I realize that most people in our country own a pet or live beside someone who has a pet. There is nothing more uncomfortable than having trouble with your neighbor's pet. It has been my experience with having a problem with a neighbor's pet, I usually choose to ignore the problem and hope it will go away. But there have been times when things have got so tense that I had to approach my neighbors in hopes that they would correct the situation. Nine times out of ten, the neighbor is very apologetic and will promise to have better control of their pet. Yet what if the animal that was causing you much grief was a stray or a wild animal, it would be very difficult to rectify the situation without taking matters in your own hands. When it comes to the spiritual battle between Satan and the demons of hell verses God and His servants the angels, it makes a great difference in the life of a believer when we realize that it is not our job to defeat Satan, he has already been defeated and is accountable to the Master of the Universe, Christ Jesus.
In Daniel 10, Daniel is confronted with the reality of evil and spiritual warfare on this earth. In verses 10-19 we see the common reaction to evil, fear. Daniel is too fearful to get up, too fearful to speak, and to fearful to go forward. But as you continue to read this chapter you see Daniel is using the weapon of prayer (2-3) that leads to the intervention of God to overcome the evil forces of Satan. It is through prayer that God sends Daniel His message of assurance that victory always belongs to Him. Even when praying, Daniel does not understand the magnitude of the battle until it is revealed to him. The reality of the battle should keep God's children on our knees in prayer. This discipline is clearly seen in the Garden, as Jesus prepares for the cross. Satan tried to use fear to stop Jesus, but Jesus relied on prayer to His Father, knowing that through prayer, victory would be achieved over the enemy. Live your life each day knowing that Satan's power is limited, and he can only do what God Almighty permits. Walking in this truth will create for us a less stressed life. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Confident that Prayer Matters to God
How many people do you think pray on a regular basis in this world? How many of those people truly believe that their "deity" hears or cares about those prayers? Even though most in this world believes in prayer (communication with a higher being), most of those in this world who pray truly never expect their "god" to react one way or another. Most of our world prays out of ritual, tradition, or habit, without ever believing it will make a difference in this life. Are you one of these people? This mindset or attitude should never be apart of a Christian's prayer life. With all the stress in life, with all the ups and downs and uncertainties we face, the last thing a Christian needs is to carry around is the lie that God is not concerned or touched by His children's prayers.
In Daniel 9, we are given a peek behind the scenes at the spiritual battle taking place when God's children pray. We see the great lengths God will go to care for and answer the prayers of His faithful children. Prayer should always be apart of a Christian's life, even when it involves our future hopes and fears. Daniel's prayer life and God's reply enforce three truths that will radically change the way we understand and approach God in prayer. First, a powerful prayer life flows out of a disciplined love for God's Word. Daniel studied God's Word, and was able to pray back to God His promises to His people (Jeremiah 25:11-12). Second, a powerful prayer life flows out of a correct view of God's character. Daniel does not elevate himself to God's level, but humbly acknowledges God's superior position over man. Third, a powerful prayer life flows out of a desperate heart to know God's will. When we embrace God's will for our lives, then we can rest securely in the perfect plan God has for us. A Christian who has an active and powerful prayer connection with God, guarantees themselves a less stressful life in these uncertain times. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.
In Daniel 9, we are given a peek behind the scenes at the spiritual battle taking place when God's children pray. We see the great lengths God will go to care for and answer the prayers of His faithful children. Prayer should always be apart of a Christian's life, even when it involves our future hopes and fears. Daniel's prayer life and God's reply enforce three truths that will radically change the way we understand and approach God in prayer. First, a powerful prayer life flows out of a disciplined love for God's Word. Daniel studied God's Word, and was able to pray back to God His promises to His people (Jeremiah 25:11-12). Second, a powerful prayer life flows out of a correct view of God's character. Daniel does not elevate himself to God's level, but humbly acknowledges God's superior position over man. Third, a powerful prayer life flows out of a desperate heart to know God's will. When we embrace God's will for our lives, then we can rest securely in the perfect plan God has for us. A Christian who has an active and powerful prayer connection with God, guarantees themselves a less stressful life in these uncertain times. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Confident that Earthly Kingdoms Don't Intimidate God
No matter what country you live in, you will find that intimidation is a big problem for mankind. From inside the halls of our schools to the secret meetings going on in government, intimation is a tool used by many to try to get their way. Another word for "intimidation" is "bully". The earthy powers have always tried to intimate God and His people. In Daniel chapter 8, God will show Daniel that no matter how scary man's kingdoms may look and sound, God is never frightened or scared. God describes the Persian kingdom as being the strongest, and yet in time it will fall apart into pieces (8:3-4,7,20). God describes the Greek kingdom as "scary fast", and yet it too will come to an end when Alexander the Great dies unexpectedly at the border of India (8:5-8;21-22). And finally, God shows Daniel the wicked and sinful kingdom of Antiochus IV (type of the anti-Christ), but it too will crumble under the feet of Jehovah God.
The problem for many Christians is that we spend too much time worrying about earthy governments and kingdoms and lose sight of the only Kingdom that will never fail nor be destroyed. The Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ is a permanent kingdom, that will last forever (Is. 9:7). In fact, we are told by Jesus Himself that His Kingdom has come already come to earth through the ministry and work of the church. It is the message of the church to declare that God's Kingdom is here and expanding as people come out of the darkness and place their faith and trust in the gospel message. Yet, we also are told that God's Kingdom has yet to be completely fulfilled or realized. This completion will take place when Jesus comes back the second time; and at that point this will mark the end of every earthy kingdom, no matter how strong, fast, or sinful they may be. When Christians begins spending more time praying and living for God's heavenly Kingdom rather than worrying about what is going on in Washington, Moscow, Beijing, or Paris, then we will all experience a less stressful life. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.
The problem for many Christians is that we spend too much time worrying about earthy governments and kingdoms and lose sight of the only Kingdom that will never fail nor be destroyed. The Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ is a permanent kingdom, that will last forever (Is. 9:7). In fact, we are told by Jesus Himself that His Kingdom has come already come to earth through the ministry and work of the church. It is the message of the church to declare that God's Kingdom is here and expanding as people come out of the darkness and place their faith and trust in the gospel message. Yet, we also are told that God's Kingdom has yet to be completely fulfilled or realized. This completion will take place when Jesus comes back the second time; and at that point this will mark the end of every earthy kingdom, no matter how strong, fast, or sinful they may be. When Christians begins spending more time praying and living for God's heavenly Kingdom rather than worrying about what is going on in Washington, Moscow, Beijing, or Paris, then we will all experience a less stressful life. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.
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