War of the Worlds

The theif comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10

I was looking forward to tonight. I would be finalizing the plans for the Wild at Heard Bible study I was going to start with a group of men. One man offered his house so we had privacy, confidentiality, no distractions. The perfect environment for this particular study. Tonight I was going to hand out the books and study guides so the men would be prepared for session one next week.

I arrived early at a local coffee bar we've been hanging at in between studies. The man who offered his home was already there. He proceeded to explain the terrible week he's had and that (sparing you the details) there has been a major family disruption that has resulted in not only his home not being an option for us to meet but his own ability to participate in the study was in jeapardy.

There was a time in my life before "Wild at Heart" when that would have sent my mind working over time with worry. "The whole thing is going to fail... That figures... That's my story" the voice would say inside me.

But being keenly aware of the Larger Story and the Enemy's continual ploy to keep us from living the life God has for us; as quickly as the words were coming out of his mouth, I was smiling inside. I see the Enemy's game plan. And so I shared with my friend how I am not surprised at all by what has happened. Satan does not want to see this message reach men. "The story of your life is the long, sustained assault by the one who knows what you can become and fears you." Satan does not want this study to take place and as my friend shared how much he was looking forward to it, I knew that the Enemy especially didn't want him going through the study. I mean it's so obvious!

Well, I should say it's so obvious to those who believe in the Spiritual Warfare we live in. I grew up in the Church. And I am very familiar with the second half of the verse I started this blog with. I don't recall ever being taught the first part....the thief, Satan, the Enemy is very real and active and plans to destroy life as we know it, destroy us. 1 Peter 5:8 tell us the Devil prowls around looking for someone to devour. Luke 10:19 - Jesus himself says he's given us authority to overcome all the power of the enemy. I mean, how many of you were taught this in your church? This isn't Old Testament stuff here, guys. This is New Covenant - from the mouth of Jesus truth. But the church in general doesn't seem to preach that message. It's no wonder so many well-meaning Christians are sleeping while the Enemy steals away their life.

The message of the Bible is about a love story set in the midst of a war. A war for our hearts and yet so many are taken out with complacency, busyness and they think 'that's just life'. No. Sadly, no. Jesus did not come so that we could have life, and have it to mediocrity.He wants to give us life TO THE FULL. If you are living life on a hamster wheel then you must ask yourself, "What Gospel am I living from? Is this really all God promised life to be?" "What's really going on here?"