I know that it has been a tough week for many people.  The people of Charleston who were affected by the church shooting are particularly on my mind.  We all need to keep them in our prayers as they deal with this horrible tragedy.  We also need to pray for those whose minds are blinded by the evil one, whose hearts are filled with hatred, and whose hands seek to sow terror, division and strife in this land.  Their deeds reflect the mindset of their own master who comes to steal, kill and destroy.  I pray that the Lord would bind the hands of these evil doers in the midst of their plans and that He would break down the stronghold of hatred and evil in their minds.  I pray that He would open their hearts to know His love.

I pray that as the Lord binds their hands, I pray that He would strengthen the bond among His people.  I pray that God’s people would rise up together in love, harmony and unity.  I pray that brothers and sisters of all types, nationalities, colors, ethnic backgrounds, and any other type of distinction that man can devise would walk together in a Godly way more closely than ever before.  We are the people of “ONE LORD, ONE FAITH, ONE BAPTISM. (Eph 4:5)”  We are Children of the Most High God.  We stand with you Charleston.  There is no place for racism or unrighteousness!  There is no place for terrorism and turmoil!  There is no place for hating or hassling someone just because they are different!  It is time for the Church to be the Church.  It is time for Christians to act like Christians.  Lord help us to be known as Your disciples because of the love that we have for one another.  Lord help us to overcome evil with good (Rom 12:21).  Lord please be with the people of Charleston.  Lord, comfort them.  Hold them.  Strengthen them and let them know the peace of your presence.  And Lord, help us to reach out to them and others in a meaningful way.  Amen.