Prayer Journal
Sunday, July 2, 2000
"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings." 1 Peter 5:8-9
Reason 6 why people don't pray: "Life is good! No problems."
In foreign countries where missionaries preach the gospel, it is not uncommon to encounter disease and sickness. But, equally prevalent is the harassment by evil spirits, also called, demonic activity. The missionary learns quickly that they must confront and overcome these forces or be run out of town by the local witch doctor and his followers. You can be sure prayer is a dominant activity in these situations.
On the other hand, Satan uses different tactics to oppose Christians in America. Most Americans are held captive to a spirit of independence and self indulgence. In the entire life of the average American, they seldom see any recognizable demonic activity. (A tolerance for sin usually keeps the "material" Christian from recognizing Satan's movement) Why should Satan show himself if he can accomplish his purpose without arousing attention?
If a person is on the sideline of spiritual warfare and doesn't pray, their actions are of no consequence to Satan. He simply does not resist someone who doesn't threaten him. If, on the other hand, a person allows Christ to rule in their hearts, Satan must resist them or face the possible loss of many "trophies". When Satan resists the child of God, they pray. And when they pray, Satan usually loses ground.
"How can Satan drive out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come." Mark 3:23b-26
Is Satan resisting you today? If not, you'd better find out why, because those reasons will most certainly hinder your prayer.
(1) Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society
(2) The images used herein were obtained from the Learning Company's ClickArt Christian Graphics Deluxe product, (c)1999 The Learning Company, Inc and its subsidiaries, 88 Roland Way, Novato, CA 94945 USA. All Rights Reserved.
Pray for Church Leaders and Workers
Pray for Frank and Chita Drinkard - Dominican Republic
