FROM THE PASTOR
September 23, 2018
I subscribe to the Department of Natural Resources’ invasive species web site at www.michigan.gov/invasives. Many citizens may not recognize it, but there is a constant battle to keep non-native plant, insect, fish and animal species out of Michigan. The issue with these invasive species is that native species are often defenseless to fight back and keep them in check.
Some species come in by accident… some through ignorance... others are brought in intentionally because someone thought they would be beneficial in combating another problem. Still others migrate in because they get a foothold somewhere else and move from one food source to the next. These invasive species are not discriminating and impact every aspect of our environment. Here’s a small sample already here or so close they’re being watched with intentional purpose…
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African Oxygen Weed |
Spiny Water Flea |
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Brazilian Elodea |
Asian Clam |
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Eurasian Watermilfoil |
Zebra Mussel |
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Asian Long Horned Beetle |
Giant African Snail |
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Brown Marmorated Stink Bug |
Sea Lamprey |
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Emerald Ash Borer |
Silver Carp |
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Chinese Mitten Crab |
Big Head Carp |
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Rusty Crayfish |
Mute Swan |
Enough… you get the idea. Here’s the rub… even if eradicated, the invasive impact will be felt by generations to come and the scars that remain are a constant reminder of the battle fought. It’s important that when we encounter one… we immediately react. As citizens, we need to be constantly on vigil for these unwanted invaders.
The same is true concerning our spiritual life. As citizens of heaven, we need to be constantly on vigil for unwanted invaders that seek to alter, destroy and scar our spiritual lives…
Ephesians 6:12 (NASB)
12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
While those who have accepted Christ cannot lose their salvation, the attempt at invasion does not stop. Like the invasive species we fight here in Michigan, the invasion attempt in our spiritual lives is a multi-front… multi-type… multi-method attack. However, unlike the fight in Michigan… Christians are NOT defenseless, and sin can be checked.
For the last 3 weeks “Power over Sin” has been our focus during morning worship. Next week we will continue as we look at the armor God has provided. Remember, to “put on” the armor means the armor is always present and really, never comes off. At salvation we “pick up” this armor with steadfast confidence that the ‘source’ of its power is Jesus Christ who has already won the victory. Therefore, you are neither ‘helpless’ nor ‘hopeless’ to the attempted invasion of sin in your lives.
In that confidence may we, like Paul, confidently proclaim…
2 Timothy 4:7 (NASB)
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith;
Thank you for your faithfulness. Pastor Larry
