No Flare Up In Syria
Christians with eyes on the Middle East are giving thanks for God's restraining providence in the Syria-U.S.-Iran-Israel-Russia mix-up over President Obama's earlier "red line" comment. Diplomatic interchanges have come and gone, as has the United Nations expected confrontation. Although the situation is still tender and potentially explosive, no further overt confrontation has triggered rockets, nor has Israel been attacked by Iran as "collateral damage." Nothing is settled yet, so intercessors should watch and pray. (The Washington Post, 9/20/13)
Unfinished Business
Even though the Fort Hood shooter is where he belongs, on death row, his victims remain in limbo. The administration classified the 2009 massacre on the Texas military base as "workplace violence" instead of what it was: the assault of an Islamic militant upon our military here at home. The real-life consequence of the designation is that the victims aren't being properly compensated for their loss. Pray for a review to address the inequity.
(Your News Now, 9/26/13)
Spiritual Awakening in Iran
According to Middle East-watcher and Christian author, Joel Rosenberg, an historic spiritual awakening is under way in Iran. Rosenberg recently interviewed Dr. Hormoz Shariat, whom he calls "the Billy Graham of Iran" and "the foremost Iranian evangelist and Bible teacher in the world." During the interview last month, Dr. Shariat reported that "more Iranians have renounced Islam and come to faith in Jesus Christ in the last three decades, than in the last 14 centuries combined." He went on to say there are an estimated one million followers of Christ inside Iran, and that there continues to be a great hunger among Persian-speaking people to hear and understand God's word and the power of the Gospel message. Pray accordingly for similar interventions to spread far and wide.
(Joel Rosenberg Blog, 10/13)
Pray For the Persecuted Church
On Nov. 3 or Nov. 10, 2013 join a global day of intercession for suffering Christians in countries such as China, Iran, North Korea, Afghanistan, Egypt, Nigeria, and more. Please note that while these Sundays are the designated dates for International Day of Prayer (IDOP), you may choose another date. From the IDOP website: "In the traditional church calendar, 'All Saints Day' and 'All Souls Day' stand out in November to remember the saints of the Church and the souls of those who departed this world. It is fitting, then, that the modern church has set apart the month of November to remember those facing martyrdom and to pray for the persecuted Church." See both www.idop.org and www.onewiththem.com.
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Monday, October 21, 2013
Flourishing as Christians
Psalm 1 is the Bible's best-known passage on meditation. The psalm begins by drawing a contrast between two men. One walks in the counsel of the wicked, stands in the way of sinners, and sits in the seat of scoffers. The other delights in God's law and meditates on it day and night; he prospers in all that he does (vv. 1-3).
DonWhitney's book Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life likens meditation to "steeping a tea bag in hot water." It is a vivid picture, over time the cup of hot water is changed, it takes on the flavor and color of tea.
Meditation is being attentive to theWord of God. It is delighting ourselves in God so much that our conscious focus is on His will and not our own, on His truth and not our speculation, on His way and not the way of the scoffer. Reflection and meditation on God's law produces confidence in his goodness.
Meditation is a way of seeking the things that are above (Col. 3:1). Spending time in theWord of God is to set one's mind and heart on things above. Meditation is the means of renewing the mind (Rom. 12:1-2). Meditation on Scripture allows God'sWord to penetrate our inner being. Meditation brings the light of illumination to or hearts. It brings the power to resist being conformed to the world. Meditation transforms and renews the mind by giving weight to God's interpretation of life.
Notice that in this Psalm, meditation takes place day and night. When my heart faints within me because I am despairing; I need to meditate on theWord of God. When doubts rise up within me, tamping down every reason for hope, I need to meditate on theWord of God. When I am struggling to break free from sinful habits, meditation on theWord of God will usher me to God, who has grace and power to deliver. When I wake up in the morning wondering if anyone really cares for my soul, theWord of God will remind me that God has loved me everlastingly.
The pleasures and delights of knowing God - of being mesmerized and enthralled and thrilled by God - are experienced as you meditate on His law day and night. You will never be a person who sees God as glorious and more delightful than the pleasures of sin unless you are in the Word beholding God every day.
If you are not delighting in God in his Word, you will become enthralled and thrilled by something else, some lesser thing. Remember that you are hardwired for pleasure and delight. God has made you like that because He made you for Himself. You must be feeding the life of faith to grow strong, and you feed it through the Word of God. No wonder Psalm 119 says, "YourWord have I hidden in my heart that I might not sin against you."
You will fourish as a Christian as you meditate on God's law day and night.
(Dr. Tedd Tripp, Tabletalk, October 2013)
DonWhitney's book Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life likens meditation to "steeping a tea bag in hot water." It is a vivid picture, over time the cup of hot water is changed, it takes on the flavor and color of tea.
Meditation is being attentive to theWord of God. It is delighting ourselves in God so much that our conscious focus is on His will and not our own, on His truth and not our speculation, on His way and not the way of the scoffer. Reflection and meditation on God's law produces confidence in his goodness.
Meditation is a way of seeking the things that are above (Col. 3:1). Spending time in theWord of God is to set one's mind and heart on things above. Meditation is the means of renewing the mind (Rom. 12:1-2). Meditation on Scripture allows God'sWord to penetrate our inner being. Meditation brings the light of illumination to or hearts. It brings the power to resist being conformed to the world. Meditation transforms and renews the mind by giving weight to God's interpretation of life.
Notice that in this Psalm, meditation takes place day and night. When my heart faints within me because I am despairing; I need to meditate on theWord of God. When doubts rise up within me, tamping down every reason for hope, I need to meditate on theWord of God. When I am struggling to break free from sinful habits, meditation on theWord of God will usher me to God, who has grace and power to deliver. When I wake up in the morning wondering if anyone really cares for my soul, theWord of God will remind me that God has loved me everlastingly.
The pleasures and delights of knowing God - of being mesmerized and enthralled and thrilled by God - are experienced as you meditate on His law day and night. You will never be a person who sees God as glorious and more delightful than the pleasures of sin unless you are in the Word beholding God every day.
If you are not delighting in God in his Word, you will become enthralled and thrilled by something else, some lesser thing. Remember that you are hardwired for pleasure and delight. God has made you like that because He made you for Himself. You must be feeding the life of faith to grow strong, and you feed it through the Word of God. No wonder Psalm 119 says, "YourWord have I hidden in my heart that I might not sin against you."
You will fourish as a Christian as you meditate on God's law day and night.
(Dr. Tedd Tripp, Tabletalk, October 2013)
Monday, October 14, 2013
Pastor Bill's Thought for the Day
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Isaiah 26:3
We have in this verse of Scripture a promise of peace and considering the elusiveness of peace in our present day world this promise should be well worth our investigating. It is a personal matter! It is the promise of a personal peace in a world that has known very little peace in a long time.
In a world of violence it is a "calm in the midst of the storm." There are two things that we must do to obtain this peace and we can do both. Our mind is to be "stayed on God' and that is a matter of choice. We can control what we are thinking and we can choose what we read and look at. We are to "trust in God" and the more that we read His word and think on and rehearse His goodness, the easier it is to trust Him.
There is much in the world that is disturbing to the disciple of Christ and cannot be denied. It is paraded before us constantly by the media but we must at least give God equal time if we would be "kept in perfect peace."
The media presents the "breaking news" but God has written the final chapter. "Peace on earth" will come in God's time but peace in your heart and mine is promised for right now.
Malachi lived in a time when the general behavior was marked by rebellion and infidelity but there were those who would not be influenced. Malachi wrote, "Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon His name. And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up My jewels; I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him." (Malachi 3:16,17)
Jesus said the time would come when, "...ye shall hear of wars, and commotions, be not terrified:" (Luke 21:9) There are as many wars and commotions in the world right now as there has ever been but we are not terrified because He also said, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27)
(Pastor Bill Cummins, Sheridan, Wyoming, drbc@bresnan.net)
Isaiah 26:3
We have in this verse of Scripture a promise of peace and considering the elusiveness of peace in our present day world this promise should be well worth our investigating. It is a personal matter! It is the promise of a personal peace in a world that has known very little peace in a long time.
In a world of violence it is a "calm in the midst of the storm." There are two things that we must do to obtain this peace and we can do both. Our mind is to be "stayed on God' and that is a matter of choice. We can control what we are thinking and we can choose what we read and look at. We are to "trust in God" and the more that we read His word and think on and rehearse His goodness, the easier it is to trust Him.
There is much in the world that is disturbing to the disciple of Christ and cannot be denied. It is paraded before us constantly by the media but we must at least give God equal time if we would be "kept in perfect peace."
The media presents the "breaking news" but God has written the final chapter. "Peace on earth" will come in God's time but peace in your heart and mine is promised for right now.
Malachi lived in a time when the general behavior was marked by rebellion and infidelity but there were those who would not be influenced. Malachi wrote, "Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon His name. And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up My jewels; I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him." (Malachi 3:16,17)
Jesus said the time would come when, "...ye shall hear of wars, and commotions, be not terrified:" (Luke 21:9) There are as many wars and commotions in the world right now as there has ever been but we are not terrified because He also said, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27)
(Pastor Bill Cummins, Sheridan, Wyoming, drbc@bresnan.net)
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Several Items of Interest
Clinic Closings Increasing in the U. S.
Abortion centers are shutting down at an unprecedented rate. The total so far this year is 44, according to a pro-life organization that tracks clinic operations. None was more telling than the mid-July closing of the Planned Parenthood center in Bryan, Texas. It came less than four years after Abby Johnson, burdened by her involvement with abortion, walked out of that clinic as its director and into the offices of the Coalition for Life. "Knowing that the former abortion clinic I once ran is now closing is the biggest personal victory of my life," Johnson said.
This year, 42 clinics that provided surgical abortions have shut their doors, and two that offered chemical abortions by drugs also have closed. That number far surpasses the 25 shutdown last year and the 30 in 2011, by Operation Rescue's count. Some of the shutdowns have been of major clinics. For instance,Virginia's No. 1 abortion provider closed. It had performed 3,066 abortions in 2012 and 3,567 in 2011.
(Christian Renewal, Oct. 2013, www.crmag.com)
A few Scientific Facts about Creation
Which came first, proteins of DNA (Revelation 4:11)? For evolutionists, the chicken or egg dilemma goes even deeper. Chickens consist of proteins. The code for each protein is contained in the DNA/RNA system. However, proteins are required in order to manufacture DNA. So which came first: proteins or DNA? The ONLY explanation is that they were created together.
Our bodies are made from the dust of the ground (Genesis 2:7; 3:19). Scientists have discovered that the human body is comprised of some 28 base and trace elements - all of which are found in the earth.
The First Law of Thermodynamics established (Genesis 2:1-2). The First Law states that the total quantity of energy and matter in the universe is a constant. One form of energy or matter may be converted into another, but the total quantity always remains the same. Therefore the creation is finished, exactly as God said way back in Genesis.
The first three verses of Genesis accurately express all known aspects of the creation (Genesis 1:1-3). Science expresses the universe in terms of: time, space, matter, and energy. In Genesis chapter one we read: "In the beginning (time) God created the heavens (space) and the earth (matter)....Then God said, "Let there be light (energy)." No other creation account (such as evolution) agrees with the observable evidence.
The universe had a beginning (Genesis 1:1, Hebrews 1:10-12). Starting with the studies of Ablert Einstein in the early 1900s and continuing today, science has confirmed the biblical view that the universe had a beginning. At the time that the Bible was written most people believed the universe was eternal. Science has proven them wrong, but the Bible correct.
The earth is a sphere (Isaiah 40:22). At a time when many thought the earth was flat, the Bible told us that the earth is spherical.
Scripture assumes a revolving (spherical) earth (Luke 17:34-36). Jesus said that at His return some would be asleep at night while others would be working at day time activities in the field. This is a clear indication of a revolving earth, with day and night occurring simultaneously.
(The above short items from www.creationmoments.com, 101 Scientific Facts & Foreknowledge)
Abortion centers are shutting down at an unprecedented rate. The total so far this year is 44, according to a pro-life organization that tracks clinic operations. None was more telling than the mid-July closing of the Planned Parenthood center in Bryan, Texas. It came less than four years after Abby Johnson, burdened by her involvement with abortion, walked out of that clinic as its director and into the offices of the Coalition for Life. "Knowing that the former abortion clinic I once ran is now closing is the biggest personal victory of my life," Johnson said.
This year, 42 clinics that provided surgical abortions have shut their doors, and two that offered chemical abortions by drugs also have closed. That number far surpasses the 25 shutdown last year and the 30 in 2011, by Operation Rescue's count. Some of the shutdowns have been of major clinics. For instance,Virginia's No. 1 abortion provider closed. It had performed 3,066 abortions in 2012 and 3,567 in 2011.
(Christian Renewal, Oct. 2013, www.crmag.com)
A few Scientific Facts about Creation
Which came first, proteins of DNA (Revelation 4:11)? For evolutionists, the chicken or egg dilemma goes even deeper. Chickens consist of proteins. The code for each protein is contained in the DNA/RNA system. However, proteins are required in order to manufacture DNA. So which came first: proteins or DNA? The ONLY explanation is that they were created together.
Our bodies are made from the dust of the ground (Genesis 2:7; 3:19). Scientists have discovered that the human body is comprised of some 28 base and trace elements - all of which are found in the earth.
The First Law of Thermodynamics established (Genesis 2:1-2). The First Law states that the total quantity of energy and matter in the universe is a constant. One form of energy or matter may be converted into another, but the total quantity always remains the same. Therefore the creation is finished, exactly as God said way back in Genesis.
The first three verses of Genesis accurately express all known aspects of the creation (Genesis 1:1-3). Science expresses the universe in terms of: time, space, matter, and energy. In Genesis chapter one we read: "In the beginning (time) God created the heavens (space) and the earth (matter)....Then God said, "Let there be light (energy)." No other creation account (such as evolution) agrees with the observable evidence.
The universe had a beginning (Genesis 1:1, Hebrews 1:10-12). Starting with the studies of Ablert Einstein in the early 1900s and continuing today, science has confirmed the biblical view that the universe had a beginning. At the time that the Bible was written most people believed the universe was eternal. Science has proven them wrong, but the Bible correct.
The earth is a sphere (Isaiah 40:22). At a time when many thought the earth was flat, the Bible told us that the earth is spherical.
Scripture assumes a revolving (spherical) earth (Luke 17:34-36). Jesus said that at His return some would be asleep at night while others would be working at day time activities in the field. This is a clear indication of a revolving earth, with day and night occurring simultaneously.
(The above short items from www.creationmoments.com, 101 Scientific Facts & Foreknowledge)
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Several Articles of Interest
Sorry Or Repentant?
Being sorry and being repentant are different. All of us have witnessed a child sorry for the way things have turned out. The same parent's reaction is completely different to the child who comes to them with a repentant heart - sorry for the outcome and for their part in creating the outcome.
You might remember when the Israelites went to conquer the land that was promised to them. In Numbers 14:39, we read that the Israelites were "overcome with grief" because of the word of judgment Moses had brought to them declaring they would not enter the promised land because of their actions. This word created quite a reaction!
They were sorry because of the way things turned out - they were not repentant for their stubborn hearts that caused the outcome. They wanted to receive their portion of the promised land. This lack of a repentant heart caused them to go in the opposite direction the Lord desired. They were clearly instructed in 14:25 to retreat toward the Red Sea in order for them to get their hearts right. Instead, they mustered up their strength and with the wrong heart pursued God's promises. The result was they were routed and did not enter the promised land.
Repentance positions us to receive God's promises! Being sorry for how things have turned out and then implementing our fixes with our strength will have a disastrous outcome. Let us pray that the Church will move beyond being sorry for where our country is and move into repentance for the conditions of our hearts.
Revival is the only hope for our nation. Repentance is the key to revival.
(David Kabal, President and CEO, Intercessors for America)
States Going Pro-Life
While the Repubican-controlled U.S. House passes strong pro-life bills only to have them die in the Democrat-controlled Senate, many states continue to enact more laws honoring the sanctity of life. At least 42 states have passed or introduced legislation to protect innocent pre-born human beings from being killed by abortion. Some states want to stop every abortion of a baby with a beating heart (which can be detected at 12 weeks). Others focus on 20 weeks as a pain-threshold. The very liberal 9th Circuit court has overturned at least three of these fetal-pain laws, paving the way for a Supreme Court showdown. Let us continue to pray, knowing God is listening and caring.
(RueutersNewsServiceForLife, 7/13)
Religious Convictions Denied
In 2006, Elaine Huguenin, co-owner with her husband of Elaine Photography (Albaquerque, NM), declined to take photos of a lesbian "commitment" ceremony, as she was unable to reconcile the ceremony with her religious convictions. She helped the women find another photographer, but stated she could not participate in the event without violating her beliefs about marriage. Not satisfied, the women brought a complaint before the New Mexico Human Rights Commission, which found Mrs. Huguenin engaged in "sexual orientation" discrimination prohibited under state law, and ordered Elaine Photography to pay the plaintiffs' attorney fees.
Fast forward to August 2013 when, following the approval of an intermediate appellate court, the New Mexico Supreme Court ruled that Mrs. Huguenin violated the state's Human Rights Act, despite the fact that to comply would have compelled her to act contrary to her Christian faith. Many analysts have been warning of the adverse effects same-sex "marriage" could have on religious liberty. Now, as exemplified by the NM Supreme Court's decision in May, these fears are being realized. The Alliance Defense Fund will represent the Huguenins' appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. Concerned Christians are alerted to follow closely and pray much into what will no doubt be a landmark decision, and not just about photography.
(Alliance Defending Freedom, 8/22/2013)
All the above articles from Inttercessors For American, www.IFAPray.org)
Being sorry and being repentant are different. All of us have witnessed a child sorry for the way things have turned out. The same parent's reaction is completely different to the child who comes to them with a repentant heart - sorry for the outcome and for their part in creating the outcome.
You might remember when the Israelites went to conquer the land that was promised to them. In Numbers 14:39, we read that the Israelites were "overcome with grief" because of the word of judgment Moses had brought to them declaring they would not enter the promised land because of their actions. This word created quite a reaction!
They were sorry because of the way things turned out - they were not repentant for their stubborn hearts that caused the outcome. They wanted to receive their portion of the promised land. This lack of a repentant heart caused them to go in the opposite direction the Lord desired. They were clearly instructed in 14:25 to retreat toward the Red Sea in order for them to get their hearts right. Instead, they mustered up their strength and with the wrong heart pursued God's promises. The result was they were routed and did not enter the promised land.
Repentance positions us to receive God's promises! Being sorry for how things have turned out and then implementing our fixes with our strength will have a disastrous outcome. Let us pray that the Church will move beyond being sorry for where our country is and move into repentance for the conditions of our hearts.
Revival is the only hope for our nation. Repentance is the key to revival.
(David Kabal, President and CEO, Intercessors for America)
States Going Pro-Life
While the Repubican-controlled U.S. House passes strong pro-life bills only to have them die in the Democrat-controlled Senate, many states continue to enact more laws honoring the sanctity of life. At least 42 states have passed or introduced legislation to protect innocent pre-born human beings from being killed by abortion. Some states want to stop every abortion of a baby with a beating heart (which can be detected at 12 weeks). Others focus on 20 weeks as a pain-threshold. The very liberal 9th Circuit court has overturned at least three of these fetal-pain laws, paving the way for a Supreme Court showdown. Let us continue to pray, knowing God is listening and caring.
(RueutersNewsServiceForLife, 7/13)
Religious Convictions Denied
In 2006, Elaine Huguenin, co-owner with her husband of Elaine Photography (Albaquerque, NM), declined to take photos of a lesbian "commitment" ceremony, as she was unable to reconcile the ceremony with her religious convictions. She helped the women find another photographer, but stated she could not participate in the event without violating her beliefs about marriage. Not satisfied, the women brought a complaint before the New Mexico Human Rights Commission, which found Mrs. Huguenin engaged in "sexual orientation" discrimination prohibited under state law, and ordered Elaine Photography to pay the plaintiffs' attorney fees.
Fast forward to August 2013 when, following the approval of an intermediate appellate court, the New Mexico Supreme Court ruled that Mrs. Huguenin violated the state's Human Rights Act, despite the fact that to comply would have compelled her to act contrary to her Christian faith. Many analysts have been warning of the adverse effects same-sex "marriage" could have on religious liberty. Now, as exemplified by the NM Supreme Court's decision in May, these fears are being realized. The Alliance Defense Fund will represent the Huguenins' appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. Concerned Christians are alerted to follow closely and pray much into what will no doubt be a landmark decision, and not just about photography.
(Alliance Defending Freedom, 8/22/2013)
All the above articles from Inttercessors For American, www.IFAPray.org)
Monday, September 30, 2013
Prayer as a Weapon of Attack
"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:12
Early in my ministry,God impressed upon me that intercession is essentially defensive prayer. Yet He also seemed to say to me, "My people are beginning to move out on the offensive." Therefore, I want to share in this article about offensive prayer - prayer as a weapon of attack.
In the above quote from Ephesians, Paul is talking about a wrestling match. To me, this is significant because he is taking his metaphor from the Olympic Games, where the most severe, total test of strength, power, endurance and skill was the wrestling match. In a wrestling match, it is one man totally pitted against another. It is this figure of total involvement which Paul uses for spiritual conflict, telling us that it involves our whole being. Paul says that the supreme target of our Christian warfare is this kingdom of darkness under the control of Satan.
Looking in the Old Testament, we find (in Daniel) that over each major empire was a satanic prince directly responsible to see that Satan's purposes were carried out in that empire. I believe this is true of the world today. Every major nation and empire has a particular satanic prince set over it to ensure that satan's purposes are carried out and God's purposes are frustrated. Ultimately, the destiny of a nation is determined by who wins this heavenly warfare.
We are dealing with a government of evil that seeks to control the world with spiritual power for Satan's purposes. The ultimate challenge of the Church is to defeat that government. I believe this responsibility rests on us, the Church, because we alone have the spiritual weapons to do the job. It is spiritual warfare - it must be won with spiritual weapons. Carnal weapons cannot do it. Paul says this in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5: "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh." We are at war, but it is not in the carnal, fleshly, material realm. "Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ."
Can you see that the warfare is spiritual, and the objectives we have to capture are in men's minds? Our warfare is to liberate the minds of men from the control of Satan and bring them under the control of Christ. To do that, we have to pull down Satan's strongholds, which are built up in people's minds.
What are our spiritual weapons? There are three main spiritual weapons. Number one is the name of Jesus Christ. Number two is the blood of Jesus. Number three is the Word of God. These are all spiritual weapons. Consequently, they have to be launched by spiritual artillery. What is the launching mechanism or channel for all spiritual weapons? The mouth - and there are four main ways of launching our weapons through our mouths. Number one is prayer. Number two is praise. Number three is preaching. Number four is testimony.
So we see that there is a battle for men's minds. The weapons are spiritual. The artillery through which they are launched is our mouths. The victory will go to the side that makes the best use of its mouth. I truly believe that if the children of God, filled with and empowered by the Holy Spirit, would fill the atmosphere with the spiritual weapons God has given us, Satan's kingdom would be bound, silenced,and rendered ineffective!
I believe that in every area of the earth, it is within the pwoer of God's people to win victory for their particular territory, and Christians in every area are responsible before God for their area. I believe the destiny of this nation and other nations will be determined by the way Christians use the spiritual weapons which God has put at our disposal.
(This article is an adaptation of an article by Derek Prince originally published in the July/August 1975 issue of the Intercessors For America Newsletter, www.IFAPray.org)
Early in my ministry,God impressed upon me that intercession is essentially defensive prayer. Yet He also seemed to say to me, "My people are beginning to move out on the offensive." Therefore, I want to share in this article about offensive prayer - prayer as a weapon of attack.
In the above quote from Ephesians, Paul is talking about a wrestling match. To me, this is significant because he is taking his metaphor from the Olympic Games, where the most severe, total test of strength, power, endurance and skill was the wrestling match. In a wrestling match, it is one man totally pitted against another. It is this figure of total involvement which Paul uses for spiritual conflict, telling us that it involves our whole being. Paul says that the supreme target of our Christian warfare is this kingdom of darkness under the control of Satan.
Looking in the Old Testament, we find (in Daniel) that over each major empire was a satanic prince directly responsible to see that Satan's purposes were carried out in that empire. I believe this is true of the world today. Every major nation and empire has a particular satanic prince set over it to ensure that satan's purposes are carried out and God's purposes are frustrated. Ultimately, the destiny of a nation is determined by who wins this heavenly warfare.
We are dealing with a government of evil that seeks to control the world with spiritual power for Satan's purposes. The ultimate challenge of the Church is to defeat that government. I believe this responsibility rests on us, the Church, because we alone have the spiritual weapons to do the job. It is spiritual warfare - it must be won with spiritual weapons. Carnal weapons cannot do it. Paul says this in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5: "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh." We are at war, but it is not in the carnal, fleshly, material realm. "Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ."
Can you see that the warfare is spiritual, and the objectives we have to capture are in men's minds? Our warfare is to liberate the minds of men from the control of Satan and bring them under the control of Christ. To do that, we have to pull down Satan's strongholds, which are built up in people's minds.
What are our spiritual weapons? There are three main spiritual weapons. Number one is the name of Jesus Christ. Number two is the blood of Jesus. Number three is the Word of God. These are all spiritual weapons. Consequently, they have to be launched by spiritual artillery. What is the launching mechanism or channel for all spiritual weapons? The mouth - and there are four main ways of launching our weapons through our mouths. Number one is prayer. Number two is praise. Number three is preaching. Number four is testimony.
So we see that there is a battle for men's minds. The weapons are spiritual. The artillery through which they are launched is our mouths. The victory will go to the side that makes the best use of its mouth. I truly believe that if the children of God, filled with and empowered by the Holy Spirit, would fill the atmosphere with the spiritual weapons God has given us, Satan's kingdom would be bound, silenced,and rendered ineffective!
I believe that in every area of the earth, it is within the pwoer of God's people to win victory for their particular territory, and Christians in every area are responsible before God for their area. I believe the destiny of this nation and other nations will be determined by the way Christians use the spiritual weapons which God has put at our disposal.
(This article is an adaptation of an article by Derek Prince originally published in the July/August 1975 issue of the Intercessors For America Newsletter, www.IFAPray.org)
Monday, September 23, 2013
Several Articles of Interest
Egyptian Christians Killed for Not Paying "Jizya" Tax
Muslims in southern Egypt killed two Christian men for failing to pay them protection money, CBN News reports. Muslims in the area are demanding that Christians pay them "jizya," a kind of tax that Islamic law requires religious minorities to pay Muslims, but the tax is so high many Christians simply can't afford it. Voice of the Martyrs reported that a Muslim man demanded a Christian in a village in Assiut pay him nearly $1,500. The Christian sought help from local police but to no avail; when he failed to come up with the money, several Muslims went to his home and shot him and his cousin to death.
Judge's Ruling Makes North Dakota First to Ban Abortion Based on Down Syndrome
Earlier this year, Governor Jack Dalrymple of North Dakota signed legislation that banned abortions because of gender selection and genetic defects, such as Down syndrome. The state's lone abortion provider, Red River Women's Clinic (RRWC), immediately filed suit to stop these measures, as well as another provision that banned abortion as soon as a heartbeat could be detected.
However, U. S.District Judge Daniel Hovland dismissed part of the suit this week at the request of RRWC, which claimed it never performed abortions for genetic or gender reasons. The dismissal means those two provisions will go into effect in the state.
American United for Life President Charmaine Yhoest told LifeNews.com the importance of this ruling: "A civil society does not discriminate against people - born and unborn - for their sex or for disability. We should be celebrating diversity, not destroying it," she said. "Women in particular have been targeted for death in the womb, and we've also seen dramatic abortion rates for children with disabilities which put them at risk for extinction."
While RRWC claims they never perform abortions for such reasons, they also offered no proof that this was the case, nor did they explain why they initially challenged laws that have no bearing on their practice. In fact, LifeNews.com claims that as many as 90% of parents choose to have an abortion when doctors detect a genetic "defect" before birth. In other words, just because RRWC may claim the abortion was simply a "personal decision," they don't have to find out (or document) the reason for it.
Christian Widow in India Beaten for Refusing to "Reconvert" to Hinduism
NEW DELHI (Morning Star News) - When Laxmi Sovi, a Christian widow in India's Chhattisgarh state, heard her door opening one morning last month, she could not have guessed that by the next day she would be hospitalized and her home demolished. Three Hindu extremists identified only as Veeru, Chaytu and Mangru barged into Sovi's house in Kakadi Beda village, Kondagoan, at 9:30 a.m. on Aug. 24 and demanded that she and her children convert back to Hinduism, she told Morning Star News. In spite of threats, she declined. The three men left.
That night at about 11 p.m., the same Hindu nationalists forced their way into her house. "They asked me why I converted to Christianity and left all the Hindu idols, and they also told me that I should reconvert to Hinduism or else be killed," Sovi said.
Sovi, who became a Christian four years ago, refused to renounce Christ. The Hindu extremists began beating her and her two children, threatening to rape her teenage daughter. The children managed to escape and hid in the surrounding jungle, but the men continued to slap, kick and punch Sovi as they insisted she leave Christ. She was found semi-conscious after the beating and the destruction of her home.
(Articles from ReligionToday@crosswalkmail.com)
Muslims in southern Egypt killed two Christian men for failing to pay them protection money, CBN News reports. Muslims in the area are demanding that Christians pay them "jizya," a kind of tax that Islamic law requires religious minorities to pay Muslims, but the tax is so high many Christians simply can't afford it. Voice of the Martyrs reported that a Muslim man demanded a Christian in a village in Assiut pay him nearly $1,500. The Christian sought help from local police but to no avail; when he failed to come up with the money, several Muslims went to his home and shot him and his cousin to death.
Judge's Ruling Makes North Dakota First to Ban Abortion Based on Down Syndrome
Earlier this year, Governor Jack Dalrymple of North Dakota signed legislation that banned abortions because of gender selection and genetic defects, such as Down syndrome. The state's lone abortion provider, Red River Women's Clinic (RRWC), immediately filed suit to stop these measures, as well as another provision that banned abortion as soon as a heartbeat could be detected.
However, U. S.District Judge Daniel Hovland dismissed part of the suit this week at the request of RRWC, which claimed it never performed abortions for genetic or gender reasons. The dismissal means those two provisions will go into effect in the state.
American United for Life President Charmaine Yhoest told LifeNews.com the importance of this ruling: "A civil society does not discriminate against people - born and unborn - for their sex or for disability. We should be celebrating diversity, not destroying it," she said. "Women in particular have been targeted for death in the womb, and we've also seen dramatic abortion rates for children with disabilities which put them at risk for extinction."
While RRWC claims they never perform abortions for such reasons, they also offered no proof that this was the case, nor did they explain why they initially challenged laws that have no bearing on their practice. In fact, LifeNews.com claims that as many as 90% of parents choose to have an abortion when doctors detect a genetic "defect" before birth. In other words, just because RRWC may claim the abortion was simply a "personal decision," they don't have to find out (or document) the reason for it.
Christian Widow in India Beaten for Refusing to "Reconvert" to Hinduism
NEW DELHI (Morning Star News) - When Laxmi Sovi, a Christian widow in India's Chhattisgarh state, heard her door opening one morning last month, she could not have guessed that by the next day she would be hospitalized and her home demolished. Three Hindu extremists identified only as Veeru, Chaytu and Mangru barged into Sovi's house in Kakadi Beda village, Kondagoan, at 9:30 a.m. on Aug. 24 and demanded that she and her children convert back to Hinduism, she told Morning Star News. In spite of threats, she declined. The three men left.
That night at about 11 p.m., the same Hindu nationalists forced their way into her house. "They asked me why I converted to Christianity and left all the Hindu idols, and they also told me that I should reconvert to Hinduism or else be killed," Sovi said.
Sovi, who became a Christian four years ago, refused to renounce Christ. The Hindu extremists began beating her and her two children, threatening to rape her teenage daughter. The children managed to escape and hid in the surrounding jungle, but the men continued to slap, kick and punch Sovi as they insisted she leave Christ. She was found semi-conscious after the beating and the destruction of her home.
(Articles from ReligionToday@crosswalkmail.com)
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