We have probably all known someone, or have seen someone on television or the internet who defends behaviors that are immoral and self destructive, and the people are vehemently opposed to Christianity morality, and religion in general. This is not new to our modern times, it was written about thousands of years ago in the Bible.

Proverbs 19:3 says, “A person’s own folly leads to their ruin, yet their heart rages against the Lord.”

The challenge for us is knowing how we respond to a person like this. Arguing is not the solution, but the Bible gives some guidance.

In Matthew 5:16 Jesus tells us, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

And Peter says in, 1 Peter 3:15, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,”

Dear Lord, Help us live lives that glorify you and result in people asking us why we have a unique hope; Hope in You. When they do, help us to be ready to share our faith with gentleness and respect. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

1 Peter 5:8 “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the Devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

The Devil tempts and encourages people to do terrible things. We have seen this in recent days in the US.

Our anger should be toward the source of the evil, the Devil. Our best defense and offense is a strong faith in God, who has complete control of all.

Proverbs 15:3 says, “The Lord is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and the good.” and verse 11, “Even Death and Destruction hold no secrets from the Lord” We don’t know why God is letting these events happen, but we must remember, He is God and we are not.

Dear Lord, we know you have control over all things, but we struggle sometimes to understand why injustice and insurrection are in your plans. Help us have faith and trust in you anyway, and share that faith with others. Comfort those who are affected, and give strength, wisdom and courage to those who those who are in harms way. Defeat those who work to destroy the greatness in America. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

There is a technique I have seen a couple times during concerts in large stadiums or shows, in the middle of one of the songs, the spotlights are randomly moving quickly around the stadium. What looks like hundreds of lights moving all around and then dramatically at one time, they all converge on the performer as he or she begins to sing.

This image comes to mind when I read Romans 11:36, “For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever. Amen.”

Everything on earth including everyone, was created to put the attention on God and glorify him. We all need to remember this as we go about our activities and decision making. Are we putting the attention on God, and bringing glory, or “positive attention” to him?

Dear Lord, you created everything, including us, for your purposes and your glory. Help us remember in everything we do to bring glory to you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

I have heard it recommended that we schedule vacations and special events on our calendar’s several months in advance. The expectation of this pleasant experience in our future can give us enjoyment each time we think about it.

In the same way, the hope and expectation of our salvation should give us tremendous peace as we live our lives.

Paul says in Romans 15:13, “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Dear Lord, thank you for the hope of our salvation with you. May we live our lives in the peace and joy that this hope brings. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:10-12,18 “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 firm against all strategies of 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 and on every occasion. 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 occasionally recognized with physical violence, but primarily it is 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 uses them to separate others from God’s love and salvation. The battlegrounds are our governments, courts, schools, the entertainment media, the news media, and the internet.

Much of the strategy in 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 those who are on God’s side of this war 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. As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.”

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, and support us and our leaders to be strong and move our world toward you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.