Be Strong In The Lord!

There is a lot going on in this world that can make us fearful. There continue to be terrorist attacks around the world and conflicts of various sorts and on many levels of society. Remaining vigilant is important to safeguard against loss of life. However, we also need to recognize the power of evil at work in the world that can work against the soul and that the power of God is still greater yet! Though we may at times wonder about battles that seem to be lost, ultimately we can be victors in Christ.

The last two Sunday mornings (with the plan to conclude the discussion next week) our adult Bible class has been studying the spiritual warfare and the armor God has provided for engaging in it. ( Ephesians 6:10-20) However, sometimes the conflicts arise from among us, and there too we need to be watchful lest our focuses be drawn away from what God desires for our life. And ultimately we need to consider on whom we are depending. Is it ourselves? The world's help? Or God's wisdom and strength?

I received the following last January via e-mail from one of the members of our congregation.

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WARNING: BEWARE OF TERRORIST GROUPS IN CHURCH!

Latest news reports are that five terrorist cell groups have been operating in many of our churches. They have been identified as: Bin Sleepin, Bin Arguin, Bin Fightin, Bin Complainin, and Bin Missin.

Their leader, Lucifer Bin Workin, trained these groups to destroy the Body of Christ. The plan is to come into the church disguised as Christians and to work within the church to discourage, disrupt, and destroy.

However, there have been reports of a sixth group. A tiny cell known by the name Bin Prayin is actually the only effective counter terrorism force in the church. Unlike other terrorist cells, the Bin Prayin team does not blend in with whoever and whatever comes along.

Bin Prayin does whatever is needed to uplift and encourage the Body of Christ. We have noticed that the Bin Prayin cell group has different characteristics than the others. They have Bin Watchin, Bin Waitin, Bin Fastin, and Bin Longin for their Master, Jesus Christ to return.

NO CHURCH IS EXEMPT!
(However, you can spot them if you bin lookin and bin goin.)

[original author unknown]

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Are we INVOLVED? Have we reported for ACTIVE DUTY? Are we a part of the "Bin Prayin" cell? PRAYER is the best place to start because it is a sign we are looking beyond ourselves for the guidance and strength we need.

Even Paul, after listing the spiritual armor God has provided to equip us for battle, urged toward vigilance in PRAYER by stating. . .
"(18) PRAYING AT ALL TIMES in the Spirit, WITH ALL PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication FOR ALL THE SAINTS, (19) AND ALSO FOR ME, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, (20) for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak." ( Ephesians 6:18-20 ESV)

May we remain one of those living and working faithfully under our Lord's command! Following Him we are assured the victory!

Have a great day BEING VIGILANT IN PRAYER AND SERVICE FOR GOD!
Carl

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