Feeling lonely? Misunderstood? Running scared? Perhaps you have done some things that you regret–or did not do that thing you were convicted about doing?) “Life” lived in our own strength, as we listen to those other voices, often leads to that hollow, tasteless place where we find ourselves wondering, “Is this all there is?”

The Bible unabashedly speaks about non-audible voices that can influence our lives in powerful ways. Over time I have learned that those “inner-voices/beliefs” we listen to can either help resolve or complicate the problems we face.

The Apostle Paul wrote to his friends in Ephesus, warning that problems are part of an ongoing spiritual battle. In Ephesians 6 he wrote,

“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 rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this…

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Morning Reading: John 18.33-38 NLT

Then Pilate went back into his headquarters and called for Jesus to be brought to him. “Are you the king of the Jews?” he asked him.

Jesus replied, “Is this your own question, or did others tell you about me?”

“Am I a Jew?” Pilate retorted. “Your own people and their leading priests brought you to me for trial. Why? What have you done?”

Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.”

Pilate said, “So you are a king?”

Jesus responded, “You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.”

“What is truth?” Pilate asked. John 18.33-38 NLT

The Piano Guys – Saturday Morning Fun

Morning Reading: John 18.25-26 NIV

Meanwhile, Simon Peter was still standing there warming himself. So they asked him, “You aren’t one of his disciples too, are you?”

He denied it, saying, “I am not.”

One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, “Didn’t I see you with him in the garden?” Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow. John 18.25-26 NIV

Please pray for believers in Northern Nigeria – Christian students Killed by Boko Haram

Peanut Gallery: Warning – the news report from Nigeria is graphic and disturbing.

Northern Nigeria: “Mubi town fell victim to a terrorist attack on 2 October 2012 when suspected members of Boko Haram entered the town at around 10pm and started to kill indiscriminately. The victims were mostly students from the three educational institutions based in the town. The death toll was put at 25 initially, however, the number is said to be closer to 45.”

“Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” Ephesians 6:18 (NLT)

PRAYER: Lord, in our relatively safe homes, it is difficult for us to wrap our minds around the tragedy that has occurred yet again in Nigeria. We pray for those who have lost loved ones in this night of terror. Comfort them as only You can do. And break the power of fear that has been cast over them that they might have the courage to meet the challenges of each new day. And protect them, Lord. Where the government has been uncaring or impotent or even part of the violence, change their hearts to stand for justice. And may all know that it is You who has brought about justice in this place. Amen

FULL STORY BELOW –

Christians Targeted in Nigeria’s University Killings, Students Say

The gunmen who killed at least 46 people in Nigeria’s northwestern town of Mubi on Monday (Oct. 1) first asked them if they were Christians before shooting or knifing them, according to students who escaped the carnage.

Two students from the off-campus housing site in the Mubi suburb of Wuro Fatuje, Adamawa state, where the massacre took place, told Morning Star News that the assailants were ethnic Hausa Muslims who shouted “Allahu Akbar [Allah is greater]” as they shot or stabbed hostel residents. One of the students said the assailants also torched a church building in nearby Tudun Wada the same night.

The students speculated that non-Christian victims among the dead were killed by mistake or suspected of collaborating with security agency raids in Mubi last month that resulted in the round-up of 156 members of Islamic extremist group Boko Haram and the death of one of its leaders.

The gunmen invaded the off-campus housing site serving three Mubi schools Continue reading “Please pray for believers in Northern Nigeria – Christian students Killed by Boko Haram” →