PRAYER ALERT

During Hurricane Ike, the power at New Life Church went off many times, only to partially return each time when our generator took over. When the eye of the storm was passing closest to us and the storm was wailing at its worst, a light pole hit the generator. The lights went out again for what seemed to be the final time. But minutes later, the "real" power inexplicably returned and has remained on, though most of Houston was in the dark.
 
There were many such signs of God's hand throughout and after the storm, specifically in the area of His providence. The Lord was plainly saying that He was in control- if we don't take control from Him.
We held several worship services last week at New Life, since we had lights and power. During one of them, the Lord spoke this first warning:

Do not be hasty to return to "normal" life, but take advantage of this opportunity I have given you to be quiet and seek Me. For soon times will come when you will long for it. You will long for the quietness of the aftermath of the storm, that you have right now. Woe to him or her who returns to life as it was, when he (or she) hears Me say, "Come up here".
 
When I gave this word, I'm not sure it registered in everyone's heart and mind. We were all still waiting for the power to be restored, stores to open, trees to be cleared, and the initial shock of the storm to subside a little. The Lord was clearly saying, "THERE ISN'T GOING TO BE A NORMAL. Don't try to get back to it. Rather, strive to get to Him, while there is quietness to do so!"
 
Something else is coming. What? I don't know. I will tell you what I am hearing and the things I see. But ultimately, it doesn't matter what form it / they take, because it is spiritual. If you and I are in the hands of God, "We will not fear though the earth should change. Though the mountains quake and crash into the sea, and cause the waters to roar and to begin to swell." (Psalms 46) para.
 
The thing trying to come upon us wants to bring down this nation. Regardless of how far America has morally declined, the greatest number of Christians in all of the world, still live here in freedom. At least for now.
 
You don't need to concern yourself if an economic bailout is a good idea or not. This demonic "thing" is bigger than the economic wisdom of men.
 
Terrorists are probably going to try and exploit the "apparent vulnerability of America" at this hour, but the "thing" is bigger than a terrorist group or even the attack they can carry out.
 
This storm cloud has been gathering for a very long time. Not days, but years. It is no longer merely a distant thunder, but a presence from which to take shelter. Every time of compromise and sin, in which we Christians have partaken, has contributed to it. But that is not said in condemnation. It is a cry for us all to repent...to humble ourselves and pray.
 
The enemy is not Democratic or Republican. It is not Arab or New Age. We are warring against demonic powers- principalities, rulers of the darkness of this world, spiritual forces of wickedness in high places- the Devil himself.

WHAT TO DO

1) Get right with God through the Lord Jesus Christ. (Rom.10:9,10)

2) Remember all that the Lord has done for you. Take encouragement from that, and
    use it to resubmit yourself to the Lordship of Jesus, with total abandonment.

3) Pray for All who are in authority to be filled with the knowledge of the will of God.     (Col.1)

4) Pray that all the evil schemes of darkness will be exposed and defeated.

5) Leave the Old Normal behind, and set a new course that the Lord unfolds,
    day to day.