Amos 6:1 ‘Woe to them that are at ease in Zion, and trust in the mountain of Samaria, which are named chief of the nations, to whom the house of Israel came!’
DAILY READING – John 11:28-57; 2 Chronicles 12-13; Psalm 76
John Alexander Dowie was a man greatly used by God in the 19th century. He became probably the most renowned pioneer of Divine Healing worldwide. In his ministry, the power of God was constantly demonstrated, as many people were healed of their afflictions. And by the turn of the century he was known to millions around the world.
Dowie was also a fighter in the true sense. Even as a young minister, he was very vocal in speaking out against the ills in the society, boldly battling the sin and compromise he found all around him. Due to his fearless preaching, he had many enemies especially among the politicians. He was arrested over 100 times on trumped-up charges, ceaselessly attacked by the most prominent media men in the city, and he even suffered street-riots and attempts upon his life. However, he eventually won all these battles with his credibility intact. He became God’s most effective champion of Divine Healing in America up to that point.
Tragically however, when the early years of constant battles were done, and a time of relative peace and prosperity settled in upon him, Dowie eventually made the tragic mistake of relaxing his guard. At that moment he began to engage in secular activities, and departed from the simplicity of his earlier days of needing to constantly battle. This was when his decline began, and this daring fighter who had brought healing to many, ended up being deluded into dressing in High-Priestly robes and claiming that he was Elijah the prophet. And so the ministry of this man who had become a world leader and whose actions were watched by the eyes of multitudes, began to decline. John Alexander Dowie eventually descended into ignominy. And several years later, he ended up sick, broken and a shadow of his former self – having lost his ministry and literally everything he owned. Indeed how one of God’s greatest fighters could come to such a tragic end, is something that should be an object lesson to us all.
Amos 6:1 says ‘Woe to them that are at ease in Zion, and trust in the mountain of Samaria, which are named chief of the nations, to whom the house of Israel came!’
Life is a battle, a warfare and not funfare. There is no demilitarized zone in this battle. Everywhere is a warfront. This is why we must be continually vigilant. Do not relax. Be constantly sober and vigilant because the enemy goes about as a lion looking for whom to devour.
We must be sober-minded and watchful, the enemy is always on the prowl, waiting for an opportunity, to strike. To let down our guard even for a moment gives him the moment he has been waiting for. But if we are watching and praying, then we can always resist him, firm in our faith. No matter how great the revelation we have received from God, if we don’t build up a resistance against the enemy, we may not be able to stand when temptation comes.
Jesus commanded us to watch and pray always so that we do not enter into temptation. It is those who fail to keep watch, who decide to relax, that eventually fall prey.
1 Peter 5:8 says “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”-
Life calls for constant spiritual vigilance. At all times your prayers should be intense, and your search of scriptures should be in-depth and your sensitivity be increased. We have to maintain our connection with God from the time we arise in the morning until the time we go to bed. Obviously we can’t be on our knees all day, but we need to maintain an attitude of prayer even as we go about our daily activities. The weapons that Jesus used to overcome were prayer and God’s Word, and these same weapons will work for us today. As we maintain constant spiritual vigilance, we will certainly become too hot for any devil to handle in Jesus Name.
PRAYER: Lord, please help me never to fall into any deception or delusion of the enemy, By Your grace I will always be guided by Your Word and Your Spirit as I run the race of destiny in Jesus Name.
quote :
Illuminate your world for you are a star destined to shine. WORDBITE 222.