Nice, France and what we can do about it….
At least 80 people killed as French Tunisian man ploughs truck “loaded with grenades” into Bastille Day crowd in Nice, France.
Headlines again appear on our media of a cowardly attack on innocent men, women and children by terrorists. Our world has change dramatically since the 9/11 attack on the Twin Towers in New York. France has had repeated cowardly attacks in recent times. The world is reeling in fear and unbelief at the ongoing deaths and attacks which look to be on the increase with the gradual overwhelming of the ISIS gangsters in Syria.
The Apostle Paul foretold of the last days before the coming of Christ as being perilous times! With the world being a global village now Australia is not immune to such events as we have already experienced with the Lindt Café attack and with more than 200 Australian citizens currently involved with ISIS in Syria.
What can we do about these events? It is at this time that we need to reminded of just who the enemy is again in these matters. Ephesians 6:10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
Our great strength which is prayer has unfortunately become the modern day churches Achilles Heel. As long as church prayer meetings remain the least attended of all services, as long as we continue to neglect the greatest weapon God has given to us – we will see the enemy continue to bring fear and dread to our everyday existence.
In our recent travels we have seen that the church in western civilisation now amounts to a Sunday morning attendance, with no real connection to the body of Christ in any meaningful relationship, and no corporate prayer where God is passionately sought to intercede on behalf of our nations. It was the prophet Samuel who said, 1Sa 12:23 Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:
We can watch the events continue to unfold before our eyes around the world and in our own nation or we can do some real damage to the forces of evil that seek to bring fear and terror.
Let us be like Joshua and make a declaration in our churches and in our homes today, Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
As the Church and you and your family pray, God will hear our prayers and the enemy will be defeated!
Be a Christian who makes a difference – may your position on terrorism be on your knees in prayer fighting it in the most powerful way!