"Christian service means invading a battleground, not a playground; and you and I are the weapons God uses to attack and defeat the enemy. When God used Moses' rod, He needed Moses' hand to lift it. When God used David's sling, He needed David's hand to swing it. When God builds a ministry, He needs somebody's surrendered body to get the job done." (Warren W. Wiersbe ... quoted in "The Church Awakening" by Charles Swindoll)
This past Saturday night we had a wind storm pass through that left tree limbs scattered everywhere. The following morning at church service several said they slept right through the storm and had no idea it was going on. I am concerned that this is descriptive of what much of the Church is doing today. They are sleeping right through the storm. We see the church being ridiculed and mocked. We see the powers of this world attacking her as if she is powerless. Even though the church is the most powerful entity on earth, her members seem to be asleep while the battle rages. And even if they are not asleep ... they certainly seem as if this is a game played on the playground rather than a battle with eternal consequences. The fact is, all of us could be more prepared for the war.
The Apostle Paul tells us how in the following passage: EPHESIANS 6:10-18 NIV ... Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 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. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
