Hello everyone! Fall community groups are starting soon. Many churches opened up their website portals to register members.
Moms in prayer is another option if you are interested in joining a prayer group. There was a time when I led two women’s prayer groups and one group was with the Moms in prayer. They focus on praying for children and their schools. Please check out their website to join a local group nearby your area:
I just read a beautiful blog written by a mom who had great weaknesses. But she became more dependent on God which blessed her children even more.
I’m sure you heard what happened in the Catholic school in Minneapolis this week. My heart has been hurting and broken as I’ve been praying for them. Pastor Greg Laurie posted this on his social media on that day of the news, and it really helped me. I hope it helps you too.
“Pure evil. How else do you describe it?
In Minneapolis, the shooter scrawled “6 million wasn’t enough” on a magazine of bullets, mocking the Holocaust. On another: “Kill Trump.” He fired at a target with the face of Christ and even wrote, “Where is your God?” This was not random — it was hate.
Hatred of God.
Hatred of the Jewish people.
Hatred of Christians and Christ Himself.
And the victims? Children and adults gathered in a church for prayer.
Just as there is a God in Heaven who loves us, there is also a devil destined for hell who hates us—and he hates everything God loves. And we know God loves His people. He loves the Jewish people. He loves His church. And He especially loves children.
Remember how little ones were drawn to Jesus? He said, “Let the little children come to me and do not forbid them, for of such is the kingdom of Heaven”.
I believe those precious 8- and 10-year-old that were killed are now safely in the arms of Jesus in Heaven.
But here on earth, we still face the reality of evil.
Some pundits—and even the mayor—struggled with what to call it. But the truth is simple: it was an act of evil. The mayor remarked, “Don’t just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now—these kids were literally praying.” Another pundit posted on X, “Praying is the problem, not the solution.”
Yet the truth is, prayer is exactly what we need.
Prayer for the two families who lost loved ones. Prayer for the nineteen still in the hospital. Prayer that “the Father of mercies and God of all comfort” will surround the grieving in this critical hour.
And in response to the shooter’s twisted question, “Where is your God?”—the answer is clear: God is with the suffering.
As Scripture declares: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).
Evil struck in a place of worship. But even in the darkest hour, God is near to the brokenhearted.”
Pastor Rick Warren has a very good series being shared currently. One subject is on “how did the world get so messed up?” If you want to know his answer according to the Bible, I thought his short message was right on.
I always find great comfort in the book of Psalms. Here are prayers using 30 beloved Psalm prayers. May they minister to your heart and soul.
https://media.swncdn.com/promotions/salem-marketing/Praying-through-the-Beloved-Psalms-BST.pdf
Currently I have been seeing many ads on TV about the new horror movie, Conjuring. Shawn Bolz talked about this movie in his latest podcast. Apparently it is based on a real house. Please DO NOT watch horror movies. Why? Because as Jesus’ disciples, we may be called into fighting against demons. If you have visual images in your head that you got from watching horror movies then in my opinion your chance of running away from the battlefield is greater. On this same podcast, Shawn Bolz summarized a Joe Rogan guest’s story about a place that was possessed by an evil spirit and how a phone prayer by a pastor cleansed that place. (Both stories start at minute 13 if you want to skip ahead.)
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-shawn-bolz-show/id1620903955?i=1000723884998
My one experience staying in a beautiful country chateau in France in 2014 made me realize that some places are haunted and sinister. After two nights of enduring the most horrific nightmares of my life, I emailed a few church friends to pray for me and my family. That same day after I asked for prayers, the owner came to see how we were doing and if we had any questions. He seemed very hesitant to share the history of the chateau. But eventually in the basement of the laundry room, he revealed to me that it was a Nazi headquarters during WW2. After that knowledge I asked my prayer friends to pray for us even more. I stopped having nightmares but I felt so uncomfortable there and I felt like something sinister was watching us. I was so relieved when our stay ended, and no one got afflicted or hurt. When the Holy Spirit urges you to ask for prayers for reinforcement, then please do it. Some battles are won by corporate prayers and not by yourself. If you are a Lone Ranger Christian then you are not prepared for such a spiritual battle. You will lose and suffer much.
If you are not afraid and intrigued by the topic of demonology, then please learn from reputable and bible-based pastors and teachers; and not by mediums, witch doctors, shamans, rogue spiritualists, horror movies, etc. I am not comfortable with this topic but I think some people in the church are comfortable with it and even find it exciting to learn about. I noticed that Pentecostal or charismatic churches are more comfortable with this subject. The Catholic Church has a lot of history and lessons that are documented by their priests too. I told you about the podcast by the Catholic priest, Father Martins who specializes in exorcism. Here is his podcast. I heard a few stories and I think he is sound in his approach.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-exorcist-files/id1635371540
I know it’s difficult to know the real character of a pastor or priest from a podcast but try to follow someone who you believe is known for their integrity and humility. Here’s a good devotional by Pastor Rick Warren about integrity and humility.
I’m a huge fan of the late pastor Tim Keller once I discovered him a few years ago. After hearing more about him from this pastor who learned extensively from Tim Keller’s teachings, I am so happy to learn that he was very kind and humble behind the curtains too.
As the new academic year approaches, there will be many community groups forming throughout the churches. Please join one. It’s for your safety and victory too.
23 Let us hold fast the confession of ourhope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
– Hebrews 10:23-25 (NKJV)
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%2010&version=NKJV
Journal of Faith 