Derek Smith
Lead Pastor
Psalm 94:20-23
Can wicked rulers be allied with you, those who frame injustice by statute? They band together against the life of the righteous and condemn the innocent to death. But the Lord has become my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge. He will bring back on them their iniquity and wipe them out for their wickedness; the Lord our God will wipe them out.
As news comes out of Israel of all the atrocities committed by the Islamic terrorist organization Hamas, the hearts of believers everywhere are broken. Many stand bewildered asking how can someone kill innocent men, women, and children like that? How does one rape, murder, and destroy all in the name of his supposed god? Jesus made it clear when he said the Devil comes to kill, steal, and destroy. Make no mistake folks, it is straight from the pit of hell what is happening there, and it is time for followers of Christ to rise up! When I say rise up I’m not promoting more violence. This is a spiritual battle and the land of Israel is God’s chosen land, the very place where Christ will rule as King over the earth when He returns. Scripture speaks prophetically about these events, and it is time for God’s church to rise. Specifically we must rise in prayer. The weapons of our warfare are not physical, they are spiritual, and they are effective for tearing down strongholds. Pray against the enemy toward your family and church, and pray for God’s people to be strengthened and protected. Pray for violence to cease and wickedness to be eradicated. Pray for the innocent lost of this world to be saved through faith in Christ. Prayer brings down walls in people’s lives and lifts our thoughts to Heaven in the midst of the chaos. Secondly, we must rise in disciple-making. The task before us is to lovingly share the gospel with as many people as we can and invite them to trust Christ, be baptized, and fellowship together with God’s Church. We should be more invested and involved in prayer, worship, and ministry than we ever have been in our lives because night is coming when no man can work. While it is still day, let’s be about the Father’s business! So, Child of God, be encouraged today! Christ is on His throne! But also, be heartbroken over the lostness and hopelessness of the people right around you. Pray hard, share continually, and worship wholeheartedly. The wicked will be wiped completely out in God’s time! Until then let’s spread His glory and get as many people into His coming Kingdom as we can!