Peace and encouragement

This is from an e-mail I sent to some friends who are experiencing difficulty right now. I hope it may be a blessing to others as well:

Last night I was reading a book by Anne Graham Lotz (Billy Graham's daughter) and something struck me and I am hoping that it will bring you peace and encouragement today because I know you are going through a difficult and stressful time right now.

Anne Graham Lotz says in her book, 'Pursuing More of Jesus', that to the disciples Jesus' death on the cross appeared to them as murder (p. 180). Remember that the disciples saw Jesus walk on water, calm storms with one word, raise Lazarus from the dead, and heal many people who were sick. Now He was taken from them and crucified.

We have the benefit of knowing the rest of the story, that Jesus would be resurrected 3 days later, however to the disciples this looked like an unplanned, traumatic event. It looked like Jesus was murdered and that His ministsry was defeated, and over. Anne Graham Lotz says about the disciples that, "Their faith would be rocked to its foundation." (p. 180).

Now, consider your situation. We can only see what looks to us like abandonment, or that we are deserted, forsaken, forgotten or ignored, because we can only see in part (1 Corinthians 13:12). Just as the disciples could only see what looked like murder. However, 3 days later it turned out to be an opportunity for God's glory.

I bought a new CD last week. One of the songs is entitled, 'Stay Strong' by the Newsboys.
The lyrics read:
"Stay strong, you are not lost. Fix your eyes ahead. We've come to far to lose our way."

It is easier said than done but when things don't make sense, trust. Trust Him. Anne Graham Lotz says, "We simply have to trust our Heavenly Father to know best. We have to trust God's silences and respect God's mysteries and wait for God's answers (p. 181)."

Peace and encouragement to you!
Darlene

Spiritual Warfare

Verse: Colossians 4:2 “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving…”

Prayer is essential to a relationship with our Heavenly Father, and Jesus. However, Satan will do everything He can to prevent us from praying. Therefore, it is wise for us to get ready for spiritual warfare. Satan wants to keep us bound up with anger, fear, anxiety, doubt and intimidation and Satan is not going to give up this fight easily (1 Peter 5:8). The only way to have victory and freedom is to draw close to God.

1. In order to draw near to God begin with prayer. To be sure that God hears your prayers begin with the Salvation prayer (see the prayer on the right). Ask Jesus into your heart and tell God about any sins that may need to be confessed. He is faithful to forgive our sins (1 John 1:9). The prayer for salvation is how we begin a relationship with Jesus and our Heavenly Father. To remain close to God we need to remain in fellowship with Him.

2. To fellowship with God set aside some more time to pray and tell God everything. Whenever we face issues or troubles we can pour out our hearts to Him. We can tell God all the details, emotions, fears, worries and concerns we can think of (Psalm 142:2). He wants us to pour out our hearts to Him. Satan may try to create diversions to keep us from praying when he realizes that we are trying to draw near to God.

3. To prepare for Satan’s attacks get several verses together. Use the truth o f the Word to fight back. Write the verses on cards and carry them everywhere and begin to memorize them. When worrisome/bothersome thoughts surface repeat the memorized verse, if possible say it aloud. A Christian woman at church recently pointed out that the two weapons we have against Satan are prayer and the Word of God.

4. Get an accountability partner. Someone you can call and ask them to pray with you when you feel overwhelmed. Fellowship with other Christians is important to be able to continue in the faith (Hebrews 10:25).

Finally, pray continually. We cannot be close to God with out prayer. When we read the Bible, attend church, sing along with the hymns, go to bible studies etc, yet we do not pray we are deceiving ourselves (Isaiah 29:13). Even though we do all these activities we are wrong in thinking we are close to Him if we are not praying. Closeness and intimacy with Jesus and God come only through heartfelt prayer. It is so important that prayer is the only way we can begin a relationship with Jesus and our Heavenly Father.

See, the sovereign Lord comes with power!

Prayer:
Thank you Father that you are for us and not against us!

Action Plan (James 1:22 & 25):
Set aside time for prayer, today. Make it a priority.

Read More:
Ephesians 6:10-17