As an online missionary for Global Media Outreach, I received an email a few weeks ago, from one of my contacts in Nigeria. He expressed grave concern:
“The Hausa Fulani Muslims come into our village slaughtering Christians almost every day. The government does nothing about it. In fact as I speak they have sent trucks full of soldiers to invade our areas, claiming we are the trouble makers. They are the government! What can we do? We Christians in northern Nigeria need your prayers more than ever as attacks now are everywhere. May God help us. We are leaving with others to hide in the jungle.”
I prayed and asked others to pray as well. Two weeks later he wrote again: “Our village now is peaceful. Some churches were burned, some are still standing, and we attain service, but people are still afraid. Last Friday a village close to us was attacked by the Hausa’s.”
I prayerfully responded: “I’m glad your village is now at peace. I understand why people are still fearful. God’s Word tells us to praise the name of the Lord. Praising God is spiritual warfare! We go into battle by praising and worshiping God!
“In 2 Chronicles 20 we read about a vast army that threatened King Jehoshaphat and his people. Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. They petitioned God who instructed them to “stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord.” Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise Him for the splendor of His holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: “Give thanks to the Lord, for His love endures forever.” As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.”
“The following Scriptures are only a few of many that will bring God’s covering to Believers. You might share with others the importance of praising God during difficult times and then watch what God does.
1. You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being. Revelation 4: 11
2. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. Psalm 29:2
3. I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together. Psalm 34:1-3
4. for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. 1 John 5:4-5 5. Jesus said, “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” Luke 10:19
6. I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30 7. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Romans 10:13 8. The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10 9. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57 10. Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty. Zechariah 4:6b
“I suggest learning these Scriptures, also Ephesians 6:10-18, even putting them to music, and reciting them/singing them to the Lord whenever you feel threatened. I will continue to pray for you. Keep me posted, my friend.”
- Learn more about Global Media Outreach: https://globalmediaoutreach.com/ Also, www.godlife.com
- Read more about Christian persecution in Nigeria: https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution/world-watch-list/nigeria/
- SONG: HUG THEM – Lyrics by Liana Wendy Howarth, Music by Kathleen
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[This life is temporary. This life is short. When this life is over, our bodies will die and become empty shells, but our souls will continue to live forever. Where will the “real you” live? Will you live for all eternity separated from God? Or will you spend eternity in the presence of God in heaven? Learn more so you can make your most important decision: http://www.godlife.com/gospel/ and http://www.godlife.com/en/about-christianity
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“Praising God is spiritual warfare. We go into battle by praising and worshiping.” What a great reminder, Kathleen. The apostle Paul tells the Church that putting on partial armor protection isn’t the answer to spiritual warfare, but the “whole armor of God” (Ephesians 6:11).
Absolutely agree! Thank you, Mel!