Lead Me Not into Temptation

Dear Brother and Sister in Christ,

The temptation will be to try to find a compromise like the political process has become, become unequally yoked in decision making with those who don't follow Christ, to depend on human strategies and cleverness, or let politics inform our theology instead of our theology influencing politics. It will be important to stand on the complete truth and obedience to the Word of God which is the only way we can stand.

If we want victory, I am convinced we have to do it God's way. God's solution is to stop doing evil (hard stop, quit, don't do it anymore) and learn to do good. I say this because I've been in this battle awhile and I see new people go through the same tests we all had to go through. The enemy of our souls is predictable if not effective. He uses the same play book over and over again - deception, distraction, disappointment, division, and disdain. He typically tips his hand by projecting onto others what he himself does. You can watch it. But you cannot stop it except in your own life through obedience to Christ. By putting on the full armor of God, and having done all to stand, it doesn't matter what gets thrown at you, you can stand. Compromise is easy. Being immovable to stand is incredibly difficult.

I want to encourage you to stand - in unity with each other and with God in prayer and Scripture. Recognize when the enemy comes offering you what you want that seems an easier way - remember when Satan offered Jesus all the nations that Jesus wanted if only Jesus would fear and honor the evil?

I am almost in tears as I write this because I know you are going to battle with the gates of hell. I can only exhort you my dear brothers and sisters and fellow servants of Christ to put on the whole armor of God, test the spirits, pray for discernment, and recognize the enemy who masquerades as light. God is separating the wheat from the tares. The wheat will be left standing.

Just be prepared to be surprised who is with you and who is against you. Stand with Christ. Stand on obedience to His Word.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed, and with your feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints. Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will boldly make known the mystery of the gospel,,," (Ephesians 6:10-19)