20 Oct, 2006
Threat of war?
North Korea nuclear tension
North Korea's resumption of its nuclear weapons program has set its neighbors and much of the rest of the world on edge.
Five nations -- the United States, China, Russia, Japan and South Korea -- are now piling the pressure on North Korea to curb its nuclear ambitions.
Pyongyang has said it wants a formal non-aggression treaty with the United States before it makes any move. But lately it has been dishing out a charm offensive in a bid to get Washington to be more flexible.
For its part, the United States is keen to see the standoff resolved but is standing firm amid concerns expressed by top officials that the nation is a "rogue state" holding the world hostage to nuclear blackmail.
courtesy cnn.com, 10/18/06
Ephesians 6:10-18
The Whole Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, (ESV)
In time, the world will find out if North Korea's nuclear threat is for real. Sadly, most of the world doesn't recognize that they are already in a war that is very real - one that involves eternity.
Today's God's Story is about our ultimate enemy, who is trying to hold our world hostage. What kind of war are we in and how do we fight to win?
Paul is teaching us to remember that Satan and his army are obsessed with the destruction of any follower of Christ.
He understood the spiritual battle that all of Christ's followers face as individuals. Paul is teaching us (just as God's Spirit told him) to unite together in our war with Satan and his fallen angels. And it will require much more than nice Christian words and ideas.
To win the war against Satan's terror, we must first receive the freedom from sin through which Satan is holding us hostage.
Then as followers of Jesus, we (the Church) must depend on the Lord's mighty power. It is the same power that raised Christ from the dead! This power comes through the Holy Spirit. So how can we get this power from the Holy Spirit?
Put on every piece of God's armor and stand our ground together!
- Thank God for His Holy Spirit's power. Ask Him to help you use every piece of God's armor to battle against the Devil. Pray for other Christians around the world to answer God's call to unite together for victory over the forces of hell. Ask God's Spirit to unite your local church and to help your brothers and sisters in Christ wear God's armor every day. Ask God to unite you with at least two other Christian friends in your school, church or neighborhood for the purpose of relying on the Lord's mighty power together.
- Read through Paul's list of armor again and ask God to help you focus on the one you need the most this week. His Spirit will help you put it on.
How can you connect today's story, God's Story and your story to others?
- Use the current world watch about the threat from North Korea as a way to talk about the subject of the spiritual war between God and Satan. It could be a way for you to share part of your story which includes Jesus giving you the armor to go to battle against the spiritual enemy in your life.
- If you aren't already in a prayer/accountability group, start one with two others at your school, church, or work place.
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