One of the benefits of being the pastor is that I often have a bird's eye view of the difficulties and blessings going on throughout the congregation. It's safe to say that right now we are being attacked. This is spiritual warfare.
And it makes sense. Kid Kamp is right around the corner. So we have to ask, who does the evil one not want to come to know the Lord? What child does he not want to hear the good news about Jesus? He certainly doesn't want an embassy of the kingdom of God in this place to be strengthened and built up. His desire is to tear down. "The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy" (John 10:10).
Listen, then! Give heed to my voice! Now is the time to don your armor, to take up the weapons of war given us by our Father in heaven.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. (Ephesians 6:10-20)
Take time now, tomorrow, the next day, and all the way through Kid Kamp to pray through this passage. Pray for the counselors and organizers and volunteers. Pray for the children themselves. Pray for their parents and all those connected to them. And pray for God's protection and provision on Woodland Church and all who are associated with her. Pray that God's purposes would be accomplished in this place at this time.
Woodland is under attack. Take up arms and defend her with prayer.
Comments