Greetings to you in the name of the Light of the World, Jesus Christ – THE Risen Saviour! What a beautiful morning in the Kingdom, as finish off the month of June…and the first half of 2016 – time moves quickly! I trust that you have had a good week and are looking forward to Canada Day and the weekend. I believe that God has many blessings ready and waiting to surprise you with. I will be praying for you today – and over the long weekend, asking Father to release joy, peace, and hope into your life and relationships.
On this day before Canada Day, I am drawn to a timely warning in Scripture: Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings – 1 Peter 5:8-9 NIV … Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world – 1 Peter 5:8-9 The Message. I have heard many speakers and teachers tell people that we don’t have o worry, our enemy is a toothless lion who just likes to make roaring noises- but that is not what Peter says..looking for someone to devour. I truly appreciate Peter’s warning and reminder that no one is immune – this lion is ready to pounce in Istanbul or Brussels or Paris or New York…or Canada – Southern Ontario.
Keep a cool head. Stay alert. – he has a strategy that has been very effective. He attacks the sick, the weak, the isolated. He attacks the new Christians with doubts and temptations. He attacks those who have drifted away from the church fellowship. He attacks those are unaware. He attacks using fear through events and circumstance that cause us to doubt and question the character of God.
You’re not the only ones…Christians all over the world… – and next door, and in your family, and in your church, and in your circle of friends are going through difficult days. We need each other – we have a God-given responsibility. We need to look after ourselves so that we can serve those who need help. Each one should use whatever gift he has received (from God) to serve others…1 Peter 4:10. Those who belong to the amazing organisation called the CHURCH need to remember that people of faith have always been on the frontiers of history. When Canada was first explored there were missionaries not far behind. When Canada became a nation, people of faith were there praying and believing. When Canada was under attack, people of faith served and watched out for the enemy. Canada still needs the CHURCH – the individuals like you and I … Keep a cool head. Stay alert.
Something to ponder as you enjoy this weekend – Be blessed!