Chaplain Report May 2001

Rev. Dr. William Jackson  Lincoln ALP 3 Chaplain 

 When is the moon not so bright, the sun not shining so harshly, or the days appearing to drag on endlessly with no distinction or specialty? Have you ever been taken so completely by surprise by what you thought you knew that you felt yourself…well…not feeling so good…in your soul, body, and spirit…while searching for some kind of respite (1 Peter 5:7)? The Coming Darkness, or the growing awareness of Satan’s lackeys trying to subvert our nominally American Christian following, is happening right now (1 Peter 5:8). The Adversary’s ways become more evident, especially to the everyday person, so that there is no excuse NOT to be aware of the Devil’s plan unfolding (Revelation 12:9). But how does all this help YOU to not only confront mankind’s spiritual nemesis, but to make a strike for freedom from his evil influences? It starts with Jesus Himself, as prophesied in the Bible’s Old Testament known as the Protoevangelium, Greek, for first Gospel (Genesis 3:15). We are in a spiritual battle. Due to its namesake, it’s a fight that’s unlike our collective U.S. Armed Forces war experiences have prepared us to confront. Some disciples of Christ have yet to admit that they are in a battle far beyond their individual capability. They are being deceived by Satan. Remember: it works for the Devil’s benefit that we think of him as a red-suited, two-horned, pitch-forked tail being of horror and repulsion. On the contrary, Satan IS an Archangel of light whose name is Lucifer (2 Corinthians 11:14-15). He uses humankind’s failure to truly recognize their arch enemy for what and who he really is to his advantage. When will those on the sidelines finally wake up to Satan’s deceit and treachery (Psalm 101:7)? Let’s armor up and get on with the battle that God is preparing all of us to do. It starts with studying His “lock-n-load” to “rock-n-roll” anthem penned in Ephesians 6:10-18. God’s armor has no faults, dents, or piercings from Satan’s fiery darts (Ephesians 6:16). What are you waiting for? It’s time to “kick the tires” and “light the fires” for a whale of an adventure following God into battle against Satan. And guess who wins EVERY time, hhhhuuuummm….? God!