NOT TODAY SATAN!

 Have you ever heard anyone make this statement, "Not today Satan?"

Sunday, I heard that quoted by many people.

For those that don't know. We had a bit of a crisis Sunday morning before church. Apparently the deluge of rain Saturday night found its way into our sanctuary Sunday morning. Water came up through our air conditioning vents and through an emergency exit door. The sanctuary was completely flooded. There was standing water everywhere. 

Stephanie and I arrived at about 8am like normal. I went into the sanctuary to flip on the lights and then go about my normal Sunday morning routine. My grandson came and said, "Gramps, there is a lot of water in the sanctuary and guess what? He was right. I went back into the sanctuary and the place was flooded. Standing water and soaked carpet was everywhere. I jumped into action. I got in touch with our local Servpro. They arrived immediately and began getting the sanctuary ready for services. I debated whether even to try to hold services there or move to the gym. But, the SERVPRO people were amazing and they had us ready so we could hold the service. We had a wonderful service that morning and I am so thankful for everyone that helped get us going. 

It did feel like we were a bit under attack that morning. But, God was clearly with us in overcoming this "small" trial. Was that attack from Satan? I guess I do not know for sure, but I would say, I do not like to give the opposition more credit than they deserve. 

When the early church faced persecution, did it come from Satan? The Bible does not explicitly tell us that, but clearly the opposition the early church faced was, at the very least, from a sinful world. Satan is a part of that sinfulness and he rejoices at any opposition we face. 

"A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem; an all the believers except the apostles were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria. (Some devout men came and buried Stephen with great mourning.) But Saul was going everywhere to destroy the church. He went from house to house, dragging both men and women to throw them into prison." (Acts 8:1-3, NLT)

We are going to face persecution and some of that persecution may come directly from Satan. But, we have nothing to fear. We who are called by the Lord receive his protection, especially when under attack by the evil forces of this world. We will face opposition. Sometimes that opposition may come in the form of natural disasters and sometimes it may be in the form of personal evil attacks, But, regardless, we will overcome those attacks. We will overcome the trials, and we will overcome the persecution. So the saying, "NOT TODAY SATAN" is fully appropriate. As a matter of fact "NOT ANY DAY, SATAN!" Even though Satan is not directly responsible for all our attacks, he rejoices at our trials. It is great to send a message to him, that nothing we face will separate us from out God. AND even with persecution, or trials, GOD has a way of turning all things for the good of those who love him. Praise God!

"And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow -- not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below -- indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39, NLT)

Heavenly Father, thank you for your protection. Thank you for getting us through trials, both large and small. Thank you for the joy that comes knowing you are always there with us. We love you and will not be deterred from serving you with all of our being! Praise God! Amen!

If you haven't repented of your sin, accepted what Jesus did for you on the cross, dying for your sins, or if you have not committed your life to Jesus, TODAY could be that day. give your life to the Lord. 

"because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved." (Romans 10:9-10, ESV)

If you gave your life to Jesus today, text the word "faith" to (765)-896-4302 and we will follow up with material for you and join you in your walk of faith!