Have you even stood outside and watched a storm front come in? There is something ominous about standing in the sun, but seeing the dark clouds roll in. This is the image I sense as I look toward the future. Somehow, it seems we are gearing up for a great spiritual battle. Does anyone else sense this oppressive feeling of pending doom?
Maybe I am being negative, but I just want to send a word of warning that as a church body, we need to get ready for a storm and get prepared. If we are caught in the cross-wind of this spiritual storm unprepared, we could be hurt. And just how are we to be preparing? Paul tells us very specific advice about this in the book of Ephesians.
"A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 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. Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm." ~Ephesians 6:10-13 NLT
Paul describes all the components of the armor, but places a special emphasis on praying. We are to pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. We are to stay alert and be persistent in our prayers for believers everywhere (verse 18). Paul was in chains sitting in prison when he wrote these words. We have been called to pray. If we are unified in our praying for one another, perhaps this pending storm will blow over.
I am praying. Will you join me in praying for our leaders?
Just told the bible study at Hillside almost the same thing. We must be prepared for the influx of people into the church... that come in fear and needing the counsel of godly people. We must be prepared to share Jesus with them rather than give them a mixture of psychology and watered down religion.
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