Dear James: I hope and pray that you are in a church family that is instrumental , effective and effectual in reaching a community or a city for Christ. All Nations Church has been that in my community and we have paid a very dear price in terms of spiritual warfare. I feel that the enemy 'marks' certain individuals or churches or 'cells' of individuals that are detrimental to forces of evil.
I have a few very controversial ideas regarding how 'things 'work in the spiritual realm. As in any war there are "casualties". Satan so damages certain individuals once they have entered spiritual warfare that they become ineffective. Pastors get burnt out, fed up, stressed out; so do congregational members. Sure you have long termers that seem to endure forever but that is rare. I guess I've seen too much. I never criticize someone that has tried to live a good spiritual life and has fallen down. You never know what that person has been through. That causes the downfall of many pastors. Once you start looking at your own congregation as the 'enemy' you play right into the enemies hands.
But to assume that the cost will not be high in earthly terms is very misleading. Many on this thread know first hand what I am saying. Once you have that 'mark' you become the general or officer on the battle field; a prized potential casualty.
What is my advice ? First realize that you are part of an army that extends far beyond the scope and reach of your wildest imagination. Remember Elisha and his seeing the army of God surrounding him on the mountainsides.
Next. Realize that the enemy cannot stop you in the spiritual realm. It cannot be done. We have the power to loose and bind in His name . We have the keys to the kingdom. We have the word of God on our hearts, the power of the Holy Ghost that dwells right inside us. What an awesome fighting force we can loose. Again; the enemy cannot stop you in the spiritual.So, how does he come against you ? Always in the natural, in the flesh, in natural circumstances, using other dim wits , or nim wits that will say something to you to upset you ; or a boss, or a job, or a mistake in a paycheck or a home situation. It takes our mind off the eternal and right on the poor me or woe me or discouragement or depression and you become ineffective.
So when I see an ineffective Christian I start building him or her up, picking up the pieces, praying in their company; a little phone call, or note ......never oh we missed you this past Sunday( meaning) we had a "work" for you , bad girl, bad boy you must try harder. I'm so fed up with that attitude it makes me sick.
I'll always counter with , hey 'good lookin' or hey 'handsome'...when are you going to make time for me to take you to lunch or out for coffee...how about breakfast in the morning...or I've got a little business I want to throw your way....or I'm still praying for your mother or father .....OH by the way!! Boy do you look good in that blue dress or I love that shirt you have on or AFTERSHAVE.
You pick someone else up and see how good you feel yourself.....Love you !!!! You mean the core of a Christian brotherly relationship to me . You are steadfast. And, you are very mature in your relationship with your Lord. Keep up the good works .In Him.gregor |
