13 Jul, 2006
United Against Terror
ANNAN, BUSH CONDEMN MUMBAI BLASTS WASHINGTON: United States President George W Bush, United Nations chief Kofi Annan were among several world leaders who expressed outrage over the Mumbai bomb blasts and urged urgent coordinated action against the scourge of terrorism.
Sending his deep condolences to the friends and families of the victims of the "brutal attacks", Bush said the United States stood with India in the war on terrorism.
"Such acts only strengthen the resolve of the international community to stand united against terrorism and to declare unequivocally that there is no justification for the vicious murder of innocent people," he said.
The U N Secretary General Kofi Annan has said that he was "appalled by the brutal and callous bombings" of trains in Mumbai.
In a statement issued through his Spokesman, Annan said that the bombings in Mumbai and the grenade attacks in Srinagar "increase the urgency of coordinated action by all countries to defeat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, committed by whomever, whenever, wherever and for what ever purpose".
Photo & story courtesy timesofindia.indiatimes.com, 7/12/06
1 Peter 5:8-11
8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. (ESV)
What does God’s Word teach us about fighting our spiritual enemy?
In today’s scripture, Peter is warning believers (anyone who knows Christ as Savior and follows Him) to watch out for Satan, the enemy of God and His family. Satan, our worst enemy, is like a terrorist, who can pull a surprise attack at any time, any place, and against anyone.
Have you been feeling alone, weak or helpless, and not hanging out with other followers of Jesus? LOOK OUT!
Maybe you’ve been harassed for your faith in Christ or you’ve been going through some other suffering? BE ON GUARD!
Perhaps you’ve been focused on your own desires? Not spending time focusing on your relationship with Jesus? HIGH ALERT! HIGH ALERT!
Today’s story about the bombings in India is a reminder that terror is on the increase around the world. The United Nations and the US are challenging other world leaders to unite together to fight the war against terror.
There is a spiritual parallel. Satan attacks all followers of Jesus everywhere. We must remember to unite together in praying for each other to be alert and to resist the Devil.
Be encouraged! In Christ, “you are complete through your union with CHRIST. He is the LORD over every other ruler and authority in the universe.” (Colossians 2:10)
How can you connect today’s teaching from scripture to your life in Christ?
- Begin each day by praying for Christ’s protection and victory as you will face attacks from Satan.
- Unite together with other Christ followers by starting an accountability group in your neighborhood, at school, at church or maybe even at your place of work. Get together once a week with at least 2 other Christian friends for the purpose of praying together and helping each other to resist Satan and live for Christ.
- Pray every day for your brothers and sisters in Christ all around the world. Like you, they face attack from our worst enemy – Satan.
- Talk to God right now…..Thank God for His loving protection. Confess any way in which you have been letting your guard down and losing battles to the enemy. If you have been a victim and have suffered in some way for Christ, ask Jesus to give you strength while you trust Him to get you on your spiritual feet again. Praise Jesus that He will give you victory over Satan!
- Whenever you see news reports about the global war on terror, let Jesus use that moment to remind you to unite with His followers and stay alert.
How can you connect your story and today’s God’s Story to others?
- Use today’s devo to encourage other followers of Christ. Share your story with them, by being vulnerable about how you’re doing in facing Satan’s attacks in your life.
- In your ongoing friendships with those who don’t know Christ yet, ask them how they’re doing. Do they have a need or a struggle you could help meet? Depending on their vulnerability, you may have the opportunity to tell more of your story, by being real about how Jesus is helping you face the tough times in your life.
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