The Prince of Russia

"....But first I will tell you what is written in the Book of Truth.  (No one supports me against them except Michael, your prince."  (Daniel 10:21)

As I was praying in our church building today, I looked up and saw the scene in the attached photo.  This is the reality of the battle for Planet Earth.

What is going on today in Ukraine is that the Prince of Russia is doing exactly what the Prince of Persia and Greece were doing centuries ago, as set forth in Daniel 10, and, I might add, are still doing today.  One cannot escape the Biblical revelation of the cosmic struggle, which is going on right now.  

I asked our Lord Jesus today if it were possible to, "....support[]... against them...."  No, I did not receive an "answer."  But as I "ratcheted" up the praying, I felt as though I was somehow participating in the Daniel 10 scenario.  I'll leave it there for now, except for the words of David to Goliath, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel," Who is none other than our Lord Jesus Christ.

Father, in Jesus' Name, I ask that you teach Your Church how to pray in these turbulent times.  Amen.

"Prayers Are Not Helping"

"When my enemies turn back they shall fall and perish at Your Presence." (Psalm 9:3)

I am believing this for the current world situation.

I was reading earlier today a report of a conversation with a Ukrainian Parliament Member.  She said, "We need help; prayers are not helping anymore."  I know; theologians could have a field day with that.  But callous theology is what the world does not need.

At one time or another, most have toyed with the same conclusion.  Not a smart conclusion.  I pray that I never forget one translation's version of Luke 18:1, when it speaks of Jesus' teaching on prayer.  "....They should keep on praying and never give up."

Father, in Jesus' Name, I so pray!  Amen.

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2

"But Since We Stopped...."

"But we will certainly do whatever has gone out of our own mouth, to burn incense to the queen of heaven...as we have done, we and our fathers, our kings and our princes....For then we had plenty of food, were well-off, and saw no trouble.  But since we stopped burning incense to the queen of heaven..., we have lacked everything and have been consumed by the sword and by famine."  (Jeremiah 44:17, 18)

You may have heard some say that after they "got saved" a lot of bad things started happening.  Those who succumb to such reasoning as in today's text, are allowing the Enemy to use such an appeal to our senses so as to destroy the relationship in Jesus Christ.  Because of things similar to those mentioned in our text, some stop reading the Bible, praying, going to church meetings, and, ultimately, turn their backs on our Lord Jesus Christ.  

Beware the lie which is based upon, "....looking at those things which are seen....For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal."  Take, rather, the position of the three Hebrews before the Babylonian king, "But even if He does not, we will...not serve your gods."

Father, in Jesus' Name, I stand with the three Hebrews.  Amen.

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Please pray for the prayer journey in Canada, May 21-27, and also the need for backpacks for the Crow Children. 

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2

"Though I Sit In Darkness"

"Do not gloat over me, my enemy!  Though I have fallen, I will rise.  Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light." (Micah 7:8)

Of course He will.  He is Jesus Christ, "The Light of the world," and, the Light of/in you and me.  

Father, in Jesus' Name, You Alone are my Light.  Amen.

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2