sticks and stones

I'm getting tired...not tired as in weary, but tired as in the last straw...of watching sin have it's way with the church while we stand by and watch. What is up with that?!! We have become sucked into the vortex of passive Christianity. We have chosen to take leaves of absence while the battle is at it's peak. We spectate the fallen and the wounded as "tragedies"...but what are we doing to help? We can listen to story after story and comment on "How sad...", but what action are we taking? What responsibility do we have - especially in the lives of strangers?
You're probably wondering what has brought on this tyrade of thought...it's more of a kick in the pants for me as anyone else who may cross this page. I cannot begin to tell you the countless stories that have passed through my heart zone over the past couple of weeks. Families that are absolutely devestated. Marriages that are broken. Mothers that need healing. Friends that need Jesus. In this overwhelming wave was the taunts of the enemy...claiming a victory over land that is not his. And I literally felt like kicking him in the butt...an interesting task to say the least when dealing with the spiritual realm.
But wait! God has given us the boot to do it...and it comes in the form of prayer/fasting. I read an interesting story in Mark 9 the other day about a man who's son was possessed by a spirit of epilepsy. He had brought him to the disciples but they had not been able to cast the spirit out.
"Have mercy on us and help us, if you can."
"What do you mean, 'If I can'?" Jesus asked. "Anything is possible if a person believes."
The father instantly cried out, "I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!"
I found the fact that the man asked GOD for help with his unbelief amazing. So often we as Christians tend to doubt God's power in changing a situation that seems beyond repair. Maybe it's time to start asking Him for faith to overcome that! Just a thought...
Anyways, Jesus goes on later in the chapter to tell the disciples that that kind of spirit could only come out by prayer and fasting. What did He mean by that? I would like to wager an opinion...that God wants us to focus our energy. He doesn't want us to treat our warfare lightly, but subject ourselves to the higher authority of Heaven. And by our obedience and subjection, we invite God to do miracles. He desires to use us...but we need to be AVAILABLE!

I'm sure you're all wondering by my long winded approach what my point is in all this. After talking with a friend over the weekend, we decided to pool our resources of prayer warriors and kick some butt! We have chosen Tuesday, January 30th as a day of unified prayer/fasting that runs across nations and denominations. I'm sure you're no stranger to hurting families or friends in your circles. Make this a day where you are intentional about praying breakthrough in their lives...in whatever form that may take. I will be posting some prayer requests on this blog of people you may or may not know that you can pray for. If you have something that needs prayer...don't be afraid to ask! We have an awesome strength when we unify as believers - friends or strangers. May the enemy find us on our knees...not in surrender - but in strength. Not just Tuesday, but every day!