Monday, March 01, 2010

Quiet Moments With God -- The Battle

Have you read Shannon Van Roekel's book, Desert Fire? If not, you should. From time to time, I come across a book that transforms my thinking and sets my heart aflame with conviction. Shannon, thank you for writing this story. I'm certain the enemy didn't want it written and very likely made your journey to publication a difficult one.

Desert Fire takes us to one of the darkest places on our planet--Darfur. It is there that we are introduced to injustice and brutality unimaginable. We are challenged to look at the truth that we can do more. Not just in Darfur but in all the dark places of our world. To do so, means fixing our eyes on God and listening to His voice. What is it He is asking of us? First we must believe in the one who is above all others, then stand before the enemy prepared to fight.

For each of us, the battle is unique, but the battle plan is the same. God tells us who the enemy is and how to fight him in Ephesians 6:10-18. It is a long stretch of scriptue, but I feel compelled to include it all.

It says, "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 agaainst 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."

We need to fight. We can win. Look to the heavens, stand firm and brandish the sword of truth. Don't turn away from evil, don't flinch. Pray for one another, pray for those who live in terror, pray for those who go out into the darkness carrying the torch of light.

Read Shannon's book. I pray it will awaken lukewarm hearts who have forgotten there is a war to be won and an enemy to defeat.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

4 comments:

  1. I will look out for it. Oh there is so much in our lives that requires us to look within and without...and discern. I have written about a movie I watched last night...Lately my heart has been in turmoil, and I couldn't quite work out what was wrong. That movie brought much to the surface. Maybe you have already seen it?
    God Bless you Bonnie. Love Crystal

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  2. Crystal, God knows what we need. So glad to hear He's helped you through your turmoil.

    What movie was it?

    Blessings,

    Bonnie

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  3. Crystal, God knows what we need. So glad to hear He's helped you through your turmoil.

    What movie was it?

    Blessings,

    Bonnie

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  4. The name of the movie was TIME CHANGER, I have it on my BLOG...
    So fabulous. I have been blessed to be able to buy it.
    Also, you might like to see about the floods over here? I have posted a video about that, its amazing.
    Bless you heaps.
    Crystal

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