I'm still reeling over what happened in Colorado . . . and there are some people who don't believe in evil . . .

I really believe the End Times are upon us. Some of things that have to happen politically in certain places have not happened yet. But, we are seeing an alarming increase in senseless violence and natural disasters on a level unheard of in the past, which is what the Bible predicts will happen as the End of Days draws near. It can be a frightening concept to some, but all the more reason Christians need to continue reaching out to people with the saving truth of Jesus Christ. Who of those people ever thought that when they walked into that theater that some would not walk out again? You never know . . . so all the more reason to be a light for Christ as much as possible.

In my Bible study right now we are reading Beth Moore's book "Praying God's Word". It is about overcoming spiritual strong-holds in one's life. One of the chapters is entitled: "Overcoming Despair Resulting from Loss."

"Satan is an opportunist. Would he come after you while you are down? In a heartbeat . . . if he had a heart. Let's wake up from our deceptive slumber and open our eyes to the fact that Satan is the one behind every childhood victimization, every suicide, and every scandalous fall of a righteous man. The word appropriate isn't in his vocabulary. He's not polite, and he doesn't give us room to grieve and wait until we're on our feet again so we can have a fair fight. Satan fights dirty. Please believe it. I know what most of us would rather not have to think about warfare when we are grieving the death of a loved one, but--somehow, some way--we are very wise to muster the energy to take these protective measures:

-pray for protection through our season of grief
-pray for healthy grief
-surrender our grief to God so Satan can't get a foothold
-call on warring intercessors to pray for us in our weakness
-keep lines of communication open with God even when all we can say is 'Help!' or 'Why?'
-believe God's Word that tells us He can and will restore abundant life . . . if we'll let Him."

Here are two of the many prayers she wrote for this chapter, based on scripture:

"Surely You, Jesus, took up my infirmities and carried my sorrows, yet we considered You stricken by God, smitten by Him, and afflicted. But You were pierced for my transgressions; You were crushed for my iniquities; the punishment that brought me peace was upon You, and by Your wounds I am healed (Isa. 53:4-5)"

"Lord, in my heart I plan my course, but You determine my steps (Prov. 16:9) Life is not going as I planned. I am grateful that You are not caught off guard. You knew everything that would befall me. Please direct my steps as You determine. I need You, Lord. Carry me when I cannot walk."


Even Jesus loves the sick man who did this horrendous deed. Let's pray for him as well.