Paul tells us in Eph 6 “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 against 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….Pray in the Spirit at all times.. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.”

You may feel it too, but it is very clear to me that we are spiritually at war in the US and in the world. It is a war primarily unseen as the enemy fights to destroy us, our families, relationships, organizations, neighborhoods, states, and countries. The enemy, the Devil, manipulates people to separate them from God, and and separate them from God’s love and salvation. The battlegrounds are our governments, courts, schools, the entertainment media, the news media, and the internet.

Much of war is about deception, and it is often difficult for us to know which side of this battle people and organizations are on. Paul gives us an idea how to recognize this in Romans 10:9-11 “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.”

It appears that, in military terms, the enemy has the “high ground,” controlling most of the battlegrounds. It is our responsibility to be discerning, vigilant and true to our faith, particularly in the democracies that allow us to influence these battlegrounds.

Our most powerful weapon in this battle is Prayer which allows us to ask for God’s unlimited power to fight our battles.

Dear Lord, we battle evil, treachery and tyranny in our world. Protect us and those we love, support us and our leaders to be strong and move our world toward you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

You have probably seen small children hold on to their parents leg when they are afraid or uncertain; or when they have a nightmare, will climb into bed with their parents. Being close to their protector gives them a sense of safety and comfort. It is a bit more complicated to overcome fears when we grow up.

James 4:7 gives us a great formula for dealing with fears in life. James, in writing to the followers of Christ says. “So submit to God. But resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.” NIV

There cannot be anything more peaceful and powerful than to have God, the ultimate power and the source of love, “near us,” and James explained how.

Dear Lord, we submit our “to do list” to you. Guide us. Give us the strength to resist the temptations of the devil and the world. Draw near to us so we may experience the peace and comfort of being close to You. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

You probably know people who are thankful all the time, they never forget to tell, the waiter, cashier, bank teller, and anyone they encounter, thank you. Do you notice that these people tend to be generally happy and content as well? When you have a thankful perspective, it is very difficult to complain or feel sorry for yourself, because it contradicts the thoughts of thankfulness on which you are focusing.

Paul says in 1 Thessolonians 5:18, “No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” TLB

When you are thankful to God for your current situation, it demonstrates your faith and indicates that you accept that where you are today is where God wants you to be, for now.

Dear Lord, Thank you for all that we have in this life, our family, friends, and possessions. Most of all, however, thank you that you have saved us so we can live on with you when this physical life is over. Help us to never stop being thankful for all you have given us. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

How easy it is for us to jump on the bandwagon and join in when we hear people criticizing someone we don’t particularly like, or gossiping about someone’s bad behavior.

Paul writes to the Ephesians in chapter 4:29 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” NIV

It is important not only that we don’t join in, but we should try to take the opportunity to diffuse the gossip and criticism; not only for the benefit of the person subject to the gossip and criticism, but also for the benefit of those criticizing and gossiping. We may never know if our actions may positively affect the character of those listening.

Dear Lord, help us resist the temptation to criticize and gossip. Give us the wisdom to build up everyone rather than tearing them down. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Many of us have had those times of reflection, wondering what God wants us to do with our lives. For some it is an easy decision, they have a passion that drives them toward their occupation, or avocation. For others, it is not always clear.

I am coming to the realization, that for us, who wonder what we are “supposed to” be doing, we begin to figure it out as we go. A process something like, Pray for guidance, step forward, repeat…..

1 Peter 4:10-11 says, “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another….Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ.”

It may not become clear for a long time, but as Peter wrote, we each have gifts to use to bring glory to God. Serving each other “with all the strength and energy that God supplies.” This brings God Glory.

Dear Lord, You have a plan for each of us, though it is not always clear to us. Give us the persistence and faith to move forward serving you by serving each other trusting in your guidance. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.