September, 2000

Workplace Warfare

There is, unseen by most, a raging battle going on in the spirit realm. Spiritual warfare is real whether or not we chose to think about it or become knowingly involved. I use the word "knowingly" because we as believers are in reality already enlisted in the Lord's army. We've already received our call to the battlefield.

While it is certain that many spiritual battles take place in the home arena, it has been my observation that these invisible conflicts are by far more prevalent in the workplace. This may relate to the fact that a great number of believers have had the wisdom to dedicate and commit their homes and families to the Lord in a rather formal way using prayer, anointing, etc. Having claimed that home for Christ, it now has a hedge around it and is under God's protective covering promised in scripture.

The job site, however, is quite another matter. It's highly unlikely that this arena and the people who work therein have been claimed for the Lord in Christ's powerful name. Indeed, any attempt to do so would probably be met with disapproval from company owners and managers.... but in this case, I suggest you do it anyway, but do it quietly.

A Takeover for the Lord
With at least one prayer partner, walk around the building and grounds of your workplace claiming it in Jesus' name. Casting satan and his influence out of the area, pray against any evil. Ask God to bless and prosper and most importantly save all who work there. Pray against accident and illness, greed and deceit and all many of evil asking that it be exposed and expunged. You may also want to anoint the door frames with some consecrated oil and claim a blessing on all who enter there. You have declared war on the enemy. Faithfully follow up with daily prayer.

Pray as you go in to work and when you leave for the day; pray throughout the workday, too. Also, as you go about your duties, work diligently as for the Lord. Become a most dedicated and helpful worker so that your performance is a witness for Christ. Show love and kindness to all, even those who misuse you, but don't become a doormat. Meekness is not synonymous with weakness. Be strong in your faith and stand firm for right treatment of all, including yourself. Ask other believers for prayer support during this time, for you can count on coming under attack.

Great & Terrible Results
If believing employees the world over would answer God's call and faithfully serve in His ranks, claiming their workplaces for the Lord and praying for them daily, we would see both great and terrible results. Since the prayers of the righteous are heard and answered, there would be awesome changes in world commerce, and "business as usual" would take on a whole new meaning... a far better meaning. At the same time, however, satan and his evil hoard would be up in arms, coming against God's faithful servants, placing them under spiritual attack... But fear not, beloved, the victory is the Lord's!

Nonetheless, having gone to battle against him, you should not be surprised when satan tries to disrupt your peace, meddle with your finances, health, family and possessions. Expect this and prepare for it by partaking of the four spiritual "foods," Prayer, Worship, the Word and Fellowship with other believers. You may feel under siege. You may be wrongfully accused. You may be tempted to give up... but "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you..." Exodus 14:13 Once you have entered the fray,... "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." Exodus 14:14

Why Risk Attack?
"Smiley Face" Christians who readily embrace the reality of Christ yet disregard the existence and efforts of satan, the present "prince of this world," are effectively ignoring an important part of scriptural truth. If they seem to skate through life never coming under spiritual attack, it may because they pose no threat to the legions of darkness. Neither do they serve the Master as directed...

God cares about the place you work. He loves the people there and desires them to be saved... And He has placed you there at just this time for a purpose. Others all around the globe have been placed for a season in factories and office so the Gospel may be delivered to the lost and dying, so territories may be won for Christ. The time has come to break the strongholds of sin, pride, greed and darkness which pervade work sites the world over. It's well worth the risk and you will reap great rewards for your faithfulness and willing service.

A Letter from Janet Davis, Staff Writer

I thought I might introduce myself a bit more. I attend a nondenominational church, so I really feel I can help with Handmaidens. I reside in Indianapolis, and have one absolutely loving daughter(Gretchen). She is grown and it seems she is married to a career. That's ok.

I am retired from the health field and have a degree in social behavior, along with an assoc. degree in geriatric activities - fun and games mixed with spiritual gifts. I am fifty three yrs. old and think rather young-young, if you know what I mean.

Unfortunately, I am blind, and mostly wheelchair bound, however, there's not much that stops me. I've known our Lord since years before I became ill. I know I've been put on God's earth to serve him.

Also, I have had a little experience in writing. I have been published on Christianity on Line (newsletter), and barnesanoble write and win contests. I'm not sure yet about a poem I submitted @ poetry .com. I have been sent info that I am a semi-finalist.We'll see... it's the will of God.

Iona, I truly love Christ and continue to try and walk in His footsteps, of course I'm a sinner, as we all are. However, knowing when I sin I will correct that aspect of my life.

Iona, I just thought you would appreciate some background on me, and my lifestyle. As far as my disABILITIES are concerned I believe perhaps the reason I have not been healed is that God is using me to give testimony and lead others to Jesus - so I am content and at peace.

Thank you so very much in allowing and consideration in helping you and others with Handmaidens.
In Christ's Love and Joy,
Janet Davis

Brick by Brick
By Staff Writer Janet Davis

Sitting in the waiting room of yet another Dr.'s office I noticed a brick wall. Thinking this might be a good subject to write about I wrote it down on the back of a band-aid (crazy huh)? I simply wrote down "Brick-by-Brick." As I sat and waited I started to notice other items in which I could tell a story, and incorporate God's thinking on these words.

Now I do not know what God is thinking, believe me. I would never assume to know His mind. However, I felt His presence. It was a "warm and fuzzy feeling" (as always).

Looking at those bricks I began to think about foundations, and how they grow. In our daily Christian lives we learn something new everyday. Yes everyday! It may not jump out to us immediately. Most of the time it is quiet and unassuming -and always worth the love which Jesus Christ offers us. Our prayers bring forth knowledge, and knowledge builds as we grow. Just starting with that one brick, you add a small amount of mortar, and build a relationship with our Father. It is solid and beautiful.

So while sitting - no matter where - you can always open your eyes, see one simple object and know that God is always present. Ponder, think, meditate, look around you. Like the brick wall, you must keep in mind a positive outlook. Or that brick wall may well become a negative thought. It could block your thoughts - that's another aspect.

Look around, and thank God for allowing us to feel his agape love.That brick is a building block to trust the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. What a wonderful gift (gifts) he has given to us.

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