real. He is not a fairytale created to scare children into obeying their parents and staying out of trouble. He is a very powerful fallen angel that rebelled against God and led many other angels in that revolt against God. He is the father of lies. He is the accuser and adversary of all followers of Jesus Christ. He is a roaring lion seeking those he can devour.

Those who don’t know Jesus as Savior are blinded by Satan; they are slaves to a master they don’t understand and often don’t even recognize or acknowledge as real. Satan isn’t at war with the lost; but he is doing all he can to keep them in the dark and ensure their eternal damnation by shielding them from the truth about Jesus.

But as a follower of Jesus, make no mistake – Satan is out to defeat you! Why?

Because a defeated Christian

is Satan’s most effective weapon

against Christianity.

Okay, before we go any farther, I need to clarify what I don’t mean by a ‘defeated Christian’. When I say defeated Christian, I am not referring to a child of God that has ‘lost’ their salvation. The Word of God makes abundantly clear, that if you are truly born again, regenerated, saved, adopted by God, converted, indwelled with the Holy Spirit, or whatever other words you want to use to describe what happens when you surrender your life to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, then you are promised, you are guaranteed, you are assured of eternal life in Heaven with God.  This can't be undone!

• Ephesians 1:13-14 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
• 1 Peter 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
• Jude 1:1 Jude, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, To those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ:

So let’s move on.

Satan Rebelled Against God; but God had a plan.

• Isaiah 14:12-14 “How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations! 13 For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation On the farthest sides of the north; 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’
• What pride. What a delusion. To have been in the presence of the Lord God Almighty and to even think or suggest that you could be like Him.
• Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.”
• Just after Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, God tells us for the first time what is ultimately going to happen to Satan. The 'Seed' from Eve, Jesus, will defeat him.

God already defeated Satan; but has not yet imprisoned him.

• 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,
• Jesus died for our sins! He paid the price for our sins and satisfied God’s wrath by being the perfect, once and for all sacrifice for sin. Then He rose from the grave; He defeated the ultimate enemy – death. Sin and the eternal death (separation) that results from sin, Satan’s ultimate weapons, have been conquered.
• Revelation 20:10 The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
• In His infinite wisdom, God has not yet sent Satan to his ultimate and eternal end – torment in Hell. But that day is coming! We may not understand this; but we know that it is for the best.

Satan wages war against God; but he does battle with Christians.

• Revelation 12:7 And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought,
• His rebellion against God, his temptation of man, his temptation of Christ, current and future battles, although he has already been defeated, Satan has not surrendered.
• 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
• Like a lion on the prowl, He is actively seeking those he can consume. He is not hunting God; he is hunting you.

Attacks from Satan can leave Christians:

Scared

• Romans 8:14-15 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”
• When we are afraid, we minimize God’s sovereignty and overestimate Satan’s power. Fear can take our focus off God. As His children, the indwelling presence of God’s Holy Spirit should bring us peace in times of trouble.

Wounded

• 1 John 1:8-9 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
• Pride and false teachings can lead us to minimize or even deny the sin in our lives. Unconfessed sin hinders our relationship with God. If you humble yourself before him and confess, He will forgive you.

Defeated

• Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
• The temptations of this fallen world can lead us down the wrong path.
• John 8:44 You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.
• The lies of Satan can become stumbling blocks.
• Romans 7:15 For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do.
• The weakness of our flesh can become traps.

Stand strong as a child of God in the Truth of His Word, the Power of His Holy Spirit and the Reality of His Promises. Bring glory to God!

• 2 Peter 3:17-18 You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; 18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.

Satan doesn’t stand a chance against God. He didn’t topple God’s sovereign rule of the universe when he rebelled. He couldn’t get Jesus to sin when he tempted. And when he used Judas and others to ensure Christ died on a Roman cross, Jesus defeated sin and death, came back to life and ascended to the right hand of God in Heaven; just as was prophesized in Old Testament scripture and foretold by Jesus himself.

So now he is after us. Don’t give in. Don’t walk away. Don’t turn your back on God. God loves you more than you can imagine. He will never abandon you; so don’t abandon Him.

Satan is perfectly glad to try and keep those who have never heard the good news of Jesus Christ in the dark. But for those who have, and haven’t yet believed, he wants to use us, Christians, to show them that Christianity is a lie.

The living testimony of Christians will either draw people closer to God or push them further away. Hypocrisy, lies, being judgmental, gossiping, sexual sin, stealing…, you name it, our sin is a powerful weapon in the hands of our adversary.

Are you a scared, wounded or defeated Christian? If so, you are helping the enemies cause. Turn from your sin and run back into God’s arms. He has been there all along, waiting patiently for you to come back home.

Next week we will continue this discussion by looking at our weapons of war!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I beg you to forgive any sin in my life that is being or could be used by Satan to deceive the lost about Your love, Your truth, and Your forgiveness. Please Father, strengthen the scared, wounded and defeated Christians. As always, I pray that Your Word will touch the hearts of those who need it; regardless of where they are in their relationship with you. I humbly pray these things in the name above every name, Jesus Christ. Amen.

It’s A Journey

It’s A Journey

I have had the privilege of knowing some very spiritually mature followers of Jesus; rugged and worn but faithful and true. Their love for and dedication to Jesus, their humility and sincerity, the love of Christ poured out to others through them, their endurance, their selflessness, the peace that surrounds them, the strength that sustains them, the power that enables them, their beautiful faith, their optimism, these saints are truly an inspiration to me. It is important to understand though, that these wonderful men and woman of God didn’t just suddenly become the leaders, servants, teachers, prayers, doers and givers that they are today, it was a journey.

Yes, the moment one surrenders to Christ, he or she is adopted into God’s family and made righteous in their standing before God. But becoming in daily life what we are in standing is a process – the process of sanctification. A journey from believing and accepting the truth to living it out daily. The instructions, principles, requirements and wisdom for this journey are found in the Word of God.

Outlined below is a high level overview of the journey. This is far from exhaustive and the ‘steps’ taken on this trek aren’t always in a specific order; most of the steps are repeated over and over again. But for all who walk this trail, the final destination is the same.

Introduction

Hearer

• Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
• To know of God all you have to do is look around; His creation declares His existence. But to know God, you have to be exposed to the truth of His Word.

Education

Learner

• Acts 17:11 These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.
• Once exposed to the truth of God’s Word, to be reborn into God’s family, one must understand the truth, embrace truth and by an act of the will surrender to the truth. Making Jesus the Lord of your life requires that you learn. This learning process may take five seconds, five weeks, five years… But once you become a child of God, you realize that the learning has just begun.

Application

Doer

• James 1:25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.
• A person cannot work to earn a right standing before God. If we could, Jesus died in vain. But once we are freed from Satan’s lies and serve the one true God, we work to show our love for Him, our faith in Him and our appreciation for what He has done and will do for us.

Appreciation

Embracer

• Psalm 119:97 Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day.
• The truth is liberating. It is exciting and satisfying to finally understand where we came from, why we are here and what happens to us when we die. To gain meaningful perspective on the human condition, the world we live in and the spiritual battles around us inspires and challenges all that we are and hope to be.

Memorization

Possessor

• Psalm 119:11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.
• When He was tempted by Satan, Jesus showed us that God’s Word is our best defense. As the Holy Spirit of God enables us to gain insight into the eternal truths of His Word, we are empowered by God to bring Glory to Him. Storing God’s Word in our hearts is greatly beneficial to us and those around us.

Renovation

Transformer

• Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
• God’s Word changes us. As followers of Jesus, we think differently; which changes the way we look at things; which changes the way we feel about things, which changes what we desire, which changes what we say and do. We are remade into a new creation by our knowledge of God and our experiences with Him.

Perpetuation

Sharer

• Matthew 28:19-20 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
• Why do we share our faith? Why do followers of Jesus want others to know Him? Because our Lord commands us to. We do it for the same reason a firefighter runs into a burning building to save a life; but we are concerned with a person’s eternal destiny (Heaven or Hell). Bottom line, the love of Jesus (His for us and ours for Him) compels us to.

Completion

Inheritor

• 1 John 3:2 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
• Although we don’t fully understand everything it means to be like Jesus when we are with Him in Heaven, we have been promised eternal life, no more sorrow, no more death, no more sin. We will receive remade bodies that will never break down or wear out. We have the privilege of spending eternity learning about our infinite Heavenly Father.

If you are already on this journey, stay on the path and keep walking with Jesus. It may feel like a long hard road sometimes, but the blessings along the way and the final destination are God’s wonderful gifts to you.

If you are not on this journey but want to be, surrender to Jesus as Lord and Savior and let the journey begin. Once you are His, He will never let you go.

If you are undecided, pray with a sincere heart that God will reveal Himself and the truth about Jesus to you. If you seek Him, you will find Him.

Prayer

My God and King, I love you and thank You for this journey I am on with You. Mold me, empower me and use me for Your Glory and for Your Kingdom. May Your Words touch and change hearts. Draw those who sincerely long for the truth. Bring them to Your Holy Word and into Your precious body of believers, the church. I pray in the name of my Savior Jesus. Amen.

How Sweet It Is!

How Sweet It Is!

Do you have a favorite food?

Something spicy, something sweet,

something scarce, some special treat?

You know that sense of anticipation when your favorite food is part of an upcoming meal? Perhaps you try to sneak a taste before the meal starts. Maybe you eat a little less of other things to save some extra room for ‘the good stuff’.

God understands! He created different foods and spices with a wide variety tastes, he gave us taste buds, and He gave us an amazingly complex brain that processes all that information and gives us the sense of pleasure/enjoyment/satisfaction. This was not a divine accident; He loves us and wants us to experience pleasurable things.

So it’s really no surprise that God uses Biblical analogies to compare our sense of taste to how He wants us to enjoy His Word. Or that He teaches us about hungering for His Word and growing spiritually as a result of a healthy diet of Truth.

Try it, you’ll like it!

• Psalm 34:8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!
• If you haven’t yet discovered how satisfying a healthy daily serving of God’s Word can be, you have to try it.
• Looking for information about practical application of your faith – taste a little James or Proverbs.
• Prefer something lyrical/poetic – sample Psalms, Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon.
• Interested in the Law – dive into Genesis – Deuteronomy and Hebrews.
• Want to learn about Jesus’ life – give Matthew, Mark, Luke and John a try.
• Curious about the creation and spread of the New Testament Church – nibble on Acts.
• And so much more...

Hey, this is really good!

• Psalm 119:103 How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth!
• If you will read God’s Word a little every day, you will start to crave it – you will hunger for it. Be flexible in how you feed your hunger for the truth.
• Morning quiet time is always great.
• Listen while you commute/travel.
• Find a Bible reading plan that works for you (or develop your own).
• Download a Bible App, read His Word anytime anywhere.
• Quiet your mind and close out your day reading a few pages of God’s love letter to the human race.
• Meditate on His Word morning, evening...

It not only tastes good, it’s good for you!

• 1 Peter 2:1-3 Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, 2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
• Wholesome food and regular exercise help keep our bodies healthy. Daily intake of God’s Holy Word applied regularly in one’s life leads to wisdom and more Christ-like thoughts, desires, words and actions.
• Combine prayer with your Bible reading for extra benefits.
• Discuss the Bible with other believers.
• Memorize scripture – start with a few familiar verses you love.
• Include Biblical principles and history in your conversations.
• Tell your family how God is speaking to you through His Word.
• The Word of God helps you understand yourself, the world, what's coming...

The Lord will satisfy a soul that is hungry for the truth!

• Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.
• When craving your favorite food, nothing else will satisfy. When God’s Spirit gives you a hunger for, an appreciation of, and some insight into His Word, your heart and soul will long to mine the infinite depths and riches of His Living Word.
• Pray for an understanding of God’s Word that comes only from the Holy Spirit.
• Seek out related verses throughout the Bible to see the bigger picture/broader application.
• Study to understand the context of scripture (people, places, perspectives, etc.).
• Participate in a small group Bible study.
• Look and pray for opportunities to share what God is teaching you.
• Learn the truth about where you came from, the meaning of life, what happens when you die...

God’s buffet is always open.

He has prepared a feast for you.

Open your heart and He will fill it with good things.

Prayer

God of wonders, God of light, God of truth, I love You and I love Your Word. Thank You for the Holy Bible. Please, I pray, make Your Word available to all who would taste, to all who would consume, to all who would digest the truth. Guide me in Your Word. Please reveal the truth of Jesus and the good news of salvation in His name to all those seeking truth. I pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ, my friend, my Lord, my Savior and my God. Amen.

What’s the Point?

What’s the Point?

Several weeks ago I was on the phone with a dear friend I had not talked with in a while. He is a faithful follower of Jesus Christ, God has blessed him with a great family, he serves faithfully in his church… Quite honestly, everything was going well with him. But there was something he wanted to talk about; his job.

You know those times when work becomes work; the days turn into weeks, the weeks turn into months, and you start asking yourself, ‘What’s the point?’ That is where he was. That is where I have been before. Not necessarily a huge problem, just that overbearing weight of, ‘Where is this all heading – I feel stuck. Is there something more or better out there for me?’

A week or so after we talked, I found myself reading Ecclesiastes. God is so awesome that way. He often leads us to just the right place in His Word. Looking for answers, He’s got ’em!

The following is an extremely high level overview of Ecclesiastes; Solomon deals with some really deep issues in this relatively small Book in the Old Testament. And believe me, I understand that there is a lot in this Book that I don’t understand, and much I am not attempting to deal with here. But, as Ecclesiastes relates to the conversation with my friend, and as Solomon speaks to many other significant issues we observe in the world, this is what God laid on my heart as I read through what He led Solomon to write.

What’s the point?

• Ecclesiastes 1:1-2 The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. 2 “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher; “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.”
• Futility. Emptiness. Unsatisfying. Solomon gets right to the point; living in a fallen world is no bed of roses.

What’s the benefit of working so hard?

• Ecclesiastes 1:3 What profit has a man from all his labor In which he toils under the sun?
• Even if I am providing well for my family’s material needs, am I really making a difference? I give so much of myself to work, there is often not much of me left for my family.

Where is the rule of law?

• Ecclesiastes 3:16 Moreover I saw under the sun: In the place of judgment, Wickedness was there; And in the place of righteousness, Iniquity was there.
• Look around. Instead of justice, I see wickedness. Instead of right, I see wrong.

Why are some world leaders so cruel?

• Ecclesiastes 4:1 Then I returned and considered all the oppression that is done under the sun: And look! The tears of the oppressed, But they have no comforter— On the side of their oppressors there is power, But they have no comforter.
• There are so many tyrants in the world. There are literally millions of people beat down by those who should be working to lift them up. Why? For what purpose?

Why do so many good people suffer and evil people prosper?

• Ecclesiastes 7:15 I have seen everything in my days of vanity: There is a just man who perishes in his righteousness, And there is a wicked man who prolongs life in his wickedness.
• Being as ‘real’ as I can be, what crosses my mind, ‘Why would, how could a just and loving God allow these things to happen?’

Now wait just a minute. Hold on here. Is all the craziness in this world causing me to question God’s sovereign rule? Am I doubting His goodness and love for me? Dare I question His existence?

ABSOLUTELY NOT!

And neither is Solomon.

Who are we to question God’s ways?

• Ecclesiastes 11:5 As you do not know what is the way of the wind, Or how the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child, So you do not know the works of God who makes everything.
• It is arrogant to question what God does and allows.

What is the primary purpose of my life?

• Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil.
• God made me to be in a right relationship with Him, to reverence Him, and to glorify Him in all I do.

What does God have to say about all this?

• Romans 11:33-34 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! 34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counselor?”
• Proverbs 9:10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
• Romans 9:20 But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, “Why have you made me like this?”
• Isaiah 46:9-10 Remember the former things of old, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, 10 Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure,’
• Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
• Romans 8:32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?
• Colossians 3:23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
• Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
• Isaiah 25:8-9 He will swallow up death forever, And the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces; The rebuke of His people He will take away from all the earth; For the Lord has spoken. 9 And it will be said in that day: “Behold, this is our God; We have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the Lord; We have waited for Him; We will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.”
• 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

Regardless of what we see, experience or feel,

we must press on.

We are to seek, obey, love and trust Him!

Prayer

Holy Father in Heaven, You are righteous, loving and true in all that you allow and do. Forgive us when we doubt. Forgive us when we don’t trust in Your goodness. We don’t have Your eternal perspective; but we do have Your Word and Your Spirit to guide and teach us. Please use Your Holy Spirit and the faith only You can give to transform our thinking. Life is not meaningless when it is lived in obedience and service to You. What is the point? You are! I love You, praise You and pray to You in the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior.

Please Pray With Me

Please Pray With Me

We live in a world that, for the most part, has turned its back on Jehovah; the God of the Bible, the only true God. There are many other gods people worship and serve; and as we watch, the world continues spiraling further down into darkness and away from what the Lord planned and desires for His creation. Yet all the chaos and craziness align perfectly with the Word of God. We, followers of Jesus Christ, know exactly where this world is headed – God’s judgment by fire.

But we are commanded to be lights in the world. We have been given a job to do; spreading the glorious truth of the good news about Jesus. Who He is, what He has done – Jesus is what everyone needs. We can’t give up or get discouraged. Every tongue and every tribe are to hear the truth (here at home and abroad). We need to be praying for this world and for Christ’s Church to make a difference in it.

Please join me in praying to our Heavenly Father.

Dear Lord, my Savior and King, I humbly come before You. Guide me in Spirit led prayer that honors You, depends on You, trusts You, and is offered with joyous expectation of Your response. Father God, in awe of Who You are and What You do, I lift up the desires of my heart and the truth of Your Word.

May Your Power Be Esteemed

• Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
• Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
• You are the creator of all things. You rule over the physical and spiritual realms of Your creation. I pray that all people will recognize and respect Your power. Only You have the power to save the lost souls of this world.

May Your Love Be Expressed

• Leviticus 19:18 You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.
• Matthew 5:44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,
• You have consistently instructed Your people to show love, respect and kindness to those who don’t know You. In the weakness of our flesh, we can never do this. But in the loving power of Your Holy Spirit, we can share the love of Jesus with those who don’t know Him.

May Your Word Be Explained

• Nehemiah 8:2-3 So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly of men and women and all who could hear with understanding on the first day of the seventh month. 3 Then he read from it in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate from morning until midday, before the men and women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law.
• 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.
• The only hope for this world is the truth of Your Word. Please continue to call Your faithful followers to preach, teach and share Your Holy Word. You have provided so many ways for the truth of Your Word to be sent across the globe (face-to-face, radio, various digital platforms, etc.).

May Your Truth Be Embraced

• Deuteronomy 32:4 He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He.
• John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
• Only through the gracious provision of Your Holy Spirit can the truth of Your Word be understood. Pour out Your Spirit on this rebellious and stubborn world. Draw lost souls to Jesus, the only way to a right relationship with You.

May Your Peace Be Experienced

• Numbers 6:24-26 “The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; 26 The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.”’
• Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
• You have never promised that life would be easy. But You offer true and eternal peace. Give Your children peace and please call those who don’t know you to perfect peace through the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ.

May Your People Be Encouraged

• Isaiah 35:3-4 Strengthen the weak hands, And make firm the feeble knees. 4 Say to those who are fearful-hearted, “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, With the recompense of God; He will come and save you.”
• Colossians 2:1-3 For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
• Living in this fallen world can be very difficult. These weak temporary bodies, the shortcomings of our human nature, and the bombardment of filth all weigh mightily on Your children. But in You, there is hope and encouragement, power and purpose, wisdom and knowledge.

May Your Will Be Expected

• Daniel 4:35 All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven And among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand Or say to Him, “What have You done?”
• Matthew 6:9-10 In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.
• Your ways are perfect and Your plans will be accomplished. Help Your Church to understand and live out Your desires. What You want is what we want.

I pray these things in the name above all names, Jesus Christ. Amen

As long as there is life, there is hope. Pray for those who don’t know Jesus to, in brokenness over their sin, humble themselves and turn to God.

• 2 Chronicles 7:14 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 will forgive their sin and heal their land.
• James 4:9-10 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.