|
|
|
"Children are a gift from God, a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is His reward..." |
|
|
The
devil
was holding a yard sale one day and displayed his most useful tools, marked
at different prices, on a table. Lying side by side were some of his most
notable implements of destruction: hatred, envy, jealously, deceit, lust,
lying and pride- all on sale. But over to the side of the yard on display
was a worn-out tool that cost more than all the others combined. The tool
was labeled DISCOURAGEMENT. When asked why it was more expensive than the
other tools, the devil responded, “It’s more useful to me than any of
the others. When I can’t bring down my victims with the rest of my tools,
I use discouragement, because so few people realize it belongs to me.”
Nothing paralyzes us, nothing stops us in our tracks like discouragement and
its partner in crime, hopelessness. Discouragement and hopelessness are no
respecters of persons. They keep the unemployed unemployed. The homeless
homeless. The sick sick. They can even draw the most powerful ministry to
its knees. When you’re overcome with discouragement and hopelessness, you
can’t pray, you can’t worship and you become a victim of your
environment. Discouragement and hopelessness drain you of courage, vision,
faith, expectation and the will to make a difference in the
I saw another church marquee the other day and with a thought
provoking message, “Churches are hospitals for sinners, not museums for
saints.” How sad and true, I thought to myself. Churches have become
hospitals for sinners, haven't they? They used to be spiritual fortresses
built in enemy territory where soldiers for Christ were recruited, trained,
and equipped for doing battle against sin and evil in society with open
bibles, convicted hearts, and committed lives.
Today, they're largely filled with bedridden believers who pass the time in
and out small group therapy, languishing over their ills and misfortunes –
forever discussing their aches and pains with anyone who'll listen – lying
around moaning and groaning about daily discomforts, inconveniences, and
"felt needs" while being coddled and cried over by other patients
waiting for their turn to be coddled and cried over – each looking at the
clock and growing increasingly impatient that their pastor/physician has yet
to make his appointed rounds, hold their hand and tell them what a wonderful
and courageous patient they've been. You see, the last thing they want to
hear him say is: "Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way…"
because their hospital has become, for the most part, an eternal resting
place and refuge from responsibility. In Ephesians
6:11, Paul tells us to "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be
able to stand against the wiles of the devil."
Notice he didn't say: "Put on your hospital gown, lie down, and
wait quietly for your pastor to come by with his prognosis."
Unfortunately, many of us have been convinced by our seeker sensitive
friends that struggling through the Christian life means shuffling up and
down the hallways of our hospital from treatment to treatment, shaking hands
and exchanging sympathies and smiles with others we pass along the way.
These patients' greatest fear is separation from their lunch trays, bedpans,
and heart monitors and being sent back out onto the battlefield to face real
opposition. If we could hear their thoughts, I’m sure they might sound
something like: "It's dangerous out there and we're just not up to it
yet! Besides, we have our health, finances, self-esteem, and social status
to think of." No, let’s
just raise more money, add on another wing and bring in more beds and TVs
because the need is great and the world is a perilous place. And, let's
remember: A full hospital is a happy hospital! We're much better off
investing our time in learning how to get along with the enemy, keep the
peace, and avoid confrontation. Let's try to keep it positive, shall we,
even if it means hiding the truth about sin and Hell. Because taking a
public stand against unbiblical things in today's world might offend
somebody and hurt our overall standing in the community, which of course,
would be hard on the numbers and cost us valuable prospects. And, after all,
we DO want our lovely hospital to continue growing and prospering in the
community, don't we? So, let's make sure no one confuses it with a mighty
fortress where, Heaven forbid, saints are seen bearing armor and swords and
preparing for war. That just wouldn't be very Christian, now would it? ~Paul
Proctor
American War Casualties: Civil War- 498,332
World War 1- 116,708
World War 2- 407,316 Korean
War- 54,246
Vietnam War- 58, 655
Persian Gulf War- 372
Iraq War- approx. 580 ?
War on the Unborn- 45,000,000
In the past 200 years, over one million Americans have died for their
country. Monuments have been built and speeches have been delivered,
honoring these American heroes.
"For
we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against
powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual
wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God,
that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to
stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having
on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation
of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye
shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the
helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of
God…" – Ephesians 6:12-17
It’s time to take the hospital gowns off and get back on the battle
fields. God wants our obedience, not sacrifices. Partial obedience is
nothing more than disobedience. Disobedience to His Word always has
consequences, 1 Samuel 15:22-24. “Samuel replied:
'Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in
obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed
is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination,
and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word
of the Lord, he has rejected you as king…' Then Saul said to Samuel, 'I
have sinned. I violated the Lord’s command and your instructions. I was
afraid of the people and so I gave in to them.' ” We need to fear
God and not man.
Be encouraged~ Angela
|
To support and encourage Daniel and Angela please contact them - |
|