That’s right, that’s where we are going but we are going prepared. In unity we sing the old song, we are going to the enemy’s camp to take back what he took from me. Sounds exciting until we go to battle against the enemy and see what we perceive as obstacles. God said, “Be not afraid, only believe for the battle is not yours, but God’s.” Warfare is messy business and many times the challenges are providing and demonstrating the love of God to those who don’t seem to deserve it. If we are not fully prepared by having on the whole armor, we’ll be reeling on the battlefield like a drunken man.
God is calling all warriors to rally in unity for our struggling prodigals and the enemy is desperate to distract us. Rapidly fired demonic bullets of fear, worry, anxiety, frustration and anger can cause offense which wounds us terribly. “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (Ephesians 6:10-11). Schemes, wiles, devices and tricks are tools the devil uses to project his poisonous thoughts into our minds. He suggest we do things his way instead of listening to and obeying the voice of God. One way we hear the voice of God is through our conscience. A Spirit filled conscience does not tell us to speak harsh words to or about our brothers and sisters. It does not tell us to go out and rob a store or kill someone. No, that is the voice of the enemy projecting his thoughts onto us. By complaining and criticizing instead of thanking God during a trial, we allow the enemy free access in our lives. Vesta Mangun once said, “Anything you don’t bring before God for counsel, hell is authorized to counsel you about it.”
I read in Matthew chapter 18 where we are turned over to the jailer (tormentors) if we don’t forgive. We are tormented daily by the video reel playing the offense over and over in our head until we repent. I have experienced the darkness of jail several times in the past due to perceived insults and misunderstandings. I was hurt and in return hurt others. Through reading scriptures about offense and forgiveness, the Word washed me, I came to my senses and realized I was in violation and had sinned against God by holding on to unforgiveness. God delivered me when I cried out for mercy. I also went to the people and ask them to forgive me. I did this in order to obey the Word which says if you are offering your gift at the altar and remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. By forgiving and asking God to order our steps, speech, attitudes and even our facial expressions, we are protected and victorious!
To remove wounds, we lay them on the altar of repentance and are cleansed, forgiven and God forgets. We speak His Word in faith, believing and problems disappear. We pray until every word that comes out of our mouth aligns with God’s Word. This is the will of God where signs, wonders and miracles operate. This is where our prodigals are set free.
God bless and keep reaching for the prize of the high calling (what the Spirit is telling you to do) of Jesus Christ.
Praise Report: We have five prodigals from the names in the vase who have come back to the altar. This is powerful! Let’s give God great praise. If anyone has not put their prodigals’ names in the vase please send to our President Robert Thompson (Robert.thompson@azusastreetriders.com) and he will write the name out on paper and add to the prodigal vase.
Video from our President Robert Thompson: Prodigals_4012
Chaplain Diane Beall, ASR National Ladies Chaplain
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