Wednesday, January 12, 2021

Listen to the Word
“…on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (Matthew 16:18)

Jesus describes the church as an army at war. It is important to clarify that our enemy is not people. We tend to forget that sometimes – we see people in the world as the enemy, so we wind up fighting and bashing politicians or Hollywood producers or “the media” or others who seem to be opposing our values. But our battle is not against flesh and blood. People stuck in sin are not the enemy – they are the prize being fought over. We are in the middle of a cosmic conflict between the forces of God and evil forces, with both sides trying to lay claim to every life. And Jesus says the church is the army he is relying on in that fight.

Live the Word
Think of a public figure whose lifestyle or values is offensive to you. Spend a moment praying for that person. Pray that they will be overwhelmed by the mercy and majesty of Jesus Christ.