Greetings Mt. Vernon Family,

This week Bishop Scott Jones hosted his second seminar called “Navigating the Waters.” Both sessions can be viewed on the Texas Annual Conference website. In the webinar, Bishop Jones talks about the impending break-up of the United Methodist Church. Yes, it is happening. Every United Methodist church must prayerfully discern the way forward for their congregation. While on the surface this may all seem worldly and political, at the core, it is spiritual warfare. In Ephesians 6:12, Paul tells us we wrestle with spiritual wickedness in high places, Satan, and demons. As the time of Christ’s return draws near, expect Satan to be desperate, bold, and fierce in his attacks. He is trying to knock out our faith. For without faith, it is impossible to please God (Heb 11:6).

When Christ comes back to set up His kingdom on earth, Satan will be bound in a pit (Rev. 20:2). After a thousand years he will be loosed for a season, then thrown into the lake of fire for all eternity (Rev. 20:10).

In the meantime, Satan is like a person on death row trying to get a stay of execution. He will do whatever it takes to destroy our testimony so that our witness of the gospel is ineffective. We must arm ourselves for battle or be casualties of war. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes (Eph 6:11 NIV). Stay alert, stay prayerful, and seek the favor of God rather than the favor of men.

Be Richly Blessed,

Pastor Deborah Giles