December 11

This past weekend, as many of you may know, there were two shootings at churches in Colorado (one was actually a Youth with a Mission Center). This first one happened less than 2 miles from our house. It's actually the second murder to occur on that street corner in less than a year. And it's not like we get a whole lot of murders in our little suburban city.

I said to Joel, kind of off the cuff, "It's like God has a hold of that street corner (there is a large mega-church that sits on this corner) and Satan really wants to get a hold of it." But I really got to thinking that there may be more truth to that statement than I realized.

Here in America we do not give enough credit to spiritual warfare. It's not that it doesn't exist--it's just less talked about. More covert. Definitely not "politically correct". And not your typical dinner conversation. It makes us uncomfortable. And often seems a bit "voodoo doctor-ish" or something.

But I believe it's real and because it's ignored in our churches and conversations, it runs rampant in our lives. There is a battle going on for our hearts, and unless you are prepared, you may lose.

Ephesians 6 talks about preparing for this war with the Armor of God:
Belt of truth
Breastplate of righteousnesses
Feet fitted with readiness that comes from the gospel of peace
Shield of faith
Helmet of salvation
Sword of the Spirit
And PRAY, be alert and oh yes, pray some more

We must come to know our enemy and call him what he is--Satan. We must understand his evil ways--the deep, strong desire he has to win our hearts and distract us from knowing Jesus' saving grace (see Genesis 3 if in doubt). And we must learn to reject his manipulation and flee from his temptations. It's a dangerous world out there. Be ready.

It's only against this black, dark backdrop that we can truly come to know and appreciate our Lord and Savior's light, bright righteousness. His light shines brightly against the backdrop of the evil, sinful blackness of the world. He came to be a light, so that we may learn to be lights for him, too.

How bright is your light? Or is it burning out? Is it time for a "re-charge"?

Do you keep your light shining brightly all the time or just on Sundays? or in comfortable situations with other Christians? Would you be ashamed if someone knew you were a light for Jesus?

How is your Armor of God? Is it all shined and polished sitting in the closet? Or is it dented and falling apart and fits like a glove from use?

What will you do today to ready yourself for the spiritual battle we face constantly?

How will you prepare for the coming Christmas knowing that all Satan wants to do is destroy your experience of worshiping the newborn king?

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6:12

Service Opportunities (this isn't necessarily the topic I had planned on talking about today, so this may be a bit difficult!)
1. Learn more about spiritual warfare and talk about it as a family. You can use kid-friendly words and talk about how strong and mighty our God is!
2. Post scriptures around the house, in your car, where you work, to remind you to flee temptation.
3. Pray for God to protect your heart and the hearts of your loved ones.
4. Go on a walk around your neighborhood (maybe not today--it's like 20 degrees with 7 inches of snow on the ground here) and pray for your neighbors, school, church, etc...
5. Write a thank you card or bake cookies and deliver it to your local police office or fire station.
6. Talk about the shootings with your neighbors. Maybe this is a great conversation starter to talk about the Lord.
7. Whether you have kids or not, make cut outs or pictures or visual reminders of the Armor of God. Place it on your nightstand or in the shower or on the mirror and "put on" the armor every day. Help your kids to remember, too.
8. Be in God's word. Commit to doing this every day. It's the only way (along with prayer) that we can learn how to defeat our enemy.
9. Be ready to say out loud "Away from me Satan" when faced with temptation, as Jesus did in Matthew 4:10.
10. Tell someone you love them today. Really tell them.