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TRUST JESUS TODAY

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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: The Church (12/06/07)
What follows is not an isolated event. The Day of Judgment draws nearer and it is a common sight in the church, the body of Christ. We need not shrink away in fear, hopelessness, and despair. Rather, we need to stand and fight! Given the gift of choice, we are also given the power to build up or destroy.

If you read and find yourself recognizing those among you who fit different descriptions of demonic activity, I implore you to look more deeply into your own soul as well for Jeremiah 19:9 says: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Please note that it does not say “the hearts of certain men…”. Although I have a responsibility to address my brother’s sin (in Love and following the scriptural process), that alone will never be enough. I must also watch continually for my own failures, confess them, and repent of them. Only in this can I hope to lead a brother out of his own folly.

He that has an ear, let him hear…

“Nahum 2:1 “He that dashes in pieces is come up before thy face: keep the munition, watch the way, make thy loins strong, fortify thy power mightily….”

When the appointed angels arrived at the location of their assignment, their hearts were stricken with grief at what they saw. This did not last long, as they were some of God’s mightiest warriors and they succumbed to no defeat. They surveyed the doors out of which God had determined would pour His salt and light into this dying community. There now flowed through the doors in both directions the steady stream of a black stinking mist familiar to these warriors.

As the angels drew nearer, they could hear the screeching wails of those caught in the place of weeping and gnashing of teeth. They also heard the low, sedative voice speaking lies and blasphemy in resolute tones that came up through the mist. This voice was then embodied in the form of indescribably grotesque creatures that perched on the shoulders of the people whispering in their ears and stroking their hair. The angels moved in prepared for battle without hesitation or apprehension. The prayers of a few within this part of Christ’s body were of the James 5:16 type, which was all the angels needed to gain a strong foothold.

The enemy detected them and the stench intensified. The sound of weeping and gnashing of teeth became deafening. The warring angels quickly scanned the sanctuary looking for those bearing the telltale glow of the Father’s light. Upon locating the strong, the Captain of the angels assigned five of the warriors to surround and cover each one so as to bring them to deeper and more intense levels of worship, praise, and prayer, which would be the mainstay of all.

The captain detected the sudden distinctive and hideous sulphuris stench much stronger than that throughout the church and whirled around to find the captain of the demons. In rasping, breathless groans he wheezed, “You have no authority here! The majority here has invited us and you are far outnumbered! Admit defeat and go tend to something you are more suited for!” With this he leapt out of reach to miss the force of the flaming blade swung at him.

Surveying the situation, the Captain of the angels identified several of the usual demons sent for the destruction of God’s children. There was pride (so glad I’m me, wish you were me, too) jealousy (rightfully, it should have been mine), gossip (but did you know…), lying (it wasn’t me), deceit (don’t tell anyone), lust (I must and will have it), all manner of perverting demons (derange its God-given nature), religiosity (I’m a law-abiding shoe-in), it’s all about me (just finding my true, inner self), and apathy (why bother, can’t fix it anyway)…to name a few.

He breathed deeply of the fresh air the Father supplied around him and the other warriors. He could already feel the power being released by those prayer warriors around whom were stationed guarding angels…

The outcome of this story cannot be written because, although the war was won on the Cross, the battles will continue until the Day of Judgment. When the angels of the Lord come to your place of worship, how will they find you?

I am quite sobered at having even written this piece.

God have mercy on us all and awaken my slumbering soul…
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Joanne Sher 
12/16/07
A very convicting message. Thank you for sharing it.
Jan Ross
12/16/07
Good job. As I read this, I'm reminded of Carman's "The Champion" where he captured the wrestling between flesh and spirit, righteousness and evil. Very powerful piece--may God awaken ALL our slumbering hearts. God bless! :)
Jan Ackerson
12/17/07
Great entry--I almost think it'd be even stronger if you just started with the 4th paragraph--that's where the "oomph" is.

I wasn't clear on what you meant by "derange its God-given nature". A little clarification needed there, perhaps?

Powerful writing!
JoAnne Potter
12/18/07
Still not quite sure whether this is a sermon or a story...are you? The story part tells the point of the sermon, though, doesn't it? I'm sobered, too. Your sin list is enough to convict anyone.