Wanting our Vote and Needing our Prayers

When I was younger, I loved getting to go into the voting booth with my mom and/or dad. There was something so cool about that private cubicle; something so mysterious about that large sheet of paper that held names I'd only heard of; something so empowering about those little dark circles next a few choice names that my parents let me see. No longer do I get to sneak into the voting booth with Mom or Dad; and unfortunately, here in western North Dakota, I don't even get to stride into a voting booth with my big adult self. Instead, I voted on an absentee ballot on my ordinary kitchen table; the same place that I eat pizza and laugh at my family.

I could say a lot about the election tomorrow. I could comment on how you're probably ready for the 2012 election to be over with. I could probably encourage you to use the blessed freedom we've been granted here in America.

But I'm not.

All I'm going to say tonight - all I am going to encourage you to do tonight - is to pray. Because really, truly, how often do we do that? We know that we should pray for those who are in authority over us. We know that authority has been given to us by God. We know in our hearts that praying for our government leaders - whether we like them or not - is important to do. But do we actually do it? I know I don't. What do you think would happen if we actually did?

"And what would happen if we prayed for those raised up to lead the way? Then maybe kids in school could pray and unborn children see light of day."

"First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority . . . " - 1 Timothy 2:1-2

Yes, vote. But after tomorrow, don't let all the hype about presidents, congressmen, and governors cease. Whoever is elected - whether you like them or not - come before the Lord daily on their behalf. These men and women want our votes . . . but they need our prayers.

What to Wear (and where to get it!)

What if spiritual warfare looked less like guns and swords and more like depression, besetting sins, ungodly media, strained relationships, avoidance of the Word, church, and righteous fellowship, eating disorders, and pornography addictions? 

Satan is fighting to steal your hope and joy, kill your body, and destroy your faith. Are you prepared for such a battle? Let's take a quick look at Eph. 6.

1. Spiritual strength is found in Jehovah Shaddai (The All Sufficient & All Powerful One), not in ourselves. God must be your battery source--'charge up' with Him daily.

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. Eph. 6:10, 11

We are challenged to put on His armor, not our own. Our self-made armor is insufficient (like Adam and Eve's fig leaves: insufficient). Look to Him for strength and covering.

2. We are engaged spiritual warfare--the devil wants your heart, soul, and mind. He wants the hours in your day, the words in your mouth, the thoughts in your mind. He wants you. 

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. Eph. 6:12

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. I Pet. 5:8 

3. We have been given and weapons with which to fight.

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day...Stand therefore, having fastened on 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. I Pet.6:13-17 

This passage sticks to my bathroom mirror, reminding me of the spiritual battle I'm engaged in. Every morning I "pray on" the armor of God. (Ex: "O Lord, please place on me the belt of truth. Protect me from lies, and bring your Word to my mind when I am attacked....") As a teenager, I was challenged to make this a part of my daily routine. I encourage you to make this a habit for the next week and see what blessings it imparts!

4. Praying at all times in the Spirit. (vs 18)--The power and importance of prayer cannot be overemphasized. When unrighteous emotions overwhelm--pray. When temptation presses hard--pray. When relationship tensions rise--pray. When faced with decisions--pray. At all times--pray.

As you fight today, may the Lord be your strength and His armor your protection. 

A Battle in the Midst of the Blood

War is not something that I'm fond of. In fact, I hate fighting altogether.

However, I've been learning a lot about spiritual warfare as of late (especially the sneaky form of it in temptation) and I'm aware that just because I don't like war doesn't mean I'm not in one at the moment. As a believer in Christ as my Savior, I have great opposition against me. I need to know what weapons to use when he attacks, so I turned to a war scene in the New Testament found in Revelation 12. The results of the war say,

"And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death." -- Revelation 12:11 

They fought with two things: the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. And they overcame! In the same manner, we can overcome Satan and all of his attacks in our life with the same weapons.

The blood of the Lamb -- Christ's blood on the cross. This blood was required by God, but it was supposed to be mine. It was supposed to be your's. It was required as payment for our sins, for there is no forgiveness of sins without the shedding of blood (Hebrews 9:22). The Lamb -- Christ -- was perfect. Spotless. Without sin. Therefore, His sacrifice stood on behalf of every sinner. This blood is now our's!

The word of their testimony -- the Gospel! Spurgeon says, "If ever we are to conquer Satan in the world, we must preach the atoning blood." In this battle, Satan was overcome by the truth. In a similar instance, Christ was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, and as Satan twisted Scripture, Christ retaliated with the Word of God in truth and Satan was defeated. The good news of Christ is our's to hold onto when times of doubt arise in our minds, but also to proclaim as a shield in the face of our opponents.

Friends, as followers of Christ, you are in a battle. Satan is crafty and temptation is subtle, but we have weapons to fight with. As a believer, the blood of Christ is your's. You do not stand guilty before the throne of God. Without the blood you would be condemned and forced to pay the penalty yourself, but as you receive that free gift of Salvation by faith, His blood has washed over you. In the words of Pastor Haugen, "always and continually"! For each and every sin, the blood still washes. Also, the Word of God is your's. God has given us His Word as a sword, and we can cling to the promises that it holds when the deceiver sends darts of lies our way.

And always remember, the fight has already been won!