Independence Day!

We woke up this morning to ice and cold temps. Traveling was very hazardous so many of the major roads were closed. That meant no open chapel at the mission today, so my day started with lots of phone calls and a total revamp of the daily schedule for the mission. After all that busyiness, I settled down to take a deep breath, then I realized, "No chapel"! Oh no, I need the Word. This is the one time of the week that I get to listen. Usually I am leading the studies or making sure that things are going as scheduled. I tried to connect with a few of the services on the old TV, but did not find anything that was really stirring. Not that I have to be stirred, but I was going to miss my weekly dose of "the Word" encouragement from the Pastor, my husband, (by the way, he's great)! After reading a few good sermons on line and reading some good verses in the word my husband and we settled in front of the TV to watch a movie. You must understand, we do not get an opportunity to just sit and watch a movie very often. It was really rather nice. We both actually felt a little bit guilty that we were getting this opportunity. God always gives us just what we need at just the right time. I knew I had so many things to get done before the day ended so to get a few hours of solitude and rest (with my husband-without interruptions) is a rarity.

We settled in our favorite chairs and decided to watch "Independence Day" as it was showing on one of the few channels we would actually watch. I remember watching the movie several years ago at the theater. The movie centers around the idea that the earth is being invaded by aliens who want to snuff out the existence of mankind and take over the world. They arrive in these huge massive space ships that just hover over different parts of the world. They are very patient and seem to be waiting for just the right time and bam! They attack when the people least expect it. After much turmoil and death and avoiding the fight. The people of earth decide they must fight back in order to survive. They quickly discover that the aliens can be destroyed with a simple virus planted through the computer into the alien communications system. This simple little virus(the common cold) breaks down the shield of defense the aliens have and enables the people of earth to attack and destroy their enemy, the aliens. Of course, you have your typical heroes who are willing to take a stand regardless of the outcome. Those who are willing to die for the cause. Still there are others who refuse to believe that anything is going on or that the aliens could be dangerous. there are others who run and hide. How could they not see that an enormous hovering spaceship is a definite threat and most likely up to something and ya, our enemy! DUH!

It is kinda funny how this movie reminded me that we have a enemy. His name is Satan. He is a sharp old alien. He will slip in any way he can. He wants us to believe that it is not happening or that it will not happen today. He loves it when we fail to see what he is doing. He loves to catch us off guard and completely destroy us. He spends his time very patiently, hovering over us until he can slip in and BAMMMM, destroy us. The good news is we know the secret. We know what will destroy him and it is time we take our stand!

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your
stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is
not against flesh and blood, but against the authorities
against the powers of this dark world and against the
spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore
put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of
evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground......

Ephesians 6:1-20

First, this scripture tells us that we have an enemy, Satan (Yes it's true). Second, it tells us that we must take a stand (stand your ground). Third, it shares with us everything we need to take that stand. It is time we use our weapons and that we too, will be victorious! So, what are you going to do? Will you continue to stand by while the enemy is patiently making his move or will you take a stand and use your God-given weapons? For true believers, its time we take back what the enemy has stolen. It's Independence Day!