"For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of
POWER,
of LOVE
and of
SELF-DISCIPLINE."
2 Timothy 1:7
ISIS is big, and strong, and very scary.
"You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them,
because
the One who is in you
is GREATER
than the one who is in the world."
1 John 4:4
As 9/11 approaches we will hear more and more about ISIS in America and the attacks they have planned on schools, malls, etc.
We have a choice. We can focus on those reports and pictures
OR
we can let each mention of them turn us immediately to God in prayer for this country. Our choice will make all the difference. I choose to focus on God, pray for protection, pray for His people to unite in prayer for themselves and our country. He alone is my strength and shield.
I choose not to focus on ISIS to the point that my fear takes over and I forget - even for a moment - who my God is.
Yes, ISIS is big. MY GOD IS BIGGER.
Today I pray the words of Psalm 11:
"In the Lord I take refuge.
How then can you say to me:
'Flee like a bird to your mountain.
For look, the wicked bend their bows;
they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows
at the upright of heart.
When the foundations are being destroyed,
what can the righteous do?'"
THE LORD IS IN HIS HOLY TEMPLE;
THE LORD IS ON HIS HEAVENLY THRONE.
He observes the sons of men; his eyes examine them.
The Lord examines the righteous,
but the wicked and those who love violence his soul hates.
On the wicked he will rain fiery coals
and burning sulfur; a scorching wind will be their lot.
For the Lord is righteous,
he loves justice;
upright men will see his face.
I don't know what the future holds - especially on 9/11 but as the song says - I know who holds the future and nothing - nothing will happen that doesn't pass through God's hands first.
Pray these things today:
1. Pray for hearts to be softened to the heart of God
2. Pray for God's protection and for the defeat of the armies of ISIS - from the INSIDE OUT!
3. Pray that no matter what happens in the coming days - even if we are mourning - we will seek God's face and know that he has never stopped working all things for good for those who love him and are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
Are you prepared to praise him and worship him - no matter what happens today, tomorrow, 9/11?
Give thanks to the Lord,
for his love endures forever.
As they praised you, you fought the battle and won it. Do it again, Lord. Do it again, for your glory. We give you praise together. We pray in the overcoming, saving name of Jesus. Amen.
I hope you will join me in prayer and praise this week. God is ready to move if his children will only ask and be ready.