26 April, 2006

The Devil Called, and he is MAD!

This week our church began a prayer emphasis where we have someone praying every hour of the day for the next 40 days. We have felt challenged in our spirits to become "The House of Prayer." Pretty amazing for a church our size that we can have somebody praying for one hour, every hour of every day for 40 days. Truthfully, I wondered if it could be done... but it we have been able to pull it together and there has been continuous prayer going up round the clock since noon on Monday.

When Shawn Karns was explaining to the church on Sunday what it was that we wanted to do, he said to be prepared, because when we started praying like that, the attack of the enemy would come. He was right!
Since Monday, I have dealt with one situation after another after another where people are upset, angered, hurt, leaving the church, and so on. I have had reports of families fighting with one another, friends fighting with one another, folks mad at me over a misunderstanding, people outside of the church trying to stir stuff up within the church, and the list just goes on.

People... see it for what it is! The devil has called and he is mad!
He does not want this "House of Prayer" to come together.
The devil has sent his imps our way to cause strife and division, because if he does not break this chain of prayer, he knows that the spiritual unity that is formed by this prayer will create a wall that he and his forces cannot punch through.

I call on the church to stand strong and together in this time of prayer.
We are on the verge of a powerful breakthrough and the devil is going to do all that he can to thwart our efforts.
Now more than ever, let love rule the day.
Now more than ever, live by the motto, "I will not be offended!"
Recognize the attack comes from the enemy, not your brother or sister in Christ.
We will overcome if we hold the line and do not give up ground to the forces of hell.

Remember the words to the song we sang Sunday:

Just one of us can put a thousand to flight
And two of us can send the legions fleeing
Just one of us can put a thousand to flight
And two of us can route evil principalities.

5 comments:

Sean McKee said...

It is amazing what spiritual oppression that we live under ever day and are oblivious to. You do not even see it till you start to push against it. Then you realize the power that it has over you (that you have given it).

Keep pushing, like the woman with the issue of blood. Keep pushing towards Jesus.

Unknown said...

amen , pastor, NO WEPON FORMED AGIANST US WILL PROSPER!!! AMEN ,

Neil said...

Ezekiel 47 talks about the river that flows from God, it describes the various levels of the water, ending with water that is so deep it cannot be crossed and one must swim in it, meaning that when you can no longer touch the bottom you are no longer in control...the current of the Holy Spirit begins to carry you...but it also reminds us that there are marshes and swamps...those places cannot be healed by the living water. Everyone won't go with you, some will go kicking and screaming but afraid to leave-don't want to miss something...others will leave and in the spirit of deception try to take others with you, but there will always be a remnant and the Lord will provide. Be of good cheer my friend...The battle is the Lord's and the blessing is yours!

Deborha's Palm Tree said...

Amen Pastor! I am thrilled to hear that "the house" is praying!
Spiritual warfare takes place in the heavenlies, but the effects of that warfare are seen upon the earth and people's lives. Nehemiah is one of my favorite books and I am reminded of the ways that the enemy tried to discourage him from rebuilding Jerusalem's walls. The enemy waged a war in Nehemiah's mind first by attacking his REPUTATION, mocking him...see Neh. 4:3...then when mockery and discouragement didn't work the enemy tried INTIMIDATION and FEAR!
(see vv.10-12). But Nehemiah, didn't budge! So...the enemy sent a word (in the form of 2 men), (6:2). Nehemiah wouldn't negotiate with the enemy...Though this life threatening message was sent to him 5 times, Nehemiah refused to negotiate on enemy territory. This warrior builder also resisted the advice of a false prophet who tried to get him to run and hide from the enemy (see 6:12)! Nehemiah prayed from God's perspective, and fearlessly moved on to fulfill the commission GOD HAD GIVEN HIM.

Stay strong Church...press in!
To God be the Glory!

apologies for the length.. :}

Neil said...

Call the devil back and tell him this:

Obadiah 1 (The Message)

Obadiah 1
Your World Will Collapse
1Obadiah's Message to Edom
from GOD, the Master.

We got the news straight from GOD

by a special messenger sent out to the godless nations:

"On your feet, prepare for battle;

get ready to make war on Edom! 2"Listen to this, Edom:

I'm turning you to a no-account,

the runt of the godless nations, despised.

3You thought you were so great,

perched high among the rocks, king of the mountain,

Thinking to yourself,

"Nobody can get to me! Nobody can touch me!'

4Think again. Even if, like an eagle,

you hang out on a high cliff-face,

Even if you build your nest in the stars,

I'll bring you down to earth."

GOD's sure Word