“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27)
One of the most moving Christian song ever written is, “Its well with my soul!” To hear it sung in cathedrals, concerts or at funerals, always leaves many with goose bumps. It has uplifted many through the most difficult of moments, soothing their weary spirit.
It’s coming into being in many ways show how God so often uses difficult situations to bless so many. In 1871 Horatio Spafford, was one of the wealthiest lawyers, based in Chicago. He was also a devout Christian, along with his wife Ann, and their four daughters. But early in 1871 came the Great Fire of Chicago that destroyed Spafford’s sizable investment.
Devastated from the loss, Spafford, seeking to recover, two years later, decided to go for a holiday in Europe. But at the last minute he was detained by business, letting Ann and his four daughters to proceed, hoping to join them. No sooner had they left when the ship in which they were had an accident and sank within minutes. All the four children drowned, though Anna survived.
Spafford on receiving the news decided to go and pick up Ann. As he got to the spot where the ship had sunk, in his despair came the words that have brought respite to so many, through generations. “When peace like a river attendeth my way. When sorrows like sea billows roll Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say It is well, it is well with my soul... Let this blest assurance control That Christ (yes, He has) has regarded my helpless estate, And has shed His own blood for my soul. It is well...With my soul..
It is well, it is well with my soul.”
It is said as Ann saw her daughters going down, she said, “God gave me four daughters. Now they have been taken from me. Someday I will understand.” And, indeed, “It is well with my soul” was God’s gift to all of mankind through a tragedy.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of heaven, sometimes through tragedies, it is difficult to understand or appreciate the moment; but as the song goes, whatever the difficulty may be, “Its well with my soul” for you are with me, no matter! This I pray in Jesus’ name!
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15/05/2024 - 16/05/2024 All day“For the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down—he who accuses them day and night before our God” (Revelation 12:10)
When soldiers go out to engage in battle, one thing they start with is to first get to know who the enemy is. All serious armies engage in covert operation where they amass as much information as they can about the enemy. Getting to know more of the enemy’s personality, desires weakness, movements and anything important ultimately enables them form a military strategy to overrun him.
Now, although most Christians are aware that they have an enemy, Satan, with his minions of hapless worshippers, one wonders how many ever take time to study him and all his tricks, foibles and behavioral patterns. Wouldn’t you think that getting to know more of who Satan is, would enable you develop a more effective battle strategy since he has troops arraigned against you!
Perhaps, here we could look briefly at some aspects of Satan. John 8:44 says of Satan, “He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” This is a profound statement which implies that wherever you find lies, just know Satan is in right company. His way of lying is more by deception than bold-face falsehoods. He “is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world” (Rev. 12:9).
Another of his characteristics isthat he is a murderer. John 10:10 contrast Satan with Christ: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Satan who is a fallen angel due to his ambition for power seeks to recruit as many worshipers as he can to take down to the hell path of hisdestiny.
If you flirt with Satan, just be careful, know you are dancing with a deceptive and murderous snake, at your peril. Fortunately, God has sent His son Jesus Christ to deliver us from his clutches. Because of Satan’s enormous deceptive poweriswhyweareallinneedofa supernatural deliverer, the Lord Jesus.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I pray you bless me with the power to overcome Satan through faith in your son, our savior and Lord Jesus Christ, in whose name I pray!
