As I was reading and praying about this coming Sunday’s communion service, a statement from our text in 1 Samuel jumped out at me: “And there was war again.” (1 Sam 19:8)
It’s not an overly deep theological statement. The thing that jumped out at me was this truth: In this world we are never in a place of 100% peace.
Certainly we are at peace with God. We can be at peace with our fellow man. But the fact of the matter is that there is always a battle that rages all around us, each and every day. Our enemy, Satan and his demonic forces, never sleep. They never give us pause. They are always lurking around us looking for an opportunity to pounce.
My youngest son likes to watch Big Cat Dairies, and one of the highlights of the show is when they show footage of a big cat stealthily creeping up to a group of gazelle. While the gazelle are peacefully grazing, this cat is slowly getting closer and closer, looking for an opportunity to make a quick kill. It’s the same picture that our bible gives us:
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. (1 Pet 5:8)
Now I don’t believe we should be looking around every corner, expecting the devil to jump out. But I do believe that we should be aware – not afraid, but aware – that our enemy seeks to destroy us. Just like David, I’ll go through a period of relative calm, then BAM! Another battle is upon me! Just as the scripture says, “…and there was war again!“ Then I think of the song we recently learned:
Always
My foes are many, they rise against me,
But I will hold my ground.
I will not fear the war, I will not fear the storm.
My help is on the way, my help is on the way.
Oh, my God, He will not delay.
My refuge and strength always.
I will not fear, His promise is true.
My God will come through always!
Troubles surround me, chaos abounding.
My soul will rest in You.
I will not fear the war, I will not fear the storm.
My help is on the way, my help is on the way.
(then comes the awesome bridge…)
I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord!
What a powerful declaration! What a powerful truth to trust!
My friends, Jesus came to bring us life, to make all things new, and to set the captives free! This coming Sunday, when we gather in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, lets expect chains to be broken, captives to be set free, and lives to be changed forever. Let’s expect VICTORY!
Pastor Clay
3 comments:
You say everything so right. You have my total attention. Thank you Pastor for all the up-lifts you given me and many more to come. Praise God
Can't wait! Praying that His Spirit will flood Calvary tomorrow and move in His people in a mighty way!
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
Ephesians 6:12
Our God is bigger! Satan is defeated! Let us put on the full armor and engage in the battle! Let us stand in the gap for our brothers and sisters!
Father God I lift up Pastor Clay to You. Empty him. Anoint him. Fill him with your Holy Spirit. A double measure, overflowing. For Your purposes and to Your glory! In Jesus name. Amen.
Can't wait! Praying that His Spirit will flood Calvary tomorrow and move in His people in a mighty way!
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
Ephesians 6:12
Our God is bigger! Satan is defeated! Let us put on the full armor and engage in the battle! Let us stand in the gap for our brothers and sisters!
Father God I lift up Pastor Clay to You. Empty him. Anoint him. Fill him with your Holy Spirit. A double measure, overflowing. For Your purposes and to Your glory! In Jesus name. Amen.
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