Photo by Rod Long, Unsplash Photography

KNOW WHO YOUR ENEMY IS

As a studious seminary student years ago, I can remember getting angry at a cricket. The bug was loud, obnoxious, and hidden next to my normally quiet office at my home. “CHIRP! CHIRP! CHIRP!”

How do you get anything done when a bug is bugging you? After a few hours of chirping, I declared war. I got on my knees and searched and searched for the intruder. Finally, I isolated the culprit. The cricket was in a hole in the floorboards. My weapon was a sharp blade of scissors that I repeatedly jammed through the hole to pierce my nemesis. I sprayed hairspray in the crack to euthanize the monster. Rubbing alcohol was poured in the hole to drown the annoyer. A hanger could turn corners to root out the cagey creature. Silence came for a moment … but then more CHIRPING! This combat went on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

Being totally distracted from study, I finally brought in the heavy artillery – an exterminator who would spray the house. Still, it was “CHIRP, CHIRP, and CHIRP.” Just when I thought the battle had been won, the chirping would start again. By the end of the week, after many sleep-deprived nights, I discovered the cricket was the smoke detector. It was faithfully chirping to let me know the battery needed to be changed.

Are you laughing with me or at me? I know you are thinking, “Why am I reading this guy’s post?” I did learn a huge lesson that has served me well for decades.  THE LESSON: KNOW WHO YOUR ENEMY IS.

Our enemy is Satan and his demonic forces. Many laugh and conclude, “There is nothing to it.” The word out on the street is that intelligent, well-adjusted people are too sophisticated to believe in spiritual attacks and evil forces.

Once, when I was in Barnes and Noble, I overheard two teenagers looking for the Satanic Bible. I asked, “Just out of curiosity, why are you looking for that book?”

One responded, “A friend of mine has it and says there are good things in it. We don’t really believe in it but.…”

I said, “Satan is real and can destroy people’s lives.”

They looked at me as if I were from Mars. After they located it, I heard one of the girls say, “Should I buy it or ask my mother to get it for me?” THE LESSON: KNOW WHO YOUR ENEMY IS.

 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). Remember, you were never meant to be tamed and domesticated. You are more than a conqueror. No weapon formed against you shall prosper. Endure hardship as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. We stand by the gates of Hades and redirect traffic to green pastures and quiet waters. Though the enemy encompasses all around, we will not be afraid. Ours is an epic battle but the battle is the Lord’s. Be strong and courageous today.

Dr. Michael Sprague is the Louisiana State Chaplain with the Capitol Commission and President of Grace Adventures. He is engaged in relational outreach and discipleship, teaching, coaching, writing, and speaking. He spends lots of time at the Capitol in Baton Rouge, working with Legislators, lobbyists, administration, and Capitol staff in a non-political, non-partisan pastoral/chaplain role. The focus is not to lobby for legislation, but to help leaders with their faith and life. Days are filled with Bible studies, prayer, listening, caring appointments and many surprises. He loves to help people know the Jesus of the Scriptures.

 Michael holds a Business degree from the University of Maryland, a Master of Divinity degree from Capital Bible Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Dallas Theological Seminary. He has served as Senior Pastor of Trinity Church in Covington, Louisiana, and Forcey

Bible Church in Silver Springs, Maryland. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, he helped launch the Touch Global Crisis Response Ministry for the Evangelical Free Churches of America and wrote two books – DISASTER: Betting the Farm on God in Life’s Storms and Stories from Katrina land.

Michael does life with his wonderful wife Donna and resides in Mandeville, LA. His motto is “Bet the Farm on God.” You can find more information about Michael here.