Divided We Fall

"Take counsel together and it shall come to naught; speak the word, and it
shall not stand: for God is with us." Isa 8:10


Our country is engaged in a battle for the very freedom our forefathers fought and died for. We as a society are generally unappreciative of what we have and we do not really understand what is at stake in the war against global terrorism. Although our all volunteer military lays itself on the line every day, we safe in our homes go about our lives and do not sacrifice alongside our soldiers and sailors. Consider the division of our politicians and interest groups battling over their slice of the pie while our sons and daughters bleed for our security.

Division is the Enemy's best weapon. We see it in families, people with addictions, and in our country. Those who isolate themselves are more susceptible to the words of despair and anguish spewed forth from the demons that wander around seeking whom they may destroy. God tells us that a house divided will not stand. The early church in the Book of Acts cared for one another both physically and financially. They would not let one of their own be alone. James 5:16 says that we are to "confess our faults one to another and pray for each other so that we may be healed." This scripture demands that we care for each other and do not let our brothers and sisters isolate themselves and fall prey to the Enemy.

Our nation needs to wake up and end divisiveness in time of war. We must stand together and sacrifice for the good of our nation. Its time all of us feel the pain of sacrifice and join together with our military brothers and sisters and fight for our freedom. The next time you fill up your gas tank think about the money you are spending to fund another roadside bomb. It is time we stop wasting gas and start praying for God's intervention. It is time we end petty political fighting and support the president in his efforts to end the tyranny of radical Islam. Tear down the walls that divide us before the Enemy establishes a stronghold.

Goodness and Mercy Have Followed Me

"Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Psalm 23:6



My Aunt Emily died last month. At her funeral was read an epitaph that she wrote:



"I hope to be remembered as being family-oriented, friendly, compassionate and kind.

I hope to be remembered as being very grateful for enjoying many years on this beautiful earth. 'Surely goodness and mercy have followed me all the days of my life'."



Emily lived 97 years. She married and raised children. She traveled with her husband and lived in overseas locations. She experienced many joys and faced many personal tragedies. She suffered through illness and dealt with devastating losses. She also worked and lived alone for a number of years.



Through all of life's mountains and valleys, many of which should have destroyed her, Emily was grateful to have enjoyed what God provided. She understood that "if God is with us , who can be against us." She knew that He would never "leave or foresake" her no matter how devastating her loss. She had faith in her Redeemer and knew that He loved her.



At her funeral with children, grandchildren, neices, nephews and friends gathered to remember her, not a dry eye could be seen as we remembered her strength, character, and long life. I am sure each one of us had our own memories of her, some good and, I'm certain, some not. However, to a person, what I remember most said was that she had a quiet strength that held her up even when life was coming at her very hard. Now I understand why.



Father you held up Emily on "eagles wings" so she could soar above the storm. You carried her so that she would not strike her foot against a stone. But most importantly Lord, her faithfulness in you, allowed us to see what a good God you are and I praise you for it. Your goodness and mercy did follow her, all the days of her life and now I can rest easy knowing that she is now dwelling in Your house forever. Thank you Father for taking care of her and say hello for me. Amen!

A War not Against Flesh and Blood

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world against spiritual wickedness in high places. " Eph 6:12

In his book "Miracles," C.S. Lewis writes, Unless there exists, in addition to Nature, something else which we may call the supernatural there can be no miracles." Those firmly on the side of choice, in the abortion debate, are those who Lewis refers to as "naturalists" (only accepting of the physical world). Conversely, the pro-life supporters, are so ademate of their view because they understand the existence of the supernatural is very real, and continuously influencing the natural.

The "miracle" of conception is by Lewis' definition the effect of the supernatural upon the physical world. Pro-lifers know that God, by his supernatural power, creates life during the union of a man and a woman's genetic material. In fact, even in the absence of conception, the physical union of a man and woman during sexual intercourse creates a supernatural bond between the couple. Anyone, who has experienced the pain of divorce, can attest to the agony when that bond is broken.

Destruction of human life under any circustance is to succum to the will of evil over good. It is a small victory for the Enemy in a continuing eternal battle for our souls. The fight, that has been waged since Daniel's prayer was interrupted by Gabriel, continues until the end of time. Abortion is much more than politics and a court ruling. Abortion is a war for mankind's very soul. Will we choose to believe God's will or will we choose our own?

Father, it is my prayer today for men and women who are contemplating abortion, that they remember that what God has created, no matter the circumstances, man has no right to destroy. "Thou shalt not kill," reigns as true today as it did five thousand years ago when Moses brought your word down the mountain. Heal us Lord from the shame and the pain of abortion. Remove it from our land, pick up the broken pieces left behind the spiritual battle for the souls of your people. In Jesus name! Amen

Busyness

"Still others, like seed sown among the thorns, hear the word, but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful." Mark 4:18-19

The parable of the sower describes so accurately my walk with the Lord. Since becoming saved as a 19 year old college student, my walk with the Lord has been a labrynth filled with twists, turns and falls as I navigated the world without seeking God's guidance on anything. Trapped among the thorns of climbing the corporate ladder, having the newest house, or driving the biggest car, I floundered for years to find happiness among the "worries of this life." Even today as a "mature Christian," I still find myself drawn to the trappings of wealth and lure of physical pleasure.

So when does it end? Why am I not satisfied with a loving God who provides all my needs. Surely at 50, I can put away childish things and focus the latter half of my life on God's work! Just when I think I have my walk in full stride with my Creator, I stumble on the path and fall into another briar patch.

Lord, I thank you that you are always there to pick me up, dust me off and nudge me back into your path. Plant me in the good soil so that I may produce a crop thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times what was sown. I am tired of Being Under Satan's Yoke (BUSY). Too busy to pray, to busy to call a friend, love my wife, or read your Word. I no longer want to put aside the affairs of the Kingdon, for the deceitfulness of earthly pleasure. Heal me Lord and make my crop bountiful. I want to serve you with all of the passion that you have placed into my heart. You are such a good God and I love that you love me, even when I am unlovable. I ask these things in the name of Jesus, my Lord and Saviour. Amen!