Monday, Apr 21, 2008

TWG - April 21, 2008

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TWG - April 21, 2008
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Genesis 34; Ezekiel 40: 20-49; Matthew 1

Today is April 21, this is time with God, I’m Pastor Dennis - I’ve been waiting here for you. Welcome to our life transforming community. Together we are strong. As we walk though the word together we help each other grow.

Another wonderful weekend is past. And now I am finished with the message series “The 7 Deadly Sins.” It was a stimulating series. Yesterday’s message was a warning about falling prey to the philosophies of the world. Some are so very destructive. In Sunday School we talked about the purpose of the church and the life development process – and how God wants to move us to maturity. Hopefully we are on the way. Susan and I went to lunch with The Comers and Brad and Karen. We had a great time. Then later in the day we stopped in at the VBS meeting. It sounds like our Vacation Bible School this summer is really going to be unique and exciting. I can’t wait. I posted a picture of a few of our workers learning one of the songs at www.timewithgod.mypodcast.com. Later we watched a creation film on the dangers of evolutionary philosophy… if you didn’t already know, evolution is the basis of Nazism, Communism and behind much racism. Doesn’t sound safe does it! It’s not.

This week’s theme verse is Ephesians 6:10-13 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.

Have you ever had to tell someone to “be strong?” “Hang in there?” or “You can do it?” Encouragement like that is usually reserved for times when a person is struggling, perhaps even thinking about dropping out. “Hang in there baby!” And then sometimes we say words of encouragement when they are getting ready to face a huge challenge. “You can do this! I know you can!” The challenge that Paul gives us to “be strong” is because we will face the Devils schemes. It’s because we are facing the powers of darkness. The invisible foe is armed and dangerous. We must be prepared. We can’t see him, yet we must fight him. But how do we stand against an enemy we can’t see nor identify visually? We do it “…In the Lord and in His mighty power.” We have an almighty weapons system. He can search and destroy the enemy’s artillery. Do not attempt to battle your inner demons on your own. To be strong in the Lord is like being a scrawny 6th grader that everyone picks on, but your best friend is a classmate who is 6’1” and 190 pounds! As long as you hang around your best buddy, nobody, but nobody is dumb enough to pick on you. It’s amazing how meek the bullies are when you are with your best friend! Put your hand in the hand of God almighty and trust Him to defend you. It’s the best solution you’ll ever find to the great big bullies of life.

Dear Father and Almighty God. I am grateful to have you as my friend and protector. I throw myself on your mercy. Thanks for being there when I need you. In my weakness, I know you are strong. I trust you with all the dark deep problems of my life. Save me and defend me when the enemy rushes in to overwhelm my life. I know I can always depend on you.

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