TheAuthenticLife

Climbing Out of the Pit

2012-01-31T14:09:00.000-08:00

Betrayal. We've all felt the sting, and it hurts deeply. The betrayal of a trusted friend, a wife who betrays the trust of her husband and has an affair, a husband who betrays his family by not providing godly leadership, a child who turns his back on his parents. Betrayal. We've all felt the sting and we all know the hurt.

Joseph was a man who experienced one of the most heinous and vicious acts of betrayal- his own brothers sold him into slavery. Their act of betrayal was fueled by jealousy and envy. Joseph's father (Israel) loved Joseph more than his brothers (Gen. 37:3). Joseph was his father's pride and joy, and it incensed his brothers. To make matters worse, God had given Joseph some dreams that made it clear to his brothers that even God's favor rested on Joseph. Talk about sibling rivalry- it was more than his brothers could handle.

So they sold him as a slave. Because of their act of betrayal Joseph had to suffer through enslavement, imprisonment and hardship- 20 years worth! What made matters worse: Joseph had to suffer for things that were beyond his control. He couldn't help that God gave him the dreams. He couldn't help that his father loved him more and showed favoritism. He couldn't control what his brothers did. He couldn't control the lies of others that landed him in prison.

Sometimes a single act of betrayal can lead to years of suffering. We can't control the words, thoughts and actions of others (and that is so frustrating). We can only control ourselves.

20 years after he was betrayed Joseph had a moment for revenge. His brothers came to Egypt to get some food because of a difficult famine in the land. They didn't know it was him. No one would have ever known had he decided to exact his revenge. However, rather than push his brothers into the pit of betrayal, he pulled them to the power of forgiveness. Rather than pay them back, he gave them food. Rather than push them away he moved his family to Egypt and took care of them through the famine. He returned good for evil- and God blessed him for it.

Truth be known, we have probably spent more time in Joseph's brothers' sandals than we care to admit. You can see this in your relationship with God. We were graciously created in the image of God, yet we betrayed God by our sin. Rather than pushing us into the pit for all eternity, God returned good for evil and sent Jesus Christ to die on the cross for us. What a picture of grace.

So when you feel the sting of betrayal, realize that God can use it for good if you will respond with grace rather than revenge. In so doing God can tell a beautiful story with your life- even when you find yourself in the painful pit of betrayal.

Reality Check

2012-01-24T08:19:00.000-08:00

Over the past 10 years or so "Reality TV" shows have dominated the airwaves. These shows are really nothing more than an escape from reality. Many of the stars of the show are placed into a spotlight they would otherwise have never been in and millions of Americans tune in each week to watch un-reality play out on their TV screens.

Unfortunately, many of us live as though life is Reality TV. At times it can be difficult to face reality. It's much easier to play the part than face the facts. It's easier to pretend that your marriage is in good shape than it is to face the reality that it is unraveling at the seams. It's easier to spend as though you have money in the bank than it is to face the reality that you are head over heels in debt. It's easier to look the other way when you see rebellion in your kid than it is to discipline your child and guide them toward right behavior.

A man named Nehemiah got a reality check when he received this news about his people: "They are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire" (Neh. 1:3). This is probably not what Nehemiah wanted to face, but it is what Nehemiah faced. This was his reality. My friend, Lester Hutson, used to say, "Things may not be what they seem, but they are always what they are."

Take some time to look around your life today- and look carefully. It is likely that areas of your life are broken down but you have not been facing the facts. The first step toward rebuilding what is broken down is to see things as they really are. Seeing what is broken down is just the first step to rebuilding, but your life can't be rebuilt without this critical step. So don't try to skip it. Look around you. Look for some stones on the ground. Stop escaping reality by denying the facts. Instead, face the facts and change your reality.

Beginning Sunday, Feb. 5 I will begin a series through the book of Nehemiah titled "Arise and Build." It is a story of courage. It is a story of faith. It is a story of hope. It is a story of rebuilding what is broken, and it is a story that changed a nation.

Hearing Voices

2012-01-20T10:38:00.000-08:00

Gen. 16:2- "And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai."

We all hear voices. I'm not talking about hearing voices in your head, but unless you're living in complete solitude, you are going to hear voices. Adverstisements, suggestions from a friend, an assignment from your boss, a blog, the news. Voices.

Abram (later known as Abraham) heard the voice of Sarai (later known as Sarah), but it went beyond just hearing. The Bible says he heeded what she said. He did what she asked him to do. The problem is Sarah wasn't asking him to take out the trash, mow the lawn, feed the baby or clean his whiskers out of the sink. No, her suggestion was not over such trivial, every day matters. Hers was a suggestion of profound weight and consequence.

God had promised Abraham a son, but in Sarah's mind, God wasn't making good on His promise. So she took matters into her own hands- "And Sarai said to Abram, Behold, now, the Lord hath restrained my from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her" (Gen. 16:2). This suggestions was terrible on so many levels:

It revealed a complete lack of faith in God.

It was a human "fix" for a "God-sized" dillemma

It went against the will of God

We are tempted to look down on Sarah for making such a suggestion because it's so easy to discern looking from the outside in. We look down on Abraham even more for following her suggestion. But let's be real for a second: we've all listened to and followed bad advice at least once in our lives. We've all probably given some bad advice as well.

Here's the crux of the matter: we all hear voices- voices that want our time, our money, our minds, our obedience and our affection. We can't always prevent the voices that speak into our lives, what we can control is which voice we listen to and follow.

Abraham should have "hearkened unto the voice of God" regardless of what He asked Him to do and no matter how impossible it may have seemed. So should you. So start paying attention to the voices you're hearing. Above all the noise, above human solutions to your problems, above good sounding suggestions- listen to one voice- the voice of God. His is a voice of truth.

Day 31- Pray for Small Groups

2010-10-04T08:56:00.000-07:00

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints."

Eph. 6:18

On Day 1 I wrote "Great movements in the history of Christianity had two common factors: the word of God and prayer." The Word of God is God's way of reaching down to man. Prayer is man reaching up to God.

This week our church begins our vital small groups ministry- the "Love others" portion of our discipleship process. As we prayed through our process for discipleship I had no idea what to expect in our first attempt at small groups. All praise to the Lord- we have 120 adults signed up for small groups (that doesn't include our youth and young adults small groups! With those groups our number of people will likely exceed 150!) That means 120-150 men and women will be getting together around the word of God and praying together EVERY WEEK! Wow.

I can't wait to see what God does in our church through these small groups. I am praying fervently that God will start a movement with Berean as we fall deeper in love with God and one another! Below you'll find the Berean Small Group schedule for the fall. For the next week I want you to pray for each of these small groups. It would be great if you can pray for each of the small groups at the time each small group is taking place. I'm looking forward to sweet fellowship around the word and prayer. Will you love others by faithfully praying for one another?

Berean Small Group Schedule
Fall 2010

Day: Monday
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Host: Jeremy & Alexis Linn
Leader: Jeremy Linn

Day: Tuesday
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Host: Bill Sisk
Leader: Robby Pollard

Day: Tuesday (Junior High and High School students)
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Host: Jesse & Pam Alaniz
Leader: Mark & Blanca Warhol (high school) & Marshall & Mandy McCartney (junior high)

Day: Tuesday
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Host: Taylor & Terri Simmons
Leader: Robby Pollard

Day: Tuesday
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Host: Paul & Becky Lively
Leader: Hutson Smelley

Day: Wednesday
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Host: Mark & Tina McGarity
Leader: Bob Simpson

Day: Wednesday
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Host: Ray & Bethany Robertson
Leader: Aaron Henninger

Day: Wednesday
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Host: David & Kathy Klingensmith
Leader: David Klingensmith

Day: Thursday

Time: 6:30 p.m.
Host: Raymond & Aline Coates
Leader: Jay Reitmeyer

Day: Friday (young adults)

Time: 7:00 p.m.
Leader: Jeff Williams

Day 11- Time to Be Alone...with God

2010-09-14T08:11:00.000-07:00

"And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone."

Matthew 14:23

Sometimes life saps you of all of your strength. Have you ever felt like the daily grind just leaves you exhausted? I have...and I'm glad to know Jesus felt it as well.

Matthew 14 is another chapter in the life of Jesus filled with ministry to people. He had just fed 5,000 people with two fishes and five loaves of bread. He had spent time teaching, feeding, organizing and listening to people...and it left him needing some down time.

So he went into a mountain to pray. He was there alone...alone with God, that is. We need some time alone. We're so busy balancing school activities, baseball games, after-school activities, family schedules, dinner and ministry that we must not neglect some time alone...with God. If Jesus needed it, rest assured you need it as well.

Prayer emphasis for today: Find a quiet place and spend 15 minutes with God. Just be alone with Him and see if you don't feel better.

Day 9 & 10- Pray for FOCUS

2010-09-09T05:48:00.000-07:00

Commission. The word means "an authoritative order, charge or direction, the power thus granted, and the act of committing or giving a charge." Lots of things are commissioned. A quick Google search of the word "commission" will bring up links to "European commission, national commission on terrorist attacks on the United States, Federal Trade Commission, California Energy Commission, the Warren Commission..." You get the idea.

However, the commission that Jesus gave the church is different. It's not a government agency or a group of people put together to investigate something...No, this commission is great. Important. Critical. Essential. Great.

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen" (Matt. 28:19-20).

The commission is simple: Go and make disciples. Simple doesn't necessarily mean easy. Simple doesn't always mean elementary. It is simple, yet it is profound.

Our willingness to follow, obey and live out that commission will affect the nations. FOCUS 2010 is aimed at bringing our focus to the commission.

Days 9 & 10 prayer emphasis: For the next two days I'm asking you to pray for FOCUS. This is an important weekend for our church family. Tomorrow (Friday) I will also be fasting. If you would like to join me in this fast, please do so. We need clarity. We need FOCUS. We need our passion for the commission to be renewed. Please pray toward that end.

Day 8- Focused

2010-09-08T08:05:00.000-07:00

"Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest."

John 4:35

Jesus made this statement in the midst of a dialogue between Him and His disciples in John 4. The disciples had gone into the city to buy some bread. While they were away Jesus had an encounter with a woman who became convinced He was the Son of God (Jn. 4:29). When the disciples returned with bread they said to him, "Master, eat" (Jn. 4:31). Jesus responded in a rather peculiar way: "I have meat to eat that ye know not of" (Jn. 4:32). The disciples were bewildered: "Did someone bring food to Him that we're not aware of?"

Jesus used this moment to teach the disciples about their focus...or lack of focus. "My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work" (Jn. 4:34). Jesus was tired from his journey and physically needed rest and nourishment (Jn. 4:6). However, His heart was still focused on the spiritual needs of people. That's why the harvest is always now.

People need a relationship with Jesus even if they've just pushed away from the table following a Thanksgiving lunch. The spiritual need for a relationship with Jesus is not dependent on physical sustenance. The harvest is great. The spiritually malnourished are all around you. You just have to look at people through the eyes of Jesus.

The spiritual needs of people was the focus of Jesus. The cross shouts this truth to the nations of the world! What is your focus?

Day 8 prayer emphasis: Ask God to bring to your heart those in your life who are spiritually hungry. Then ask God for the courage to reach out to them.

Day 7- Loving No Other Gods

2010-09-07T05:01:00.000-07:00

"Thou shalt have no other gods before me."

Exodus 20:3

When Jesus was asked about the greatest commandment in the Bible, He responded with, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind...and love your neighbor as yourself" (Matt. 22:37, 39). He followed that up with this statement- "On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets" (Matt. 22:40).

In other words, a love for God and others is the foundation of the entire New Testament. We can view every Old Testament law through the lens of "love God, love others."

Before your prayer time today, read the first of the Ten Commandments through this lens and ask yourself the following questions:

If I have other gods before God, what does that say about my love for Him?
How will having other gods before Him affect my love for others?
Why is God to be loved supremely?

Day 7 prayer emphasis: Spend time searching your heart and life for gods (anyone or anything you love more than God). When they come to your attention, confess it and ask God for His help to love Him more.

Day 6- Party in Heaven

2010-09-06T10:40:00.000-07:00

"Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. 2And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receives sinners, and eats with them. 3And he spake this parable unto them, saying, 4What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? 5And when he hath found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. 7I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repents, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance."

Luke 15:1-7

We throw parties for everything: birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, Super Bowls, quinceañeras, Sweet 16s and baby showers. We send out invitations, we make plans for the food and fun and then we celebrate.

I've always found the parable of the lost sheep fascinating. It goes from an accusation (Lk. 15:2) to a celebration (Lk. 15:5-7). Jesus was accused of the horrendous act (according to the Pharisees) of receiving sinners and eating with them. Jesus' response is direct and powerful: I came to rescue sinners. And not only does He rescue them, He rejoices in doing so. The parties thrown in heaven aren't for birthdays and anniversaries, it's for salvation.

Jesus came to rescue people- and heaven awaits another opportunity to rejoice. Will you go and rescue the lost today?

Day 6 of 40 prayer emphasis: God, send me out to find the lost. Help me to be the cause of rejoicing and celebration in heaven.

Day 5- Love God in Front of Your Children

2010-09-03T14:30:00.000-07:00

"And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. 6And these words...shall be in thine heart: 7And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up."

Deut. 6:4-7

I've had lots of people who have influenced my life- teachers, pastors, friends, my wife, my kids and others. However, before I ever met my first teacher, heard from my first pastor, chose my friends, met my wife or had kids of my own, I had mom and dad. They're the single greatest influences in my life.

That seems weird to say, doesn't it? They (plural) were the single (singular) greatest influences in my life. It's because they were one- and I'm not just talking about their union in marriage. They were one in influencing me for Christ. I don't separate the things my mom taught me from the things my dad taught me. My mom didn't teach me one way to live while my dad taught me another way. They were one. Their life was one shining example of what it means to love God and follow him at all costs. I am thankful for them.

I want my kids to learn to love God from me. I know the value of praying for them, but I need to pray with them. I know the importance of teaching them what it means to love God, but I need to model what loving God looks like in front of them. I want my boys to grow up and love their wives, but I know they'll learn that from me.

Being a parent is a tremendous responsibility. However, by God's grace we can mentor our children to love God with heart, soul and might- and we should. Even if we don't have children we should love God in front of our friends, neighbors, co-workers and family. Be a shining light of God's love today. Love God out loud.

Day 5 prayer emphasis- Love God through prayer. Thank Him for who He is and all that He has given you in Christ. If you have children, love God in front of them by spending some time in prayer with them.

Day 4- A Change in Perspective

2010-09-03T07:39:00.000-07:00

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you."

Matthew 28:19-20

Perspective is how you see things. Our perspectives can change in a moment. I was driving to church on Monday morning only to find myself blinded by the sun. As I squinted and looked at the road ahead I began to feel around the car for my sunglasses. I knocked over a drink cup, picked up some papers, opened the glove compartment and finally found them. I put them on and my perspective completely changed. It was a relief, I must say. Too much bright sunlight can give me a headache. My eyes get tired from the squinting.

Look around you today as you're driving to school, work or the grocery store. Look at all the people whose perspectives are being influenced by sunglasses. Wearing sunglasses makes it much easier to stand in the sun.

God's perspective never changes. When mine doesn't line up with His, I've got to change. For the past 7 months God has been changing my perspective. It's been painful at times- but the results have brought much relief. My perspective change has to do with the Great Commission that Jesus gave to His church in Matthew 28:19-20. For most of my life my perspective on the Great Commission fell short of God's perspective.

I read the commission in this way: go and reach the lost with the gospel. That is certainly a part of the commission and it is essential. However, just as essential to the commission is the part I've been missing- make disciples. My purpose as a pastor is to make disciples. Our purpose as a church is to make disciples.

The commission has 2 sides: reach and teach. "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I've commanded you" is just as essential to "go and reach them with the gospel." The gospel is essential for salvation; the teaching is essential for sanctification. In other words, the gospel saves us and the word of God shapes us to be more like Christ. For far too long I've been reaching the lost with the gospel and neglecting the "teaching" part. Not anymore.

I want to be an authentic follower of Jesus Christ who loves God, loves others, grows in faith and serves the world who, by God's grace, makes disciples who love God, love others, grow in faith and serve the world. Fulfilling all of the commission is the way that will happen.

Day 4 prayer emphasis: Ask God to change your perspective on the Great Commission. Our call is to make disciples, not just converts. Ask God to help you fulfill that commission with your life.

Day 3- I Love You More

2010-09-02T15:05:00.000-07:00

1 John 4:10- "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins."

"He loves me, he loves me not. He loves me, he loves me not. He loves me!" In real life, surely no one thinks flower petals would serve as the sign of true love. No one lives this way...or do we?

God loves you. There, I said it: and I believe it. God loves you with an everlasting love and a love so great its ends cannot be reached, its height cannot be measured, and its depths cannot be explored completely. His goodness knows no bounds, His mercy is everlasting and His thoughts toward you are priceless. God loves you.

"I love you." There, He said it. You don't have to impress Him, you can't do something to earn it, and you don't have to pick flowers off a petal to determine whether or not its true. You don't have to wonder whether or not He loves you. You shouldn't doubt it. He loves you- and the cross says it all.

Day 3- Spend time today praising God for His love.

Day 2- No More Identity Crisis

2010-09-01T07:22:00.000-07:00

Psalm 139:23-24- "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: 24And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

We all have moments where we look in the mirror and don't like what we see- our weight, our complexion, our hair, our teeth, our clothes. Mirrors don't lie. They tell the truth. They show what's there even if we want to sweep it under the rug.

With God, there are no rugs under which our words, actions, thoughts or sin can be swept. Before he prayed for God to search him and try him in verse 23 David had already made this statement in verse 1- "O LORD, thou hast searched me and known me." He sees it all. He knows when we sit down and when we rise up (Ps. 139:2). He knows our deepest thoughts (Ps. 139:2). He knows our ways and the words of our mouths (Ps. 139:3-4). If you go to heaven, He's there. If you make your bed in hell, hide in the darkness, live in the sea or live in your mother's womb, He's there (PS. 139:7-13).

We can't hide. But like Adam in the garden, because we know God sees everything, we hide behind fig leaves of shame, regret and forgetfulness. That's right- we forget. For those who have placed faith in Jesus Christ, you're His child. He loves you with the love of a caring Father. Loving, caring Fathers don't sweep destructive behavior under the rug. It has to be corrected. But in the midst of that correction and painful searching of our hearts we can say, "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made...Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect...How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them" (Ps. 139:14-17).

Many Christians suffer from an identity crisis. Yes, God searches our hearts. He knows us in the deepest places. He knows our sin. He knows our failures. He knows what path we're taking. It's painful when we look into the mirror of God's word and the light of God exposes us for who we really are. Yet we are fearfully and wonderfully made. His precious thoughts toward us are too many to count. Remember that today.

Day two prayer emphasis: Pray through Psalm 139. Read each verse, meditate upon it and take it to God in prayer.

Day 1- Ready for Battle

2010-08-31T07:49:00.000-07:00

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For 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. 13Wherefore 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. 14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 19And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”
Eph. 6:10-20

We are at war. I’m not talking about Afghanistan or Iraq. I’m talking about a war that has been fought since the Garden of Eden. Our enemy is strong. He is like a roaring lion. He is a deceiver and he is the father of lies. He is an accuser and his name, Satan, means “opponent, the arch enemy of good” (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible). He is a schemer and his main objective is to destroy your life (Eph. 6:11, John 10:10).

Paul was very aware of this conflict. Many times we fail to see just how serious the battle is, but Paul didn’t. In his words to the Ephesians he reminded them of the reality and the severity of this battle:
- We fight against the rulers, the powers against the world forces of this darkness and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in heavenly places (Eph. 6:12)
- The days are evil (Eph. 6:13)
- Our enemy is constantly shooting flaming arrows at our lives (Eph. 6:16)
- Imprisonment and torture might happen in our lives for the cause of Christ (Eph. 6:20)

Whoever said the Christian life is a bed of roses either 1) wasn’t a Christian or 2) doesn’t know what a rose is. Jesus said, “In this world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33). While living your life for Christ it’s not a matter of if we will suffer or if we will fight spiritual battles. They will come. The real question is whether or not we will win those battles- because I believe we can.
Although our enemy is strong, he is already defeated. He is no match for God. Therefore we are told to “be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Eph. 6:10). You’re not supposed to fight any spiritual battles on your own. You’re supposed to fight to win. If you fight in your own strength, your flesh will fail you. So many Christians fight spiritual battles behind walls made of toothpicks wearing a T-shirt, flip flops and a baseball cap, holding a pillow and wielding a wooden spoon while the enemy comes over the horizon in an Apache helicopter armed with 30mm automatic Boeing M320 chain guns firing 625 rounds a minute and AGM-114D Longbow Hellfire (that’s the real name) air-to-surface missiles.

Paul said we must get ready for the battle- “Put on the whole armor of God” (Eph. 6:11). It’s God’s armor and we’re to put it all on- not just parts- if we’re going to be able to stand against our enemy:
- Belt of truth (Eph. 6:14)
- Breastplate of righteousness (Eph. 6:14)
- Feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace (Eph. 6:15)
- Shield of faith (Eph. 6:16)
- Helmet of salvation (Eph. 6:17)
- Sword of the Spirit (Eph. 6:17)

But that’s not the whole armor of God. There’s one more weapon in the arsenal. It’s not as glamorous as other weapons. Perhaps that’s why we don’t use it. The sunlight doesn’t gleam off this weapon like it might the blade of a sword. This weapon doesn’t have a great military style coat of arms on the front of it like you might find on a shield. You can’t stick your chest out and deflect bullets with this weapon like you might be able to with a breastplate.

If you use this weapon it’s almost like sending the signal “Broken Arrow.” The term “Broken Arrow” is used by our nation’s military to call in an airstrike or artillery strike very near a friendly position which has been overrun by the enemy. To use this weapon means that you simply stand in your armor and let someone else do the fighting for you. Using this weapon means you have acknowledged your lack of strength to fight the battle. However, this weapon cinches the belt of truth up tighter, fortifies your breastplate, makes your feet swift with the gospel, enlrages your shield of faith, is a chin strap for the helmet of salvation and forges a stronger blade for the sword of the Spirit. The weapon is prayer.

I know, it’s not as glamorous- but it is powerful. If you read Paul’s words in this passage you’ll notice that each weapon gets a part of one verse or one verse. Prayer gets 3 verses. “Kagawa, the famous Japanese Christian, once said to a conference of ministers on the west coast of the United States, ‘Your greatest lack is that you do not know how to pray.’ Many were incensed by the accusation, but as they continued to listen to the great man, they came to the unanimous conclusion that he was right” (Selwen Hughes, Prayer the Greatest Power, p. 9).

Great movements in the history of Christianity had two common factors: the word of God and prayer. In the armor of God, these are our offensive weapons. Breastplates, belts, helmets, shoes and shields are great- but we are not called to merely stand the assault. We are called to make a dent in the kingdom of evil ruled by Satan. Paul prayed for that- “And [pray] for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak” (Eph. 6:19-20).

Prayer is the weapon of choice. If we are going to make the gospel known, if we are going to make disciples, if we are going to make a dent in the enemy’s army, we must begin to pray.
I am issuing a call to prayer for the members of Berean Baptist Church. For the next forty days I am inviting you to fight. I am inviting you to join me on your knees in prayer. Our enemy is against us, but God is for us. And if He is for us, who can be against us?

Day One Prayer Emphasis: Lord, make us ready for the battle. Give us your strength and power to fight against our enemy.