The Phil Files

I’ve been a bit distracted working on a bunch of projects and trying to get ready to do the great Alaskan adventure. But more on that over the next week or so — pictures included!

Ministry is warfare. We don’t often recognize that. So much of it seems like a contest to see who can please the most folks and attract them to their Jesus theme park (aka church building), but behind the obvious facades of our worship experiences lies the netherworld of spiritual warfare. Don’t believe me? Go read Colossians and Ephesians — throw in Daniel and Revelation for added punch if you are in doubt!

My ministry partner reminded me again of this in a recent post on his blog called Friendly Fire. Click this link and read it. It’s worth your time. Even more, it’s worth your prayers. Despite their human giftedness and flaws, your church leaders are neck deep in spiritual warfare. They end up taking huge amounts of flak fire from hellish forces, and unfortunately, from friendly fire as well. Truth be known, you’re in the fight, too.

While humorous and precious, this little YouTube video reminds us that those who are closest to us, can actually be the ones to hurt us the worst, even when we’re just playing around. So often, Satan’s worst attacks come carefully disguised and friendly fun. That’s why words like “roaring lion,” “schemes,” “foothold,” “fighting against … evil rulers … mighty powers of darkness,” “steals away,” and “attacks

So let’s remember the reminder of our dear original Type A minister, the apostle Paul, and turn friendly fire into “I get by with a little help from my friends”:

Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them (Ephesians 4:29 NLT).